“Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” (Matthew 26:41, ESV)
Have you ever been tempted to do something you knew was questionable at best and something that you should probably totally avoid? As children, if our mom said, “Don’t touch that,” what was the one thing we wanted to do? The forbidden was just too tempting. We did not outgrow that tendency. Even today, if we pass a sign that says, “Do Not Touch. Wet Paint,” what do we immediately want to do? Almost automatically our finger reaches out to check if the paint is really wet. We just can’t resist the temptation.
Temptation comes in many forms. It can be as simple as being tempted by a yummy, high calorie dessert. Or it can be as serious as a moral failure or other action that brings long-lasting consequences. We all face temptations as we go through life. The temptation itself is not a sin, but how we respond to that temptation can become a sin.
IT’S NOT GOD’S FAULT
It is important to understand that temptation does not come from God. Scripture is very plain on this. We cannot blame Him when we allow our own desires to lead us into sin.
- “Let no one say when he is tempted, ‘I am being tempted by God,” for God cannot be tempted with evil, and he himself tempts no one.’” (James 1:13, ESV)
- “For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride of life—is not from the Father but is from the world.” (I John 2:16, ESV)
James 1:14 says, “But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire” (ESV). Our problem comes when we allow those desires to control our choices, even when we know that desire is wrong.
WHAT CAN WE DO?
Do you feel you are the only one who struggles with temptation? You aren’t. In I Corinthians 10:13 we learn that “No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man.” However, the Bible shows us that there are steps we can take to resist temptation.
Avoid situations that may lead to temptation. Do not set yourself up for defeat. Don’t walk but run from compromising situations.
- “And give no opportunity to the devil.” (Ephesians 4:27, ESV)
- “Do not enter the path of the wicked, and do not walk in the way of the evil. Avoid it; do not go on it; turn away from it and pass on.” (Proverbs 4:14-15, ESV)
Stay alert to Satan’s tactics. His plans are devious and enticing. He can paint a beautiful picture to lure you into something that will lead you away from God. He is out to entrap anyone he can.
- “Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour” (I Peter 5:8, ESV).
Keep your spiritual life strong. Stay connected to the Lord and connected to the body of Christ. You do not have to fight your battles alone.
- “But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do.” (Galatians 5:16-17, ESV)
Seek God’s help. He understands our struggles because He also endured temptation. He stands ready to help.
- “For because he himself has suffered when tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted.” (Hebrews 12:18, ESV)
- “Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” (James 4:7, ESV)
A PATH BACK
We yielded to temptation and now we are ashamed of our actions. Do we hide from God as Adam and Eve tried in the Garden of Eden? Or do we admit our transgression and seek His forgiveness? It is important to realize that our failure is not final. God offers us a way back. When we sincerely repent, God is more than willing to forgive.
“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (I John 1:9, ESV)
Whatever your situation today, there is hope. God sees where we are and offers forgiveness and restoration.
PERSONAL STUDY
King David allowed himself to be lured into sin when he was tempted, but he found his way back to God. During your personal devotional time read Psalm 51, David’s prayer for pardon.
Devotion by Mary Loudermilk
