Overcoming Temptation

“No temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to man; and God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, so that you will be able to endure it.” (1 Corinthians 10:13 NASB)

Every Christian is tempted to sin.  But no Christian is forced to give in to it.  In fact, God promises to give us a “way of escape” when the temptation hits.  The problem is that all too often we choose the “passing pleasure of sin” (Hebrews 11:25) rather than the disciplined endurance of holiness.           

Whatever temptation you might be facing, it is encouraging to know that you are not alone.  You might think that no one has ever experienced temptation to sin like you have, but you would be wrong.  All people are born with sin natures, and therefore are tempted in numerous ways.  Others have been tempted just as bad as you have been…and they have overcome….and they have fallen.             

Christians have the ability to refrain from sin because of God’s gracious work in their life.  If Jesus Christ is Lord of your life, then there was some point at which the Holy Spirit of God convicted you of your sin and you were spiritually “born again.” (John 3:3)  Because of this, that same Holy Spirit lives within you; guiding, strengthening, and providing the “way of escape” when temptation comes.  The question is, will you choose the escape, or will you choose the sin?           

 If Jesus Christ is not Lord of your life, then sin is your master. (Romans 6:17)  You might not like hearing that, but it’s true all the same.  In your case, liberation is needed before temptation can be overcome.  As a helpless sinner, you must throw yourself upon the mercy of Christ.  Cry out to Jesus in repentance and faith.  Ask Him to save you and be Lord of your life.  He promises forgiveness.  He promises a clean slate.  He promises eternal life.  And He promises the ability to have victory over sin.  Jesus offers this to you.  The question is: what will you choose to do? 

This entry was posted on November 28, 2007 at 8:43 am and is filed under Christian Living. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response or trackback from your own site.

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