Every stage of life may present opportunities that were previously unavailable due in part to character development and maturity. In contrast to opportunities, temptations always are present to disrupt the success of an opportunity. The snare of temptation can be disguised in what appears acceptable, even beautiful and pleasurable.
Each person, Christian or otherwise, will be faced with the cutting edge of temptation. Jesus was tempted to take the easy way instead of the road to the cross. Satan tempted Jesus with worldly power and glory in place of being God’s suffering servant. Satan’s temptations denied the cost to be paid for the redemption of mankind.
Cutting-edge temptations attempt to slice away your trust and faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. It's important to model Jesus’ response to Satan’s temptations. He confronted Satan with God’s word. This is your defense, for God’s word is sharper than temptation’s cutting edge or anything that evil hurls at you.
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Jesus said to him, “Away from me, Satan! For it is
written: ‘Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.’”
~Matthew 4:10 New International Version
For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper
than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint
and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires.
~Hebrews 4:12 New Living Translation
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