Temptations are pulls to sin, meant to lure one out of the will of God. They are precursors to sin. Sin comes as a result of yielding to temptations. So temptations in themselves are not the sin but it is our response to them that either births or aborts the sin.
Every Christian faces temptation and the devil is a master at finding our weakest points and seducing us with them. Common weaknesses could be sexual sin, anger, jealousy, covetousness, laziness, pride, insecurity, worry and many others. It is important to make a distinction between temptation and sin.
Every temptation has its source and pull. Temptation does not come from God but from our own sinful desires. (James 1:13-15 KJV – Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man: but every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death).
The first thing we need to do in relation to temptation is to learn to recognize when we are being tempted. Therefore, one of the ways to battle sin is to know how to resist temptation. Jesus never sinned yet he experienced temptations. (Heb 4:15 KJV – For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin).
Temptations do not respect persons and at every level, there is the measure of temptation that will come to you. What tempts a three-year-old boy might not be what tempts a thirty-year-old man. When it comes to temptation, no one is exempted.
One of the greatest weapons the devil uses to trap many is the thought. The spiritual battle begins in the mind. You need to counter temptations with God’s word.
Guard your heart diligently. Do not put confidence in your flesh, be cautioned! Be alert to the flesh when it shows up. Avoid situations that might lead to compromise. If you know certain situations will bring you into temptation (such as going to a bar, going online, watching certain movies, being around certain people etc.), take preventive action and avoid such things.
‘Flee from all appearances of evil’. Set principles that can help you stay within your boundaries. Know when to cut yourself off totally from certain engagements – it is better to endure the pain of separation than the pain of falling. Keep checking the company of friends you have around you because it is either they make you or break you. Don’t let pride blind you into thinking you are immune against temptation. Increase your alertness against sin and quickly rearrange and maximize every chance to escape.
‘Watch and pray lest you enter into temptation’! Prayers strengthen us against temptations that come through rationalizing or compromising God’s word. Prayer must be our constant companion.
‘Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour’!
Shalom!
Wunmi Oyesanya
info@mzjewel.com
http://mzjewel.com/
