Dr. Sam Smith
Jacksonville Progress
JACKSONVILLE — “No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. 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 stand up under it.”
1 Corinthians 10:13
Tempt: “to entice to so something wrong or unwise; to appeal strongly to.” (Webster’s)
We face temptation daily, even hourly. We are tempted to do the wrong thing, say the wrong thing, go to the wrong places, eat the wrong things, even think the wrong things. If we are alive, we are tempted to do something wrong. Even Jesus was tempted. There is no sin in temptation. It is giving in to temptation that gets us in trouble.
“Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.” (1 Peter 5:8) How does he devour us? By tempting us to sin, worry or doubt.
How do we combat him? “Resist him standing firm in the faith, because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of suffering. And the God of all grace, who called you to His eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will Himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. To Him be the power forever and ever. Amen.” (1 Peter 5:8-11)
“Submit yourself, then, to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.” (James 4:7)
Resisting temptation is a constant activity. Drop your guard for an instant, and you face increased danger. Paul told us to be strong in the Lord and wear the full armor of God. (See Ephesians 6:10-17)
However, although we are under attack from the enemy, we do not have to live in fear. We serve a perfect God. We can rest assured that once we have done our part, Father God will do the rest. Remember He has promised, “When you are tempted, He will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.” His Word also promises us, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.” (Hebrews 13:5)
We know we have to take care of ourselves while on this earthly journey. We have to protect ourselves from diseases and accidents and sin. But when we have done all we know to do, we must trust our sovereign God to do the rest. No matter what we do, we will have trials and heartaches and tragedies. It goes with living in a fallen world. However, those who have faith in the perfect wisdom of Almighty God need never feel defeated or hopeless. God is in control. He always has been and always will be. Temptation is the tool of the enemy, but Jesus has overcome the enemy. Trust in Him, believe His truths, follow His instructions and we will be victorious.
