Temptation's Objective

What basically defines temptation? Temptation is a craving or desire for what is out of bounds because it doesn’t conform with what is righteous or healthy. The objective of temptation is to stifle the voice of the Holy Spirit while destroying a clear conscience. Resisting temptation is not easy, for its lure appears to be an acceptable option.

The cutting edge of temptation is desire and craving, for the moment you consider a temptation, your imagination appraises the possibilities and costs it offers. However attractive the imagination may construe temptation to be, submitting to its appeal can result in a lifetime of regret.

Resisting is an essential first step in defeating temptation’s traps. God's word encourages you to accept resisting as your only option. “Resist Satan and he will flee from you” is a promise from God's word. Resisting under the banner and power of Jesus Christ is a sure way to fight the appeal of temptation.    

 

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In conclusion be strong – not in yourselves but in the Lord, in the power of his boundless strength. Put on God’s complete armor so that you can successfully resist all the devil’s craftiness.

~Ephesians 6:10-11 Phillips – New Testament in Modern English

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Different Paths – Different Destinations

The Old Testament story of Samson echoes the story of Israel. An angel of God announced his birth and proclaimed that he was to be dedicated to the Lord for a special purpose. God gave him special powers for securing that purpose. Yet as he grew into adulthood, Samson’s lusty passions would lead him down the road to destruction.

In a similar way at a later time, God chose Jeremiah: “Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you. Before you were born, I set you apart and appointed you as a prophet to Israel.” Jeremiah’s passion for proclaiming God’s message sent him out into the streets to alert Israel they must turn back to God to avoid the destruction that was looming on the horizon for them. However unlike Jeremiah’s passion, Samson’s ungodly passion led him to pursue Delilah, the woman responsible for securing his downfall.

While each person will undergo temptations to forsake their higher calling, for every temptation God is faithful to provide a way to escape the entrapment of being lured into sin. Like Samson, we’re often inundated by Satan’s fiery darts, but thanks be to God for Christ Jesus our safeguard, who will shield us from the power of ungodly passions.   

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No temptation has come your way that is too hard for flesh and blood to bear. But God can be trusted not to allow you to suffer any temptation beyond your powers of endurance. He will see to it that every temptation has its way out, so that it will be possible for you to bear it.

~1 Corinthians 10:13 Phillips – New Testament in Modern English

Happy is the man who doesn’t give in and do wrong when he is tempted, for afterwards he will get as his reward the crown of life that God has promised those who love him.

James 1:12 The Living Bible

Choose God's Way: Resist Evil - Part 2

No one lives a perfect Christian life. Temptation abounds and must be faced and rejected. God makes sure we are not alone in our fight against evil by sending help so we will not be overtaken by wickedness. The Apostle Paul instructs us to put on the full armor of God so we will be able to stand our ground against Satan. Jesus promises to send the Holy Spirit to counsel and instruct us.

God wants us to be single-minded and resolve to serve him and him alone. Jesus reminds us that we cannot serve two masters - either God or whatever the world offers. Being single-minded requires knowing where you’re going and to whom you are committed. Have you chosen God’s way?

It's appropriate to closely examine yourself to see if you’re in line with God's purpose and direction. The unexamined life is subject to faltering. Remember, it pleases God when you constantly press on toward the high calling in Christ Jesus. God created you to choose his way, so why not make that choice now?  

Half-hearted Prophets and Compromised Faith - Part 3

Compromise can be seen as positive or negative.  Every soul has had to cope with its implications. Lawsuits are often settled by compromise. Without compromise, legislation would not become law. A popular song a few decades back had this haunting line, "I've done a load of compromising on the road to my horizons."

Balaam, an Old Testament personality compromised his belief in God on the road to his horizons. The book of Jude issues this warning. “Woe to those who blindly pursue wealth while disregarding God’s will and purpose for their lives.” Balaam needed power and recognition in addition to wealth. He flirted with evil by thinking he was above reaping evil’s penalties.

God's word tells you to resist compromising your faith, to resist Satan so he will flee from you. God sends warning signs when you begin to consider compromise and temptation.  God sent an angel to rebuke Balaam, but tragically his heart was unwilling to heed the angel’s words. Compromise can be resisted when you love God with all your heart, soul and mind.