Victim or Victor?

Did you know it is not a sin to be tempted? Being tempted only reminds us that we are living in a world that is not totally dependent on God. Temptation is something we have to learn to deal with. Even Jesus was tempted when He was physically on the earth. Even though Jesus was God’s Son, Satan tried to trip Him up. If Satan has the guts to tempt Jesus, then no one will be spared when it comes to temptation. Sometimes it comes on strong and other times it is a just a fleeting moment.

Last week we touched on Matthew 4. I would like to make that our focus again this week.

From your experience, what provides better joy: giving in to temptation or overcoming it by resisting it? You would think people’s answer would be giving in since that is what a lot of people do every day. Many people just settle in and embrace temptation to the point it goes away because they are living in it.

Regardless of your age or position in life, if you have a heartbeat, Satan will do his best to tempt you. He is relentless. The question is how to maintain an intimate relationship with the Lord in spite of the fact that the enemy tries his best to destroy it.

First of all, go to Matthew 4:1-11 and read it. Look at how Jesus was led by the Spirit into the desert to be tempted by the devil. Jesus was tempted right where He was living. Read it, saturate on this passage and see how Jesus used the very words of God to resist the devil and his conniving schemes. The enemy's plan is to thwart God’s plan for your life. He is wanting to stir up every relationship that represents God’s presence and provision in your life.

The only one who knows you more than yourself is God. So take the knowledge you have of yourself and put a plan together that will help you be the victor in the face of temptation. Ask yourself the question: How am I going to respond the next time I am tempted? Look up a verse that relates to the area of your life Satan has been attacking. Memorize it so you can quickly bring to mind God’s thoughts at any given moment. For example, when someone pushes your buttons to the point of explosion, bring Proverbs 15:1 to mind: “A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.”

When you are in the midst of temptation, stick to what you have decided ahead of time. Don’t let anything convince you of another course of action that you already determined to do. The moment you begin to compromise is the moment you put into jeopardy everything you value in life. Continuing to yield to temptation is deciding to push your relationship with your spouse, your best friend, or the Lord to the back burner. There is no room for regret. Take control of your next encounter with temptation. Plan ahead. It will hit you when you least expect it.

May your day today be filled with victory. May it be defined with your choices that are God honoring. May you live in the consequences of the Love of God to the glory of God.

Joy in Jesus!

Pastor Mike

www.findlayfirstnaz.org