Dealing With Temptation

     Temptation is a universal human experience. We all face temptations every day, whether it's the temptation to sin, to doubt God, or to give up on our faith. As Christians, we know that temptation is a normal part of life, but we also know that we don't have to give in to it. In this message, we'll explore what the Bible says about temptation and how we can deal with it in our own lives.

The Source of Temptation

     The Bible tells us that temptation comes from three main sources: the world, the flesh, and the devil (1 John 2:16, James 1:14-15, 1 Peter 5:8). The world tempts us with its values and desires, which are often opposed to God's will. Our own flesh tempts us with its desires and weaknesses. And the devil, our spiritual enemy, tempts us with his lies and deceptions. But we know that all these temptations comes from the devil (Satan). 

The Nature of Temptation

   Temptation is not sin itself, but rather the opportunity to sin. It's the suggestion or enticement to do something that goes against God's will. Temptation can come in many forms, from subtle whispers in our ear to overt and blatant solicitations. It can be tempting to rationalize or justify our sin, but the Bible is clear: sin is sin, and it separates us from God.

The Purpose of Temptation

   Why does God allow temptation in our lives? One reason is to test our faith and obedience. Just as gold is refined in the fire, our faith is refined through temptation (1 Peter 1:6-7). Temptation also gives us the opportunity to choose obedience and to grow in our relationship with God.

The Promise of Victory

   The good news is that we don't have to give in to temptation. Through Jesus Christ, we have the power to resist temptation and to live a life of obedience to God. The Bible promises that God will provide a way out of temptation, and that He will give us the strength to overcome it (1 Corinthians 10:13, Philippians 4:13).

Practical Strategies for Dealing with Temptation

   So how can we deal with temptation in our own lives? Here are some practical strategies:

- Recognize the source of temptation: Be aware of the sources of temptation in your life, whether it's the world, the flesh, or the pride of life. It comes from the devil. 

- Resist temptation: When you're faced with temptation, resist it. Don't give in to it, and don't rationalize or justify it.

- Run to God: When you're tempted, run to God. Pray for strength and for wisdom, and ask Him to help you resist temptation. The Bible tells us on how to fight or resit the devil/temptations.

   Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded.... Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up. (James 4:7-8,10 KJV)

- Find accountability: Surround yourself with people who will hold you accountable and encourage you to resist temptation.

- Focus on God's word: Fill your mind with God's word, and focus on His promises and His character.

   Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you. Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world. But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you. (1 Peter 5:6-10 KJV) 

The Role of Faith in Dealing with Temptation

   Faith plays a critical role in dealing with temptation. When we're faced with temptation, we need to trust in God's goodness and His sovereignty. We need to believe that He is able to help us resist temptation, and that He will provide a way out. We also need to trust in His forgiveness and His mercy when we do give in to temptation. Remember we have a High Priest Jesus Christ the Son of God who also tempted like us but without sin. So therefore, let us come to Him to surrender our life because He is able to help us to overcome temptations.

   For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need. (Hebrews 4:15-16 KJV) 

The Importance of Humility in Dealing with Temptation

   Humility is also essential in dealing with temptation. When we're faced with temptation, we need to recognize our own weakness and vulnerability. We need to acknowledge that we can't resist temptation on our own, and that we need God's help. We also need to be willing to ask for help and to seek accountability from others.

The Danger of Complacency in Dealing with Temptation

   One of the greatest dangers in dealing with temptation is complacency. When we're not vigilant, when we're not on guard against temptation, we can easily fall into sin. We need to be constantly on the lookout for temptation, and we need to be prepared to resist it at all times. The Bible tells us on how to deal with. 

   Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world. (1 Peter 5:8,9 KJV) 

The Role of the Holy Spirit in Dealing with Temptation

   The Holy Spirit plays a vital role in dealing with temptation. He is our Helper, our Comforter, and our Guide. He gives us the power to resist temptation, and He helps us to understand God's word and to apply it to our lives. We need to rely on the Holy Spirit's power and guidance when we're faced with temptation. The Bible says:

   Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you. And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment:... Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come. (John 16:7,8,13 KJV)

" But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his." (Romans 8: 9 KJV)

Conclusion

   Temptation is a universal human (Christian) experience, but it's not something that we have to give in to. Through Jesus Christ, we have the power to resist temptation and to live a life of obedience to God. By recognizing the source of temptation, resisting it, running to God, finding accountability, and focusing on God's word, we can overcome temptation and grow in our faith.

   Let us always remember that Jesus Christ our High Priest also  tempted in the way as ours but He still managed to didn't commit sin. He is perfectly our helper in all the times especially when we are being tempted. So, let us come boldly unto Him. 

     Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession. For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need. (Hebrews 4:14-16 KJV)

Final Thoughts

   Remember, temptation is not a sign of weakness, but rather an opportunity to grow stronger in our faith. When we're faced with temptation, let's choose to resist it and to run to God. Let's surround ourselves with people who will encourage and support us, and let's focus on God's word and His promises. He promised us:

" He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels. " (Revelation 3: 5 KJV) This is one of His promises.

     And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.... Let that therefore abide in you, which ye have heard from the beginning. If that which ye have heard from the beginning shall remain in you, ye also shall continue in the Son, and in the Father. And this is the promise that he hath promised us, even eternal life. (1 John 2:17,24-25 KJV) 

Prayer

   Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for the promise of victory over temptation. Help us to recognize the sources of temptation in our lives and to resist it. Give us the strength and the courage to run to You when we're faced with temptation, and send your Holy Spirit to strengthen us to resist temptation. Surround us with people who will encourage and support us. Help us to focus on Your word and Your promises, and give us the power to overcome temptation and to grow in our faith. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Scripture References

- 1 John 2:16

- James 1:14-15

- 1 Peter 5:6-10

- 1 Corinthians 10:13

- Philippians 4:13

- 1 Peter 1:6-7

- Romans 8:9

- Hebrews 4:14-16

- James 4:7-8,10

- Revelation 3:5