I Corinthians 10:13 There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.
Temptation happens to all of us. Paul said you’re not singled out when temptation comes; it happens to everyone. Others before have faced the same things, even the preacher. We battle a real devil. Others have resisted temptation and overcome it. You can too. Any temptation can be resisted. Nobody should yield to and give in because God helps us recognize situations/people that cause problems. Run from what you know is wrong. It’s the first step to victory. The longer you hang around, the more apt you are to give in. Keep positive thoughts aiming at doing the right things. Pray for God’s help each day. This is serious business. People are watching what you do. Seek friends who can help, but also be careful who you share things with.
Let’s review the temptation of Jesus. Satan wanted no part of Jesus. He knew who he was; yet Jesus sought him to be put to the test. Jesus was an overcomer. He went 40 days and nights without food. He depended on doing the will of the Father. Matthew 4 records it. What method did Jesus use each time to dispute Satan? The Word of God. It’s a sword. Go armed to fight the battle. The first was the temptation to turn stones to bread. After 40 days of no food, it would be a temptation. Could he have done it? Sure, he could, but to do so would be disobeying the Father. That’s what the devil ultimately wants. Do it on your own. That’s what he told Adam and Eve. Jesus quotes Deuteronomy and said that man doesn’t live by bread alone. Then Satan took Jesus to the pinnacle of the temple and actually quoted the Psalms to Jesus. Imagine that. He tried to get Jesus to doubt the Word. Don’t begin to doubt God. Remember what Paul said–GOD IS FAITHFUL. He told him to jump off because God would protect him. Again Jesus quoted Deuteronomy and said we are not to tempt God. Then Satan took him to a high mountain and told him if he’d bow down and worship him he’d give him all the kingdoms of the world. Jesus reminded him that we’re to worship God and him alone. The devil left him. Our victory in temptation doesn’t mean the devil won’t come back again. He’ll be around tomorrow, but don’t give in. We have help. The book of Hebrews reminds us that our High Priest (Jesus Christ) has been tempted in all points as we’ll ever be. He knows how it feels and is there to help. As surely as Jesus faced temptation, we will too.
It’s not always the big sin that gets us; the littles one will. Protect yourself from the little things. Not many of us think about murder, but watch hatred that tries to creep in. Severe hatred could lead to murder. We don’t have trouble with drunkenness or adultery. So many things could lead to both. A lot of times we do something else. Sins of commission are acts we commit against God. Sins of omission means that we omit doing things we should do. We fail to pray or read the Bible or go to church. When we begin not to do these things we’ll get into trouble.
When a person falls into sin it should bring us sorrow. Sometimes we get angry at the loss of trust. We could have a sense of despair that it could happen to us. We should pray for people who fall into sin. Take heed lest we fall. Never say “I’d never…” Don’t brag! You may be the next one. Scandals will always be with us. It’s tragic. We don’t like it, but it is part of life. If any of us fails, there is no one to blame but ourselves. The devil only tempts us; he cannot make us do it. No other person makes us do it. It’s always a personal choice when we fail. Remember what Paul said. God always makes a way of escape. It’s our choice to take the way out. He said that God would never put more on us than we can bear. We have limits and God knows how much. We can trust him to care for us. He’ll give us grace to get through.
When Paul was taken prisoner and shipwrecked on his way to Rome he said some things we need to remember. This story is in Acts 27. He got alone with God. Remember to do that. He said Jesus is still there, even in trouble. He’ll never forsake us. He said to believe the promises of God. Then remember to count your blessings. There is always something to be thankful for. Then the crew got rid of excess baggage on the ship. The most important possession you have is your soul. Nothing is worth missing heaven for. We get weighed down and can’t resist temptation. Lay aside the weights that are getting in the way of running the race before us.
Satan is working to influence all of us into sin, into giving up. Whatever you need to stay true to God is there. God is faithful. He will provide a way out. You and I just need to take it.
Adwolfe Freewill Baptist Church 