Episode 88-Standing Strong Against Temptation

We are starting on a new series in this Episode with the theme-Standing Strong, and by this we mean standing strong in order to overcome Temptation.

You would agree with me that we all face temptations on a daily basis. Temptation is everywhere and it comes in different ways. With the economic crunch we face today, so many people would be confronted with financial temptation. Then there is the temptation for lust and pleasure; there is the temptation to run after positions and privileges and so on.

So it would be correct to say that temptation is a part and parcel of our lives. Temptation started right at the beginning of creation when Adam and Eve succumbed to the lies of the devil.

The devil tempted Jesus at the beginning of His ministry. None of us can be immune to temptation. No matter how spiritually matured you are, you would continue to face temptations.

What exactly does it mean to be tempted?

Temptation is a compelling desire, a hunger, the pull to disobey God and do things our own way. Someone described temptation as-the devil looking through the keyhole and yielding to temptation as opening the door and inviting him in. Did you get that-Temptation is the devil looking through the keyhole and yielding is opening the door and allowing him to enter. So temptation is not sin. What we do with it is what determines whether we sin or not. It is inevitable that we face temptations. It is not inevitable that we succumb to temptations. This is why the Lord asks us in James 4:7 to humble ourselves before God. And to resist the devil, so that he would flee from us.

Also temptation is common to everyone. Temptation is impartial. Whether you are in spiritual leadership or a baby in the things of the spirit, we all face temptations in our own peculiar ways. Some people would want us to believe that they face more intense challenges and temptations than everyone else. This is not true because the underlying root of temptation is a desire to place our will above the will of God. Whenever you are facing temptation, it is a pull to place your selfish desire above what God wants you to do.

Temptation could also be described as an inward battle that results from an outward test. In this case, it would come through the trials and tests of life.

It could be a personal disappointment. You probably had expectations of someone and they failed you. You may either accept that disappointment as human failure; and love them in spite of it, or you may begin to feel bitterness and resentment towards the person. Those feelings of resentment move you into a place of being tempted to act unkindly towards the person.