March 23rd

March 23rd 

Why is it that we still have a hard time remembering that Jesus understands our temptation? Why do we not immediately talk to Him about our temptation? Why don’t we go to our brothers and sisters in Christ about our temptations? Why do we act like temptation is shameful? Temptation is part of life as a human. Temptation is not sin and is nothing to be ashamed of at all. We are not accountable or responsible for our temptation. Temptation is the enemy’s attempt to derail us from our faithwalk. What we DO with the temptation is what we have to answer for…

Before we go further let’s review a few scriptures on temptation.

Hebrews 2:17-18 For this reason he had to be made like them, fully human in every way, in order that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in service to God, and that he might make atonement for the sins of the people. Because he himself suffered when he was tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted.

Hebrews 4:14-16 Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has ascended into heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin. Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.

We need to get over being embarrassed or ashamed of our temptations and go to Jesus about them. The sooner we talk with Him about them, the sooner He will put them in perspective and give us direction so that we can understand the way out that He has established for us.

If we confess our temptations out loud to someone it loses some of its power. Being open and honest about temptations puts us in a position to win the fight. Not only does it line others up on our side, it puts others in a position to pray specifically for us AND to hold us accountable. All of these things put us in a winning position. This is one of the things that CR has right, being open and honest about one’s struggles.

1 Corinthians 10:13 No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.

Not only does talking about our temptations help US, but it also gives the world a more accurate view of us and this eliminates any misunderstanding that we might be thinking we are “holier than thou.” Why do we want to pretend that there are no temptations as if that is a reflection of our character? Sin reflects on us, temptations do not. When we are honest about our temptations it also helps other believers that may be struggling with the same temptations.

Let’s everybody get over it already! Nowhere in the Bible does it say that we are judged for our temptations. Jesus was tempted, do you think less of Him because He was tempted? Of course not.

We win over temptation when we are honest about it to Jesus, ourselves, and others and when we yield to the Holy Spirit. This is how we overcome temptation:

Revelation 12:11 They triumphed over him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony; they did not love their lives so much as to shrink from death.

The verse just before this talks about the accuser of the brethren (satan) and that this is how we overcome him. So yes ultimately the blood of Jesus claims us as His and by the Holy Spirit in us then we have the power to run away from temptation, but it also says by the word of our testimony. So speak it out, tell your story, be open and honest about the temptations you face. Be Real.

Jesus, first thank you for facing temptation and remaining perfectly without sin. Thank you for making it possible for me to overcome the temptations I face and for always making a way out. Help me to pay attention to the way out. Help me to honest and real so that others have the same hope. Thank you for helping me to recognize temptation early and give me the strength to run the other way. Help me to be a help to others in their walks with you as well.