Temptation means the desire to do what is wrong. Though we know what we are doing or about to do is wrong, there is still a strong desire to sin. As Christians, we will face temptation during different phases in life.
Let us Get Real – Temptation happens to every human being. For example:
- When we put sweets on the table and instruct our kids not to touch, there is a 90% chance they will not listen.
- You are a married marriage counsellor, then discover you are attracted to another person.
- You want to get rich and you are tempted beyond your morals.
- You are a pastor with a growing ministry but dark thoughts and intense feelings that are not christianly come to mind.
The Blame Game – Some people blame Satan for falling into sin. Yes, Satan brings thoughts, feelings, desires etc. However, it is up to us to know how to destroy these feelings that creep into our minds. Satan is not usually interested in unbelievers he has them in bondage already and manipulates their lives the way he wants. Believers are his main targets knowing it will be an achievement on his side if Christians fall.
Caution! – A man of God once said: “The closer you are to God, the thicker the darkness surrounding you.” Which means once we get close to God, Satan will not leave us alone. That is the reason why many men of God of high standing fall. Jesus said: “Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.” (Matthew 26:41). As Christians, we need to keep on watching and praying. There is no other way to tackle this!
When does temptation happen? There is a season for everything under the sun as it says in Ecclesiastes 3:1. Temptation will happen during different periods in our lives. It could be, when we are about to get on to another level with God, a breakthrough is about to happen in our lives and many other reasons.
Why does temptation happen? Temptation happens because Satan does not want us to live our lives to the full as Christians. He wants us to be false witnesses for Christ and make sure we bring the Lord’s name into disrepute.
Assurance of overcoming temptation – I bring you good news; It is possible to overcome temptation. We have scriptures to back this up:
John 16:33 “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (NIV)
Genesis 4:7 “If you do what is right, will you not be accepted? But if you do not do what is right, sin is crouching at your door; it desires to have you, but you must rule over it.” (NIV)
2 Timothy 1:7 “For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid but gives us power, love and self-discipline. (NIV)
1 Corinthians 10:13 “No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation, he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.” (NIV)
How can we overcome temptation? Here are some steps to take:
- Prayer – Pray not to fall into temptation. Praying is a way of asking God to help with the situation. Keep your thoughts on things of God. Read your Bible and fast. He is faithful and just. Temptation starts in trickles, make sure you kill the trickles before it becomes a downpour.
- In addition to your prayers, get the right people to pray for and with you.
- Run or try to avoid the situation that is causing the temptation. For example, if you are attracted to someone of the opposite sex, avoid their company until the desire disappears. Or if you lack money and you have access to a large amount of money at work or elsewhere always get someone to witness at all times when handling the money. Let there be transparency!
- Confession – Make sure you confess to your pastor, mentor, friend, even God, who understands what we go through. Confession kills sinful desires.
- Weigh up what you will lose in comparison to what you will gain if you indulge in the sin.
- Remember, you are not the only person that will get tempted. Do not condemn yourself. God is always there for us: (1Peter 5: 8-10) ESV. “Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world. And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen and establish you”.
- Persevere, it might take a while for the feeling to subside.
Everyone gets tempted, so do not beat yourself up. The goal is how to resist the temptation.
God Bless.
Great message, thanks sis
😘
Many thanks my dear sister. We are all tempted at a point but we can be without sin. Mr Flesh is the senior adviser to temptation, may God help us all to continue to die to self.
More grace as you Continue to release these bullets of truth. God bless ma
Thanks Tom. Our prayer is to always be a master over sin.
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