I am encouraged by what the Bible says in 1 Corinthians 10:13, “No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.”
We will all go through temptation. Not even Jesus was immune to Satan’s temptation while living here on earth. I hear people talk about God testing their faith when they are going through hard times; once in a while, I hear a subtle resentful tone. Though God has the power to deliver us from our trials, often He does allow us to endure. I know He sees a bigger picture than we do.
The Bible tells us in James 1:3-4 the testing of our faith produces patience. Patience is important to have because we need it while striving toward perfection or holiness in the Lord so His work can be completed in us and through us. The book of James is a wonderful book to gain understanding about trials and faith.
“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. Let no one say when he is tempted, ‘I am tempted by God’; for God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He Himself tempt anyone. But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed. Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death. Do not be deceived, my beloved brethren” (James 1:12-16)
To resist the temptation of the enemy, we need to recognize it right away for what it is. We are able to do this by knowing the word of God and storing it in our hearts. Jesus tells us in John 10:27 that those who follow Him, those He knows, will know His voice. The more time you spend in the Bible, the more you will be able to understand the character of God and be able to discern His voice from that of the enemy. Once you are able to differentiate temptation from what the Lord would lay on your heart, the choice to turn away from sin should be easier.
“Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. Draw near to God and He will draw near to you.” (James 4:7-8)
In Matthew chapter 4 the Bible talks about Jesus being tempted by Satan. It was after 40 days and nights of fasting. Satan tested Jesus suggesting, if He was really the Son of God, to turn the stones into bread. Of course Christ did not but rather told him that man does not live of just bread but by the words that proceed from God’s mouth. Satan then took Jesus on the pinnacle of the temple and said if he was really the Son of God to throw Himself down since the Bible says that God gives His angels charge over us and their hands would bear Him up so He wouldn’t hit His foot on a stone. Jesus told him, “It is written again, ‘You shall not tempt the LORD your God.” Satan didn’t quit rather he took Jesus op on a mountain and told Him that all the kingdoms would be His if He’d fall down to worship him. Jesus told him, “Away with you, Satan! For it is written, ‘You shall worship the LORD your God, and Him only you shall serve.’” Satan left then by Christ’s authority and angels came to minister to Jesus.
Jesus understands what it means to be tempted and is able to help us resist as we seek Him. We have authority in Jesus name to rebuke the enemy as Christians; as Christ dwells in our hearts.
Please check the following blogs within this series (Please note: Some blogs won’t be available for viewing until they’ve been formally released):
Trials and Faith: Why is This Happening?
Trial and Faith: Trials by Fire
Trials and Faith: The First Christian Martyr
Trials and Faith: Jesus Freaks
Scripture referenced is from the NKJV.