By Jim Hinck © 2005. All rights reserved.
Temptation comes from evil desires inside us. It begins with an evil thought and becomes sin when we dwell on the thought and allow it to become an action. Like a snowball rolling downhill, sin grows more destructive the more we let have its way. The best way to stop temptation is before it is too strong or moving too fast to control.
God does not lead us into temptation, but sometimes he allows us to be tested by temptation. As disciples, we should pray to be delivered from these trying times and for deliverance from Satan and his deceit.
All Christians struggle with temptation. Sometimes it is in subtle that we don't
even realize what is happening to us. God has promised that he won't allow us to be tempted beyond what we can bear (1 Corinthians 10:13). Ask God to help you recognize temptation and to give you strength to overcome it and choose
God's way instead.
People who live for God often wonder why they still have temptations. Does God Tempt them? God tests people, but he does not tempt them by trying to seduce them into sin. God allows Satan to tempt people, however, in order to refine their faith and to help them grow in their dependence on Christ. We can resist the temptation to sin by turning to God for strength and choosing to obey his
word.
We are warned to watch out for Satan when we are suffering or being persecuted. Feeling alone, weak, helpless, and cut off from other believers, so focused on our troubles that we forget to watch for danger, we are especially
vulnerable to Satan's attacks. During times of suffering and great stress, even if you have a willing spirit, seek other Christians for support.
Jesus gave us an example of what to do to resist temptation: (1) pray to God
(Mark 14:39); (2) seek support of friends and loved ones (Mark 14: 33, 37, 40,
41); (3) focus on the purpose God has given us (Mark 14:36)
Sin is enticing because it offers a quick way to prosperity and makes us feel like
one of the crowd. But when we go along with others and refuse to listen to the truth, our own appetites become our masters, and we'll do anything to satisfy
them.
Sin, even when attractive, is deadly. We must learn to make choices, not on the basis of flashy appeal or short-range pleasure, but in view of the long-range effects. Sometimes this means steering clear of people who want to entice us into activities that we know are wrong. We can't be friendly with sin and expect our lives to remain unaffected.
It is easy to blame others and make excuses for evil thoughts and wrong actions.
Excuses include: (1) It's the other person's fault; (2) I couldn't help it; (3) Everybody's doing it; (4) It was just a mistake; (5) Nobody's perfect; (6) The
devil made me do it; (7) I was pressured into it; (8) I didn't know it was wrong;
(9) God is tempting me. A person who makes excuses is trying to shift the blame from himself or herself to something or someone else. A Christian, on the other hand accepts responsibility for his or her wrongs, confesses them, and asks God for forgiveness.
God keeps believers from falling prey to false teachers. Although false teachers are widespread and dangerous, we don't have to be afraid if we trust God and
are rooted and grounded in him.
I believe we are living in the last days. We are vulnerable to doctrine error. We are tempted to give into sin. Although there is much false teaching around us, we need not be afraid or give up in despair - God can keep us from falling, and
he guarantees that if we remain faithful, he will bring us into presence and
give us everlasting joy.
To be sinless and perfect ("without fault") will be the ultimate condition of the believer when he or she finally sees Christ face to face. When Christ appears and we are given our new bodies, we will be like Christ (1 John 3:12). Coming into Christ's presence will be more wonderful than we could ever imagine!
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Jim Hinck is writer, editor, and publisher of the Christian Basics Blog. The purpose of the Christian Basics Blog is to bring new people to our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, and for a closer and stronger walk with God for those that are already Christians.
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