Temptation

Temptation is a sin opportunity that attracts the attention of our carnal nature! For a follower of Jesus there is always a choice of whether to walk according to the direction of the Holy Spirit or to give way to our carnality (Romans 8:5). Each choice either gives opportunity for more strength to come from the Holy Spirit, or further bondage from the powers of darkness.

God can use the temptations that we experience as an opportunity to test and strengthen our faith in Him. When we walk His way we find a deeper place of peace and security. Inevitably, however, the enemy prowls around believers, suggesting his ways of self-comfort, self-importance and compromise, just as he did with Jesus in the wilderness (Luke 4:1-13).

The more we resist a particular temptation, the more we deny licence to our carnal nature and weaken the enemy’s grip in that area of our lives. The deeper our relationship with Jesus, the more His own character and resolve, through the Holy Spirit, will direct our lives. He’ll help us to walk in righteousness. It’s amazing that Jesus was tempted in just the same way as us (Hebrews 4:15). He knows how it feels to make difficult choices in times of huge pressure. But He always chose to walk in loving agreement with His Father (John 12:27-28).

Temptation to sin will always be with us. But we can trust God to steer us away from the hardest issues (Matthew 6:13). We can know with certainty that He won’t allow us to be tested beyond our ability to resist the attraction of sin, as long as we depend on Him.

Prayer: O Father, don’t bring us to hard testing, but keep us safe from the Evil One, through the precious lordship of Your Son, Jesus Christ. Amen.