HOW TO DEAL WITH TEMPTATION
Every Believer knows he has an enemy, namely the devil who goes around “like a roaring lion seeking whom he may devour”. He and his assistants never take a day off, but are always looking for ways to tempt us. I am so glad the PERFECT ANSWER TO EVERY TEMPTATION was created when Jesus died and rose again. Oh that God’s people would recognise this perfect solution, because in God’s plan WE CAN LIVE ABOVE SIN, not that we cannot sin, but need not sin.
Let me quote again John Piper’s definition of Grace.
“Grace is simply not leniency when we have sinned GRACE IS THE ENABLING GIFT OF GOD NOT TO SIN, Grace is POWER, not just pardon”.
I am reminded this morning of the words of Jesus in Matt. 26:41 NKJV Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.
PASSION Keep alert and pray that you’ll be spared from this time of testing. You should have learned by now that your spirit is eager enough, but your humanity is weak.”
N.L.T. Keep watch and pray, so that you will not give in to temptation. For the spirit is willing, but the body is weak!”
MESSAGE Stay alert; be in prayer so you don’t wander into temptation without even knowing you’re in danger. There is a part of you that is eager, ready for anything in God. But there’s another part that’s as lazy as an old dog sleeping by the fire.”
Jesus is saying, we can never relax for a moment, but always be on the alert, for often when we least expect it, a temptation could emerge temptation, this is my biggest challenge, never to relax, but maintain a discipline over my life and especially my time management.
Jesus tells us here, the GREAT KEY to resisting temptation is to live a life of PRAYER, for the reality is our flesh (sinful nature) is weak, but, the more quality time we spend in prayer, the stronger our spirit will be, we have often used the illustration of the need of regularly plugging in our smartphones so it is always changed and active whenever we need it.
There is no doubt that having someone walk with us, especially when we are new Believers is so important so we learn to develop an intimate relationship with the Lord in Prayer and with the Word of God, and that we really have an understanding of all that is involved in GOD’S SO GREAT SALVATION. So many Believers sadly carry scars and regrets because they did not know they much WATCH AND PRAY.
May this simple blog be a challenge and encouragement you you today, may we all by the Grace of God move to a new level of victory and holiness, especially as we see the day approaching of the Lord’s soon return amen.
