How to Handle Temptation

Temptation is seemingly everywhere. You cannot let down your guard; it will strike at the least opportune times. If you think you are immune, you must remember Proverbs 16:18 “Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall.”

Before Jesus performed a miracle or preached a sermon, He was led by the Spirit into the desert/wilderness to be tempted by Satan. This event comes immediately after Jesus was baptized and the heavens were opened, and God expressed His approval and love for His Son. Then immediately, He is tempted. Whereas Adam was disobedient when faced with temptation, Jesus was faithful. He is our High Preist who knows exactly what it is like to be tempted. Because of this fact, you and I can go boldly to the throne of Grace to attain His grace and mercy as we face our trials and temptations.

Jesus responded to each temptation from the Devil with Scripture. The psalmist reminded us: “I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against God.” Psalm 119:11.

There are two other passages that I would like to share with you regarding temptation: “Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” James 4:7 and 1 Corinthians 10:13 “No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to humanity. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.”

In the passage from James, we are told how to be victorious over temptation: Submit to God. Devote everything to Him, submit to His Lordship and leadership. Resist the Devil. Do not cooperate, but declare that I am a child of God. If I both submit to God and resist the Devil, He will flee from me. That is a promise from Scripture!

Paul reminds us of an important truth about temptation in 1 Cor. 10:13: No temptation has overtaken you but that which is common. When we are being tempted, it feels to us as if everyone but us has it easy! We are the only ones struggling, and we are the only persons having to endure this kind of temptation. We are reminded in this passage that millions have and are going through the same thing that we are going through. We are not being picked on, and temptation is something experienced by everyone.
“God is faithful.” Never forget you can always count on God to be faithful! These three words may very well be the most important words you will read today. Regardless of my circumstances, I must remember God is faithful.
“He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear.” There are times when I have declared to the Lord: “I can’t take any more.” The verse does not say that I will not be tempted beyond what I think I can take, but God knows how much I can bear. At times He stretches me in ways that make me quite uncomfortable.

“He will with the temptation provide a route of escape.” Rather than giving up or giving in, the Bible tells me to be on the lookout for the escape, the exit door that God provides when we are tempted.

Some things to keep in mind today regarding temptation:

Jesus faced Temptation. If Jesus faced temptation, so will you and I. We need to expect it and be prepared.

Temptation is not the same thing as sin. Temptation is an invitation to sin.

 All invitations are either accepted or rejected. Resist temptation and trust in God.

God is faithful. Never forget this truth!

There is an escape, start looking for it!

Whatever you are facing today remember God loves you! He will show you a way out, an exit. Submit to Him and keep submitting. Resist the Devil and the temptation he brings, and according to the Bible, he will flee from you.

You are going to make it with God!

By: Ron Blake