Temptation

We all are tempted in various ways and in many different circumstances in our lives.  Whether that temptation is to cheat on our diet, take just one drink of alcohol or act on an impure thought.  Being tempted is a part of life but overcoming temptation requires supernatural intervention.

We know that our own ability to resist temptation is weak.  The Bible tells us “the flesh is weak”.  We all have experiences to validate that this is truth.  So, what are we to do?

The Bible gives us a perfect example for victory over temptation through Jesus.  The story is found in Matthew 4 (check it out).  Jesus had fasted and was in the wilderness.  Notice the temptation came when Jesus was at His weakest point physically and mentally.  He had fasted for 40 days and His natural strength was low.  This is key because it tells us we won’t be able to rely on our own power to resist temptation.  Being in the wilderness, His surroundings were not familiar and would have no place for Him to seek comfort.  So at this low point, how did Jesus resist His temptation?

First of all, Jesus acknowledged that His source was God and the Word of God (the Bible).  Having fasted Jesus also had put His body in a place subserviant to the Holy Spirit.  (Fasting is the physical act of denying self and relying upon the Spirit of God for your sustanence). 

Jesus stood on and spoke the Word of God utilizing it as a sword to defend against Satan’s distortion of the truth and deceptive enticement of temptation.

Jesus resisted the Devil who tempted him not once but three times.  He continued to stand and fight with the Word of truth.  By quoting God’s word He was allowing God to fight the battle on His terms versus trying to win with Jesus own power and might.

We can follow Jesus example.  the Bible says He was entirely human and was tempted in every manner known to man.  His example is given to show us the way.  Follow Jesus pattern.  Stand on God’s Word.  Give your cares, burdens and temptations to the Lord.  The battle is not yours but God’s to win.  Resist the Devil and he will flee.