Temptation

No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it. — 1 Corinthians 10:13

Today we studied Proverbs 7, where temptation is personified as a harlot (adultress in the New International Version) standing on a corner selling her “services” while her husband’s away. In the passage, a father warns his son against such things, but the young man doesn’t heed the warning and is lured to his death. With a stolen kiss, sensuous clothes, flattery and promises of ecstasy, the harlot seduces him. He offers no resistance.

We immediately see the importance of resisting temptation. Christian, do you believe God when he says he will not tempt you beyond what you can stand? That’s powerful.

We know that being tempted is not a sin; giving in to temptation is sin. What tempts you? Is it a besetting sin, fleeting, or both? As long as we’re living in a fallen world in fallen bodies with fleshly desires, we will be tempted to sin, but we can avoid falling prey to it. The following is based on my pastor’s outline and my notes:

1) Avoid sin — Sounds easy enough, doesn’t it? Some sins are more tempting to us than others, but upon our salvation, we were “born again” and became new creations in Christ. No longer in bondage to sin, we are free (in Christ!) to say “No.”

2) Avoid the temptation to listen to a defense of sin — How many times have you told yourself, “It’s not so bad in the scheme of things,” or “I’m (or they’re) only human.” I’ve said these things and more many times. We come up with all sorts of excuses for the sinful behavior of others and ourselves. Be discerning. Pray. Remember that sinful desires are often disguised as “good”, but they will lead to death.

3) Avoid passivity in the face of temptation — How do you react when faced with temptation? Do you consider yourself above it and so strong in Christ that you’re not fazed by it at all? Big mistake! Before Jesus’ arrest, he said to his disciples, “Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” (Matthew 26:41)

4) Avoid those who would be a temptation to you — Don’t ignore the attraction of temptation. While Christians are called to reach out to others and share the Gospel, we should be careful who we spend time with. If there is something or someone who causes you to sin, flee!

Follow Joseph’s example after his master’s wife tried to lure him into her bed. He didn’t just say no, he ran out of the house! She falsely accused him of attempted rape anyway, and he was sent to prison, but it was all to God’s glory. How? Read it for yourself. (Actually, Joseph’s story is contained in Genesis 37-50. Keep hitting “Next Chapter.”)

5) Avoid going toward temptation — I’m sometimes guilty of believing I have the power within myself to avoid sin. After I stopped an 11-year drinking habit/addiction and found Christ, I can honestly say I’ve never been tempted to drink again. But I’d foolish to think I can’t be tempted. The lure may be subtle enough to deceive me. For example, I’ve been told that one drink couldn’t hurt or that I’m much stronger now and can avoid becoming addicted again. In a moment of weakness or hubris (redundant?), I could fall into a trap. I don’t entertain “just one drink” thoughts.

6) Consider temptation’s end — “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 6:23)

7) Embrace wisdom — Christ is the wisdom of God, and he is the one to embrace, not our own strength or brilliant minds. READ THE BIBLE. Study God’s word. He knows what tempts you. He loves you. He will help you.

Follow Christ’s example. When Jesus was tempted by Satan, who quoted Scripture for his own end, Jesus resisted him and “educated” him about the true intent of his Father’s words. We need to do the same.

We live (spiritually) not because we avoid temptation but because Christ did. He remained sinless and spotless, and that’s the way he went to the cross. He died because he took on our sins. If our sins were enough to kill Christ, they are bad indeed.