SCRIPTURE: “Keep alert and pray that you’ll be spared from this time of testing. Your spirit is eager enough, but your humanity is weak.” (Matt. 26:41 TPT)
QUOTE: “Satan gives Adam an apple (fruit), and takes away Paradise. Therefore, in all temptations let us consider not what he offers, but what we shall lose.” -Richard Sibbes
NOTE:
It is not a sin to be tempted. The Bible says Jesus was tempted just like we are currently being tempted, but he never sinned. God will never get angry with you when you are tempted. He wants to show you a way out. Here are seven biblical steps that will help you escape temptation. Get into the Word. When Jesus was tempted, his only defense was the Word of God. He said, “It is written… It is written … It is written.” You cannot say, “It is written,” if you don’t know what is written. “I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.” The amount of Word you contain or carry into battle will determine the amount of world you will command into obedience. Remember, the Word can only be nigh thy mouth only if you have stored it in thy heart, because out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks.
ILLUSTRATION:
Temptation may even be a blessing to a man when it reveals to him his weakness and drives him to the almighty Savior. Do not be surprised, then, dear child of God, if you are tempted at every step of your earthly journey, and almost beyond endurance; but you will not be tempted beyond what you are able to bear, and with every temptation there will be a way of escape.
REFLECTION:
- Which of these three areas is a soft target in your life: lust of the eye, lust of the flesh or the pride of life?
TWO YEAR BIBLE READING: Nehemiah 11-12, Psalm 89