Temptation

7-5-2010
Temptation

Temptation is an interesting yet scary event in a Christian’s life. We all have weaknesses, and as a result we learn to lean on God especially during the times we are weak. Satan does a great job of hitting us where we are weak, thus it’s important to understand our strengths and weaknesses. In Matthew 4:1-11 we pick up where Satan tempts Jesus in the desert:

Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the desert to be tempted by the devil. After fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry. The tempter came to him and said, “If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread.” Jesus answered, “It is written: Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.”

As you read today’s versus, you will see that Satan has a few other tricks up his sleeve, yet Jesus never gives in. We are all tempted from time to time. What are your weaknesses? What are your temptations? For those of you in school reading these devotionals, you may be tempted to cheat on a test. You are trying to get the best grade you can, and you fall prey to cheating. Don’t cheat; don’t let Satan win the battle! For all the couples that read these devotionals, you may be tempted to cheat in a different way. Satan may be inserting the “grass is greener on the other side” mentality. Don’t let him win! Stay focused on what’s true and what God calls us to do.

When we say, “stay focused on what God calls us to do,” it’s really easy to do so when times are good. It’s during the tough times your faith is really tested. Testing will come, thus we should be ready and alert! There’s no surprise, Satan wants to get you. He really likes to get those of us that stand bold for Christ. By proclaiming your faith in God, you basically put a bull’s eye on your chest. When you are tested, that’s your way of showing the world and most importantly, God, where you stand. Don’t give the devil a foothold.

Being tempted isn’t a sin, but giving in to that temptation is a sin. Here’s a good guide to see if you are being tempted: if there’s a thought in your mind that you shouldn’t do something, then it’s probably best to not do it. Equipping yourself with the word of God, gives you the ultimate weapon to fight temptation. It’s one thing to have a weapon, but it’s another to use it! Satan knows the Bible forwards and backwards, but he doesn’t obey the Bible! Meditate on the word of God, and allow God’s word to transform the way you think and live, and you will be able to resist even the toughest temptations you have.

Application:
1.Read Matthew 4:1-4
2.Write down your temptations (eating, laziness, addictions, etc.).
3.What are you going to do to make sure Satan doesn’t continue to win?