SCRIPTURE: “Then Jesus returned to the disciples and found them sleeping. “Were you not able to keep watch with Me for one hour? He asked Peter. ‘pray so that you will not enter into temptation. For the spirit is willing, but the body is weak.”’ (Matt. 26:40-41 NIV)
QUOTE: “God delights in our temptations and yet hates them. He delights in them when they drive us to prayer; He hates them when they drive us to despair.” -Martin Luther
NOTE:
The Lord Jesus taught His disciples to ask God, “do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from evil” If you ask God to help you avoid temptation, then you should also be vigilant to stay away from tempting situations. Avoid the perilous path of the careless man who unsurprisingly walked into sin with an adulterous woman (Proverbs 7:6–10).
Stay away from those who try to influence you to do evil. The psalmist David says, “How blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked, Nor stand in the path of sinners, Nor sit in the seat of scoffers!” (Psalm 1:1). If you do find yourself in danger of sin, get out of there quickly! As a Christian, you are to “flee immorality” (1 Corinthians 6:18) and to “flee from youthful lusts” (2 Timothy 2:22). Be like Joseph, who ran out from the adulterous advances of his master (Portipher’s) wife (Genesis 39:12). Escape from tempting situations, locations, and people. Remember, you pray before you are tempted, so you can have the wisdom to flee when the hour of temptation actually arrive.
ILLUSTRATION:
Always be ready for temptations coming your way. The Holy Spirit will alert you to the upcoming trial. The Lord told His disciples, “Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation” (Matt. 26:41), to warn them from falling into fear and denial of Him. Be awake and pray that the Lord leads you not into temptation but deliver you from the evil one. Give the Holy Spirit the chance to lead you and equip yourself with biblical verses that fit the trial.
REFLECTION:
- Who does overcoming temptation depend on, you or God?
- What is the best strategy to overcome temptation?
TWO YEAR BIBLE READING: Esther 1:1 – 2:18, Psalm 93