RESIST TEMPTATION

Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life, which the Lord has promised to those who love Him. Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am tempted by God”; for God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He Himself tempt anyone. But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed. Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death. Do not be deceived, my beloved brethren. James 1:12-16

    
     What is temptation? Temptation is a desire or craving for something, especially something considered wrong.  It means to lure, entice, appeal, persuade, or pull. We have all been tempted before, as temptation comes in different forms. You may be tempted to give up on God today. You may be tempted to cheat on your spouse, engage in an immoral sexual act, or get drunk although you haven’t picked up a bottle in years. You may be tempted to act outside of your character simply because you are weary in well doing. However, the bible says, “Blessed is the man who endures temptation” (James 1:12).  Please understand that these temptations are there to test you. Notice they come at your weakest moments. The enemy knows when to tempt you and lure you away from your purpose, away from your integrity. The bible tells us your adversary, the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour (1 Peter 5:8). The enemy can’t tempt you with something you don’t like. He is going to tempt you with that thing that you struggle with, that thing that you find attractive. However, you need to submit yourself to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you (James 4:7).

 

     I believe one of the reasons God came in the form of a man, Jesus, was to understand what we as humans face on Earth. I believe He wanted to feel our pain, anxieties, temptations, and heartaches.

     For because He Himself [in His humanity] has suffered in being tempted (tested and tried), He is able [immediately] to run to the cry of (assist, relieve) those who are being tempted and tested and tried [and who therefore are being exposed to suffering]  Hebrews 2:18

     He is concerned about us. Therefore, He lowered Himself for the sake of us in our weakest moments. Jesus is holy. Therefore, He did not sin. He could not sin. It’s not in His nature. However, that doesn’t mean He was not tempted. The devil tempted Jesus in the wilderness but He resisted him (Matthew 4:1-11).  As Jesus was tempted and did not sin, so you can be tempted and not sin. For we do not have a High Priest Who is unable to understand and sympathize and have a shared feeling with our weaknesses and infirmities and liability to the assaults of temptation, but One Who has been tempted in every respect as we are, yet without sinning (Hebrews 4:15). So you see, you can turn to Jesus in prayer when you are tempted. It’s not as if He doesn’t understand. Whatever you’re struggling with, He can help you. But you have to want His help. Moreover, you will be richly rewarded for resisting temptation and overcoming your trials (James 1:12).
 

     What temptation is it that you are rehearsing in your mind? Whatever it is, bring it to Jesus. You must watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak (Matthew 26:41).

 

Remember, no temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, He will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation, He will also provide a way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.

1 Corinthians 10:13