Vietnam Evangelical Covenant Church – In life, we often chase our own way and forget God’s good will for us. When we wander too far from His ways, temptation is already waiting in front of us, leading us into unhealthy relationships, to places we should not go and into wrong decisions.
Everyone has to face temptation, and it often comes when we least expect it. Understanding how temptation works is the first step to standing firm. The six questions below help us face temptation wisely and overcome it through God’s Word. Scripture quotations are from the Berean Standard Bible (BSB).
Every Christian who is growing spiritually is a “major threat” to the devil, and becomes a prime target he stalks, ready to pounce whenever he can.
Luke 4 tells how Jesus was tempted before He began His ministry at about age thirty. Jesus is God, so He could not sin, yet He felt the pressure and presence of temptation. So Jesus knows what temptation feels like, and He sympathizes with us.
“For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who was tempted in every way that we are, yet was without sin. Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.” (Hebrews 4:15–16)
Jesus also faced temptation, which shows us how to overcome it. He is our example, teaching us how to respond when the next temptation comes.
Living with temptation is hard, but if you truly belong to Christ, you can overcome it.
“Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love Him.” (James 1:12)
We can endure temptation, and there is a reward when we do. You will be blessed if you face it with courage.
So what is temptation? How can we escape it? Why does God allow Christians to be tempted? Here are six things every Christian needs to know about temptation:
1. Where Does Temptation Come From?
“We” are the key factor in the temptation that comes to us. We are tempted by our own desires.
“But each one is tempted when by his own evil desires he is lured away and enticed. Then after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death. Do not be deceived, my beloved brothers.” (James 1:14–16)
Sin starts as a thought in our mind; then we are deceived by the power of darkness, and finally we let temptation in. We are trapped, and then we sin. We also tend to blame others when we are tempted, but God’s Word says:
“When tempted, no one should say, “I am being tempted by God.” For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He tempt anyone.” (James 1:13)
2. When Does Temptation Usually Come?
Temptation often comes right after a wonderful time of worship. Don’t think that because you just came home from church, refreshed after worshiping and experiencing God, you will not be tempted. Often you are most vulnerable right after a spiritual high, because you let your guard down and forget the temptation lurking just ahead.
The best way to deal with it is to be ready at all times. Don’t think you are immune, because “pride comes before destruction” (Proverbs 16:18).
3. How Does Temptation Come?
It comes through our mind. You can resist it in your thoughts and declare to the devil, “Get behind me, Satan!”
4. Who Is Tempted?
Every Christian is tempted.
5. When Temptation Comes, What Should You Seek?
God’s will.
In life, we often chase our own way and forget God’s good will for us. When we wander too far from His ways, temptation appears right in front of us, leading us into unhealthy relationships, to places we should not go and into wrong decisions. To deal with it, you need to reorder your priorities and return to His Word.
6. What Is the Main Weapon Against Temptation?
“And take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.” (Ephesians 6:17)
We all have Bibles, but the best place to keep God’s Word is in our hearts.
If you are not a Christian, the devil will attack you according to his plans, drawing you deeper into sin until he controls you completely. But if you invite Jesus to rule your heart, you will be truly free and surrounded by the love He has given you.
Prepare Before You Face Temptation
A soldier does not wait for the enemy to attack before looking for a weapon. In the same way, we need to prepare before temptation comes: keep a habit of prayer, memorize a few Bible verses, and have brothers and sisters to share with when we are weak.
Write down one temptation you often face and one Bible verse to answer it, just as Jesus did in the wilderness with “It is written.” When you are prepared, you can face temptation with confidence in God instead of fear.
You may also like: Bible Verses About Temptation and Kill Your Pet Sin Before It Kills You.
Prayer
Lord, lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Help us stay alert, pray and use Your Word to stand firm against every temptation. In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.
Article: Communications Ministry – Vietnam Evangelical Covenant Church
Adapted from: ChristianPost.com
Read more articles in Devotions, or find a church near you on our Locations page. Contact the church office: 0942 248 688 (Zalo available).
