We Can Overcome

No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it. (1 Corinthians 10:13)

Temptations come to each of us almost moment by moment. They are directly connected to the decisions we make. If we choose to yield when tempted, they will cause us to sin or do harm to ourselves or others.

The temptations to sin that may affect us range from what some may call a white lie to an alcoholic having a drink. We are tempted to do and say things that we think will get us out of trouble or make our lives easier. We are tempted to say and do things that we think will bring us happiness and fun. Drugs, sex, and alcohol are strong temptations in the world we live in today. Lying, stealing, and sex are not even considered sin in some circles.

These temptations come from the evil in this world, from the powers of darkness, from the devil.

Corinthians tells us that these temptations are common to everyone and that God knows what is tempting us. He will not allow us to be tempted beyond what we can withstand, although it often seems so. There is always another choice that we can make. God makes a way of escape for every temptation.

Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. (James 4:7)

We are weak in mind and body and the devil uses the world’s views of right and wrong to convince us that we are not really sinning, that giving into a momentary temptation is no big deal. As Christians, convincing ourselves that we are doing nothing wrong is, not only lying to ourselves, but is mocking God.

Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap. For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life. (Galatians 6:7-8)

We know right from wrong. We know when the world says something is acceptable that it is not acceptable to God. Why do we play this game? Why do we allow the devil to tempt us and convince us to do what we know is wrong?

Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” (Matthew 26:41)

We must call on God to show us the way out when we are tempted. We will feel in our hearts and souls when something is not right. He will tell us by our consciences, by our knowledge, and by His word what is right and what is wrong. Do not give in to the temptation to sin. Do not be deceived. God is not tempting us. Temptation is from the deceiver, the accuser, and the liar.  

Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am being tempted by God,” for God cannot be tempted with evil, and he himself tempts no one. But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death. Do not be deceived, my beloved brothers. (James 1:13-16)

In our lives, we make choices. We can choose to go to places that will bring us to temptation. We can choose to be with people who will tempt us or whose behavior will tempt us. We can fool ourselves into believing that little lies don’t matter.

We have free will to do these things and we are pressured on all sides to do them. Evil whispers in our ears, ‘It’s ok. Everyone is doing it. Just this once won’t hurt.” Do not listen to anything that goes against Christ’s teaching.

And give no opportunity to the devil. (Ephesians 4:27)

What can we do then? We must pray and strengthen our relationship with the Father. We must be honest with ourselves and we must stay away from people and places that will tempt us. We always have a choice. We always have a way of escape given to us by God. We can overcome.

Little children, you are from God and have overcome them, for he who is in you is greater than he who is in the world. (John 4;4)

Prayer: Lord Jesus, you were tempted as we are, but you did not sin. You were offered what seemed to be good but was not. We are not strong like you. We need your help and guidance when temptations come our way. We need you to tell us what choices to make and how to flee from the devil’s influence and lies. We are weak, but you are strong. Give us your strength Lord. Amen.