Read: 1 Corinthians 10:1-13
George Sweeting once said, “Every temptation is an opportunity for us to draw nearer to God.” The reason that statement is true is that God is the one who can help us resist, overcome, and move past various temptations in our lives. No one is exempt from the dangers of temptation. Sometimes those temptations are small things and other times they can be life-altering things. Choosing to ask Jesus for help is key to overcoming them.
Discipleship Journal magazine asked its readers to rank the areas of greatest spiritual challenge to them. Here were the temptations that rose to the top: 1.Materialism 2.Pride 3.Self-centeredness 4.Laziness 5.Sexual lust 6.Anger/Bitterness 7.Envy 8.Gluttony 9.Lying. Perhaps there are some on that list that you had not considered.
81% of those responding to this poll noted that temptations were more potent when they had neglected their time with God. Other reasons given for difficulty in resisting temptation included, being physically tired, lacking time in prayer and Bible study, not avoiding compromising situations, and not being accountable to someone else. Perhaps you could add some others.
In I Corinthians 10 the Bible says, “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.” Being tempted is not a sin, but giving into temptation often leads us into sin.
The Life Application Study Bible commentary gives us some helpful advice about these verses. It says, “Wrong desires and temptations happen to everyone, so don’t feel you’ve been singled out; Others have resisted temptation, and so can you; Any temptation can be resisted because God will help you resist it.” Jesus can help you, “Recognize those people and situations that give you trouble; Help you run from anything you know is wrong; Choose to do what is right; Pray for God’s help; And seek friends who love God and can offer help when you are tempted.”
Make it Personal: Remember the opportunity mentioned above by George Sweeting. Every time you are tempted you are given an opportunity to seek God’s help in resisting that temptation. Pray and ask Jesus to help you move past it and move on. You will be glad you did!
