Temptation
“Temptation may even be a blessing to a man when it reveals to him his weakness and drives him to the almighty Savior. Do not be surprised, then, dear child of God, if you are tempted at every step of your earthly journey, and almost beyond endurance; but you will not be tempted beyond what you are able to bear, and with every temptation there will be a way of escape.”
- F.B. Meyer
Scripture
Matthew 6:13
And do not bring us into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.
Hebrews 4:15
For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who has been tempted in every way as we are, yet without sin. Therefore, let us approach the throne of grace with boldness, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in time of need.
James 1:13-15
No one undergoing a trial should say, “I am being tempted by God,” since God is not tempted by evil, and he himself doesn’t tempt anyone. But each person is tempted when he is drawn away and enticed by his own evil desire. Then after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin, and when sin is fully grown, it gives birth to death (separation from God).
1 John 2:15-17
Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For everything in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride in one’s possessions—is not from the Father, but is from the world. And the world with its lust is passing away, but the one who does the will of God remains forever.
Prayer
Dear Lord Jesus,
I try hard not to stumble in my walk of faith, but you know the temptations that I face today. I experience desires that lead me away from you. Sometimes the temptation seems too strong for me. The desires seem too powerful to resist.
I need your help in this battle. I cannot walk alone, Lord. I need your guidance. My flesh is weak. Please help me. Fill me with the power of your Holy Spirit to give me strength. I cannot make it without you.
Amen.
Reflections
1. Will giving into this temptation hurt me, someone else, or God?
2. Who can help me resist this temptation?
3. What are triggers to feeling this temptation?
4. How will I feel if I give in to this temptation?
5. Will giving in to this temptation strengthen my relationship with Jesus?
6. What does scripture say about this specific temptation?
7. How can I avoid this temptation in the future?
8. How does it make you feel that Jesus loves you despite your urge to give in to this temptation?
