Temptation

Alright, friends, confession time for me. You know how some people say they have a sweet tooth, symbolizing a desire for candy and desserts? Well I am absolutely convinced that I have a whole mouthful of sweet teeth. All I know is that my often insatiable desire for sweets can’t be caused by just one tooth. It’s often an overpowering temptation for me to gorge myself on sugar and sweet foods, in order to try to satisfy that sweet tooth (or teeth). However, I have come to realize that eating a cookie or a brownie or ice-cream does not satisfy my desire for sugar, instead it seems to intensify the urge and I continue wanting more. I have learned that I have to really watch my sugar temptation or I will allow myself to give in far too often.

I find that the same is true for many other temptations. We think that giving in to one little thing won’t be a big deal, but before we know it, that temptation has given way to more temptation and more sin and more destruction, and we have a much bigger problem on our hands. Cornelius Plantinga, Jr. has written a fantastic book called, “Not The Way It’s Supposed To Be- A Breviary of Sin”. In this book Plantinga discusses how sin breeds sin. It is not possible to give into one sin and expect it to stop there. Sin will always produce more sin. I don’t know about you, but that’s pretty discouraging to me. So what hope is there for this sinner?

 1 Corinthians 10:13 says, “No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with that temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.” There is help not only for the sugar addict, but also for the woman struggling with fear, pornography, jealousy, or selfishness. No matter what the temptation is, we can know that the Lord has already provided a way for us to escape. We do not have to give in to our temptations. The one who lives in us is greater than the temptation that is coming at us. What a wonderful promise for us, friends!

Hebrews 2:18 is also a wonderful encouragement for us in the midst of temptation. It says, “For because he himself has suffered when tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted.” The things that tempt us often feel like such strong forces that we have no option but to give in. Saints, the Lord has provided you with the ability to say “no” to that temptation and flee. Not only do we have the ability to turn away from the temptation, but the Lord will help us to do so. Live in the victory that this promise provides! Do not live in defeat, but claim the ability to conquer through Christ.