January 7, 2008

 

For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin.

 

--Hebrews 4:15

 

No one is immune to temptation… including you!

 

Everyone struggles with temptation at different times. And many of our desires are natural, God-given desires. The problem comes when we try to fulfill those desires in the devil’s way—or our own way—and not in God’s way.

 

It is not a sin to be tempted… it’s only a sin when we yield to temptation! But God has given us a powerful key to overcoming temptation. It’s His Word.

 

And one of the greatest examples of someone who used the Scripture to defeat temptation is Jesus Christ Himself!

 

You know, a lot of people I meet really aren’t sure that Jesus was tempted like you and I are tempted. Yet He was! The writer of Hebrews confirms this for us in today’s verse.

 

Yes, Jesus Himself was tempted. And He defeated the enemy by using the very same tool that we have available to us—the Word of God. But remember, Jesus didn’t just quote the Scripture like some magical hocus-pocus. He submitted His life to the Word of God. And because of this, Jesus was absolutely dependent on God. That’s why the devil couldn’t succeed at making Jesus fall into temptation!

 

Let me encourage you today… if you are feeling tempted to sin, talk to God about it. He knows what you’re thinking and feeling anyway, so why not be honest with Him about your struggles? I truly believe that God appreciates that kind of honesty.

 

Take your struggles to the Lord, and at the same time immerse yourself in God’s Word. Let the Scripture remind you of God’s love for you, and that you can trust Him to bring about His plans for your life!

 

God is able to satisfy the desires of your heart… in ways that are good and pleasing to Him. Ask Him to help you with the areas where you struggle, and He will make you a victor over sin!

 

Jesus defeated the enemy by using the very same tool that we have available to us—the Word of God.