Overcoming Temptations

Temptation is not an issue of the youth alone. No one is immune to it. We are all tempted in our own ways. James 1:2. Count it pure joy brethren, when you meet various trials, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness, And let steadfastness have its effect, that you may be perfect and complete lacking in nothing. When we face various trials, we are usually downcast, weak and even broken. No one enjoys going through trials, yet the Lord expects us to be joyful.

James 1:12-15 -blessed is the man who endures trials, for when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love Him. Let no one say when he is tempted that he is tempted by God, for God cannot be tempted with evil and He himself tempts no one. But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desires, then when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin, and when sin is full-grown brings forth death.

When we go through temptations/ trials, God expects us to be faithful in doing the word and to keep our faith. If the word says shun all evil, then do it. If you are in a place that does not please God, He expects you to flee. We have to succeed in doing the will of God, even in the face of temptations. We have to remain faithful and pass the test. By so doing, the Lord is glorified and you will receive a reward.

God Himself tempts no one. But we are tempted by our desires.  When we get enticed by our own sinful nature, we fall into temptations. We should not allow our evil desires to trap/ensnare us lest we fail in what the Lord expects to do. We have to overcome or else give a chance to our desires to conceive and give birth to sin, and when sin is full-grown brings forth death.

According to Luke 4:1-13; Jesus was also tempted, and He overcame. But in verse 13; the devil only left him until an opportune time. So to say, we are always in in battle. Temptations will always come. If not now, then he is waiting for an opportune time. It is therefore very important to remain alert or the devil will outwit you.

HOW TO OVERCOME TEMPTATIONS

Faith

Your faith will give you the ability to endure as many trials as possible.

The Word

David said, for how a young man can put his ways pure before you oh Lord, by hiding the word of God in your heart. Hold on to the word. Plant it in your heart and you will be victorious. Jesus said in Luke 8:13, and the ones on the rock are those who, when they hear the word, receive it with joy, but these have no root, they believe it only for a while and in the time of temptation, they fall away Let us be the fertile ground, that bears fruits when we hear the word of God.

Prayer

Jesus told his disciples in Luke 22:39-45; Pray that you may not fall into temptations. When Jesus taught us to pray, in Matt 6:13, he said; and lead us not into temptations but deliver us from evil.  Matt 26:41, he also said; Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation; the spirit is willing but the flesh is weak. We should not trust our flesh in the face of temptations. We should beat our bodies lest they control us.

The promise of God

1^st cor 10:13, No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and He will not allow you to be tempted beyond your strength, but with the temptation will also provide the way of escape, that you will be able to endure it. Whatever you are going through is common to men, and you have to resist. No one has resisted to the point of shedding blood. But the Lord is very faithful, He will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you can bear. He will strengthen you and provide a way out. When he provides, please escape through it, don’t remain there. Flee like Joseph.

1^st peter 1:6-7, In this you rejoice, though now for a little while you may have to suffer various trials, so that the genuineness of your faith, more precious than gold which though perishable is tested in by the fire, may redound to praise and glory and honour at the revelation of Jesus Christ.

Rev 3:10; because you have kept my word of patient endurance, I will keep you from the hour of trial which is coming on the whole world, to try those who dwell upon the earth.

CONCLUSION

Self-examine yourself. Whoever judges themselves, God shall not Judge. Uncover your sin before the Lord. Expose yourself to God, then repent and turn away from evil. This is the only remedy for those who have fallen. The Lord is a restorer and He will restore. According to Proverbs 28: 13; He who conceals his sins will not prosper, but he who confesses and forsakes them will receive mercy.