Temptation

I have been praying over the issue of “temptation” for the past weeks and I felt an urgency to discuss the matter with you all because I believe we all have gone through awful times of temptation and most times it leaves us with a terrible guilt feeling.

The word temptation is derived from a Latin word meaning ‘to put to the test’, or ‘to try’, as in a trial. Temptation is an accurate word to translate the New Testament Greek word “pirasmos” which means to prove. It could also mean loose sense to describe actions which indicates a lack of self control.

Temptation is not sin, but it can lead to sin.  Both men and women are not exempt from it. However we must put it out of our minds and refuse to let it go any further. Temptation leads a person to sin because he is weak.

A question arose in my heart. Why do we have to go through temptations in our lives? Well, the reason is already mentioned in the Bible. It says the flesh is week i.e. our senses, worldly needs all lead to temptation. A man is always tempted to do evil knowingly opposing the will of God because of the free will which has been given to humans.

Imagine someone is travelling through the highway in the mountains and spots a nice valley. He makes the decision to take a break and spend some time exploring the valley. He goes further down to see how deep the valley is. With each step he is getting closer to the edge of the valley and unexpectedly falls into it and dies. The same logic applies to temptation.

We are tempted by things which appeal to our carnal or sinful nature. This means every man is born a sinner and with a nature that leads him to sin, but God has given us a conscience to see what is right and wrong. It is due to the fact that we suppress the truth in unrighteousness (Romans 1:18). I am sure most of have fallen into it in decisive moments and have asked God for forgiveness, but I think it is our love for sin that compels us to fall into temptation. We decide to do something which we regret afterward. We do not even consider putting up a fight against it and decide to go with the flow because of our corrupt and totally depraved heart.

There are so many people who would like to claim to be righteous in the sight of God but let us look what Apostle Paul has to say about the matter within the church (Romans 3:21). People must be careful when they call themselves righteous because most of them will end up being adulterous, thieves, and blasphemers in the sight of the most High God.

God is not pleased in futile sacrifices of ours and are abomination to Him (Isaiah 1:13). It means that we actually pretend to be righteous but God knows our hearts. He want all humans to be either cold or hot, if we are neither then it means God will spew us out of His mouth (Revelations 3:16).

We all know now that we are all sinners and have fallen short of the glory of God, so what should we do? Should we just keep on sinning against God or should we humble ourselves in prayers and ask God for forgiveness. The Bible tells us to Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation. The spirit truly is ready, but the flesh is weak (Mark 14:38)

 “No temptation has overtaken you expect such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape that you may be able to bear it.” -1 Corinthians 10:13

The Apostle Paul says temptation is common to all. However, God knows our struggles and He comforts us when we need Him the most. God has already granted us the strength to fight against temptation this means we should not give up too easily when we could actually stand against it. God knows that we all are tempted now and then, but for us Christians, God intervenes and provides a means or way to escape so that we do not have to sin. God will make a way for an escape when we are actually walking with Him, having fellowship with the Holy Spirit and keep on asking God for His peace, grace and guidance. We will not fall in temptations when we receive wisdom of God because it is written that the fear of God is the beginning of wisdom (Proverbs 1:7).  This means when we fear God and obey His word, we are less likely to struggle against temptations. Men who walk in the light of God undoubtedly receive God’s help, but what about the people who do not fully walk with God?

The Bible tells us that double minded person is unstable in all his ways (James 1:8), as a man is tempted he presumably goes back and forth struggling with temptations and we all know what the outcome is going to be. We all become unstable without the word of God; hence we must read it, abide by it and stand fast in the mighty name of God.

The Bible is filled with numerous incidents of the fall of man during temptation. In the book of Genesis Eve was tempted to eat the fruit of life that actually brought sin in this world. David and Samson were tempted, they made mistakes, but God lifted and forgave them because of their genuine repentance.

“For in that He Himself has suffered, being tempted, He is able to aid those who are tempted.” – Hebrews 2:18

Even Jesus was tempted by the devil and Jesus came out victorious (Matthew   4:1-11). I thought Jesus defeated all these temptations simply because He is God. However, He came in flesh so He surely faced all these temptations. I believe Jesus led by example so that His believers would follow His footstep during tempting times. God knows about our struggles and temptation and He will provide needed strength at the right time. Let us remember the help that comes from the Creator of this universe, our God (Psalm 121:2).

Most of us may say that if God is so faithful to us then why does He not deliver us from temptation permanently?

Well, God is much more superior and wiser than us and this is the way He chose to be. Perhaps, He wants to see if we are truly faithful to Him, if we can really put God before all other matters of our lives.

All I have to say is that it is pointless saying this or that against the will of God. We may as well use this time to glorify His name and ask for help if needed. If we give God preference in our lives; He will provide the strength to stand against temptations and He will perform wonders in our lives.

 “Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he has been proved, he will receive the crown of the life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him.” – James 1:12

What a promise!!!! He who endures temptation will be rewarded by God. It is not something we do for God but something what we do for ourselves, to have luxury of living with Creator of heavens and the earth, to glorify His name. God has not chosen us to be weak human beings who would kneel before sin every so often. He has chosen us so that we imitate Christ, put up a great fight against the devil’s works and be victorious.

King Solomon concluded that we must fear God and keep His commandments for everythig else is vanity (Ecclesiastes 12:9-13), so If you are struggling with temptations today then let me tell you that there is a solution. The Bible says; ‘ask and it will be given unto you’, henceforth my dear friends let us ask God for wisdom, knowledge and self control so that we shall not fall into temptation. If we love Jesus genuinely and walk in the light of Christ then conclusively I can say that the battle has already been won in the mighty name of Lord our God.

In Christ Our Beautiful Saviour

Sonny