by David Brenneman
"No temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to man; and God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, so that you will be able to endure it." 1 Corinthians 10:13.
"And do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen." Matthew 6:13.
"All things are lawful, but not all things are profitable. All things are lawful, but not all things edify." 1 Corinthians 10:23.
"But each one is tempted when he is carried away and enticed by his own lust. Then when lust has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and when sin is accomplished, it brings forth death." James 1:14-15.
"Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed that he does not fall." 1 Corinthians 10:12.
We, in this life we live, will face all kinds, all sorts, of temptations. Part of these are spiritual in nature other parts are physical. But in all of these we're not to allow them mastery over us.
We are not powerless before that which tempts us so. We can call out to our God in Heaven and seek His help in time of need.
Joseph ran when faced with the temptation of Potiphar's wife. In other places in the Scriptures we're instructed to flee youthful lusts.
No one who has difficulties with addictions should keep a well stocked pantry of what it is that causes them to stumble because a fall would be inevitable.
Someone once said that you don't have to attend every argument that you are invited to. I would encourage you to consider it well that you don't have to give in to every temptation that entices you either.
Just because you can do something doesn't mean that you must do that thing.
Don't pretend you're strong enough when historically you haven't been. That's just you lying to yourself.
Seeking first His Kingdom and His righteousness means to put what He says about our relationship with the world in its proper perspective.
Our world doesn't want people to stop and consider the consequences of impulsive decisions. Doesn't want people considering consequences of any kind.
We choose but we also are responsible for more than what our choices bring to ourselves. We are likely going to impact others by our selfish choices and decisions.
What are you doing about these things that are reigning in your life that shouldn't be there?
No one is helpless before temptation. We read that first of all today.
We must stand firm in the Lord.
We can stand firm in the Lord when we are intentional about seeking first His Kingdom and His righteousness.
When we put how would Jesus feel about it in the equation it does tend to change our thinking.
We cannot use the excuse that we thought we could handle it when we know ourselves well enough to know better.
I face food temptations in many places that I go. Some days are better than others at resisting. There's other temptations for me as well in regards to how I relax. What occupies my mind during those times determines the outcome later on.
It's sadly scary to see what consumes people in just my Facebook newsfeed. It's equally scary to read through various news stories.
"No temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to man; and God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, so that you will be able to endure it." This should be on my mind in my weak moments but it isn't yet.
It's going to take time and intentionality to get a more fortified stance in the face of temptation.
Nobody who is saved in Christ is a victim of their circumstances. Which is Dr. Charles Stanley's Life Principle #18, "As children of a sovereign God, we are never a victim of our circumstances."
"Grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord; seeing that His divine power has granted to us everything pertaining to life and godliness, through the true knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and excellence. For by these He has granted to us His precious and magnificent promises, so that by them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world by lust. Now for this very reason also, applying all diligence, in your faith supply moral excellence, and in your moral excellence, knowledge, and in your knowledge, self-control, and in your self-control, perseverance, and in your perseverance, godliness, and in your godliness, brotherly kindness, and in your brotherly kindness, love. For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they render you neither useless nor unfruitful in the true knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ." 2 Peter 1:2-8.
Sometimes fleeing is just getting out of the area. Sometimes it's intentionally changing directions. Sometimes it's just taking a stand in prayer. Sometimes it's running sometimes it's carefully walking.
But, my Dear Reader, we aren't prisoners to temptations. If we're saved then we do have the resurrection power of Jesus Christ at our disposal. I and we would do well to remember that.
Pray when you know it's coming.
Pray when it feels 'safe'.
"The name of the Lord is a strong tower; The righteous runs into it and is safe." Proverbs 18:10.
Pray for me as I pray for you in these things.
"But in all these things we overwhelmingly conquer through Him who loved us." Romans 8:37.
All NASB Scripture Excerpts used by permission.
New American Standard Bible
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