Dealing with the Issue of Temptation Final Part

“Celebrating Our Victories Against Temptation”

            As we have established in this series; we will all be tempted at one point or another, therefore we must learn how to biblically face temptation. I strongly believe that temptations can always be used as a positive aspect in the life of a Christian if we take the right approach. If we look at the phase of temptation that reflects the awful condition of our hearts, then we praise God for showing us that reality. We can then present those issues to the Lord in prayer and trust in His power to mature us. Our job is not to fix ourselves or be fixed by anyone, for no one has that kind of power. Our job is to surrender our lives to God who is the Only One that can help us. It is not about doing whatever we want until He changes us; it is about denying ourselves from doing those things our flesh wants to do and getting a hold of the divine nature that is available for every believer. First Peter 1:2-4 tells us:

“² Grace and peace be yours in abundance through the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord.  ³ His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. ⁴ Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature, having escaped the corruption in the world caused by evil desires.”

            To say that we “can’t help it;” that we can’t be made free from our strongholds, is indeed, a true statement. However, we have the choice daily to get a hold of that divine nature that Peter was talking about in these verses. The Bible is telling us that “His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness.” Beloved, throughout the generations of men, there has always been a curiosity for knowledge; this was in part what moved Adam and Eve to sin as they ate from the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil. However, there is only one knowledge that can save our lives and one knowledge that can give us the power and wisdom necessary to overcome all things. The power to overcome all temptations is by knowing JESUS. Yes! Jesus is the answer, weather people accept that reality or not!

            As I end this series, I want to look briefly at the reality that temptations can also be a great reason for celebration; because it is through temptations that we can see the work of God in our lives. How many of you have been in situations with people where you tell yourself: “He better be glad that I am a Christian!” Why? Because if he or she would have done or said what they just did and say, you would have your foot placed in a very private sector of their body. Know you can look back and say: “I used to react that way, but now…” Yes my brothers, yes my sisters…celebrate for God has done and continues to do a great work in our lives. How can we know if we know what we know if we are not tested? God surely tests our hearts Himself for us to see the level of our love and commitment to Him. However, God also turns around and uses the devil by allowing him to tempt us so that we can see how strong or weak we are as it relates to sin. First Corinthians 10:13 tells us:

“¹³ No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. 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 endure it.”

            No reason to be nervous or anxious about temptations, we must rest in these three promises according to what we see in this verse:

1. Everybody must endure temptation; you are not the only one. You are not alone.
2. God is faithful and will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you can bear.
3. If you find yourself in a situation where you are beyond your limits, God will always provide a way out.

So really, it is up to us if we want a way out. The choice is always ours. Let’s take a look at what James tells us:

“¹² Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him.” (James 1:12) (NKJV)

            Beloved, there is no crown without enduring temptations! So, the next time the devil comes to tempt you; get a hold of that divine nature and get a hold of these promises and get ready for your crown. I am looking forward to casting my crown before Jesus…Glory!