Encouraging Word
Temptation is universal. All of us have encountered temptation- even Jesus (Hebrews 4:15). No one is exempt or excused.
Temptation is the attraction to sin and the invitation to do something wrong or unwise. James 1:14-15 says it begins with a thought, then the thought turns to desire, and desire leads to action, and the action becomes sin. Sin leads to death. So how is the Christian to react to temptation? James 4:6-10 gives us some direction. We are to humble ourselves, submit to God, draw near to Him, and resist the devil.
Humble Ourselves. Humility is a modest view of one’s own importance. Romans 12:3 says not to think more highly of yourself than you ought. I think humility is honest self-evaluation and knowing who you are in relation to who God is!
Submit to God. Submit means to yield to the authority or will of another. We need to pray Jesus’ prayer where He said, “Not My will, but Thy will be done.” We need to exercise Romans 12:1, where we are to present our bodies as a living and holy sacrifice. We need to surrender to God and His will for our lives.
Draw Near to God. We need to have a close walk with God. You can draw near through the Scripture (Word of God); through prayer (communication with God); and by yielding to the Holy Spirit’s leading (be filled with the Spirit).
Resist the Devil. Resist is to withstand, try to prevent, struggle, fight back when pressured, refrain from doing, or refuse. In Luke 4, Jesus resisted by using Scripture and being full of the Holy Spirit.
I Corinthians 10:13 promises us that when temptation comes, we have a promise that God will provide a way of escape, so we don’t have to yield. So be encouraged. Even though temptation can’t be totally avoided; it can be resisted and overcome. Praise the Lord!
-Tony Cooper
Director Emeritus of Jimmie Hale Mission
