Temptation

1 Corinthians 10:13
Temptation is a reality we all face. How are you doing in this area? 
Paul said, "No temptation has seized you except what is common to man." There are so many types of temptation and thinking about them boggles the mind. People handle temptation in different ways too. On one monastic extreme, men and women cloister themselves in sterile environs to avoid it as much as humanly possible. On the other hedonistic extreme, we have the Oscar Wilde's of the world who never miss a chance to indulge in a guilty pleasure.

As with many things, temptation is a reality we must face with balance. The Scriptures give us much help in this area. Here are a few instructive statements:

God promises the strength to stand up under temptation. (1 Corinthians 10:13)
God promises we will always have way of escape in temptation. (1 Corinthians 10:13)
We must be wary of temptation for it is through this device the devil seeks to devour us. (1 Peter 5:8)
Falling in temptation does not cause God to cease loving us. Confession rights our relationship.  (1 John 1:9)
Overconfidence in your own ability to fight temptation is a sure way to fall. (1 Corinthians 10:12)

These statements are tried and true, but there is something even more powerful in the example of Jesus. He did not shut himself away from the temptations of the world. If he had done so he would not have been able to bring light and healing to a dark and terminally ill humanity. He recognized temptation and rebuked the tempter (Satan). He utilized Scripture as his weapon of choice in his encounters with evil, and also took time away in the mountains to be alone with the Father to recharge.


Is there something here you should keep in mind this week?