THURSDAY November 14, 2019
Understanding Temptation
Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am tempted by God”; for God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He Himself tempt anyone. But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed. Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death.
James 1:13-15
Underline these important verses in your Bible. Understand, God does not tempt you to sin in any way––ever. God is holy. He does not tempt us with evil. He is a good God. However, those who have fallen into sin should examine the reasons why it happened. Did they go to a place of temptation where they knew they should not be? God did not take them there and force them into the situation!
Often people ask, “Why would God allow this temptation in my life?” God allows situations in our lives to build Christian character––integrity. In perfecting our character, God will deal with our flesh––carnal traits. Trials and temptations can purify us and break us of our self-will.
Remember the patriarch Jacob? He was known for scheming and manipulating situations in his life. He followed a plan created by Rebekah,his mother, to devise a way to take the blessing of Esau’s birthright away (Genesis 27). Later, Jacob wrestled with God. He was left lame, and his name changed to Israel. In the Hebrew language, the name Israel means “governed by God” (Genesis 32:22-32).
Christians may try to wrestle with God, but they will fail. Like Jacob, we are to become broken before God, so that we can become governed by Him. God is all-sufficient in our lives. He touches our lives and raises us up. We will never forget those memorable times of brokenness.
In our Christian walk, the temptations we face are basically the same. They may have different names or come in different disguises, but there is nothing new under the sun. God’s Word never changes; is steady on course––it tells you exactly what God desires for your life. Obey it and do not yield to temptation.
It is not a sin to be tempted; the sin is to fall into temptation.
~D.L Moody~
For more from Raul Ries, please visit Somebodylovesyouradio.org!