Have you ever had strong inclinations to experience forbidden things without knowing the ramifications of the outcome? Something that sounds really interesting and looks so delicious that you couldn’t resist. I believe that curiosity gets the best of us and that’s what causes us to act upon our desires. Well, that’s exactly what temptation does, its entices. Temptation extends an open invitation to sin. It’s a strong urge to have or act on something, regardless of the impending consequences.
Temptation is the devil’s most effective choice of weapons when attacking Christians. His first attack happened 2,000 years ago in the Garden of Eden, where he appeared before Eve and tempted her to eat fruit from the tree located in the middle of the garden. Temptation is the bait that satan uses to trap unsuspecting prey. It has proven to be one of his most destruction weapons to this day. He cunningly entices his prey to partake of the forbidden fruit of sin. The fruit looks very inviting, however, satan’s bait leads to destruction, and even death; (Gal. 5:19-21).
The Word of God is our best defense against satan’s temptation. Jesus overcame satan by faithfully speaking his Father’s Word during their battle in the wilderness; (Matt. 4:1-11). When we read the Bible, we are equipping ourselves before the battle. The Word of God clothes us, it covers us as if we are actually putting our spiritual armor on; (Eph. 6:13-18). This allows us to withstand the attacks of the enemy. We can avoid the spiritual darts that satan throws at us when we are dressed properly for the battle. We resist temptation by resisting the tempter himself. It is the power of the Holy Spirit that enables us to free ourselves from the temptations that we struggle with mentally and physically.
How do we free ourselves from sin? First, we must submit ourselves to God, then we are able to resist the devil, and then he will flee; (James 4:7). If we live by the Spirit, we will not gratify the desires of the flesh; (Gal. 5:16). 1st Corinthians 10:13 reads, “No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. 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 that you can stand up under it.”
If you’re experiencing strong inclinations to sin, beware that the following consequences do apply…
“Sin will take you farther than you’ll want to go. Keep you longer than you’ll want to stay. It will cost you more than you’ll want to pay.”
Stop the devil in his tracks by refusing to take his bait.
Jeanie Martin Ministries 