Temptation - I Hear You Knocking, But You Can't Come In

"There is no temptation taken you but such is common to man" - 1 Corinthians 10:13

 “Joab withstood the greatest test of his life, remaining absolutely loyal to David by not turning to follow after the fascinating and ambitious Absalom. Yet toward the end of his life he turned to follow after the weak and cowardly Adonijah. Always remain alert to the fact that where one person has turned back is exactly where anyone may be tempted to turn back." Oswald Chambers

As a Christian there are a few things that are certain. One is that you are going to heaven.  You have eternal life in Jesus.  Another is that you are going to face temptation until you do ... go to heaven. The question is .. How will you respond to temptation when it comes your way?  Temptation is not sin, but what you do with temptation can lead to sin. 

“When tempted, no one should say, “God is tempting me.” For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; but each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed. Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death.” -  James 1:13-15

You will face opportunities to sin by way of temptation every day.  First you must recognize that your struggle with temptation is a spiritual issue not a physical one. 

“For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.”  - Ephesians 6:12

The point is that if you try to defeat temptation through shear will power or I suppose, more appropriately, “won’t” power, you will fail.  You are trying to do something that is impossible for the natural man.  It’s likened to trying to save yourself.  You need faith and the Spirit of God to be saved, not works or personal effort.  The next time you are tempted do what Jesus did when tempted by the devil in the wilderness … trust in God and His Word.

"Your Word have I hid in my heart that I might not sin against You." - Psalm 119:11

Think about it – Pray about it – Believe it – Walk in it. Let your light shine and give God the glory.

By Faith Alone By His Grace Alone And For His Glory Alone