Overcoming Temptation

Temptation- is defined in Wikipedia as an act that looks appealing to an individual. It is usually used to describe acts with negative connotations and as such, tends to lead a person to regret such actions, for various reasons: legal, social, psychological (including feeling guilt), health, economic, etc. Temptation also describes the coaxing or inducing a person into committing such an act, by manipulation or otherwise of curiosity, desire or fear of loss.

Temptation is such a common thing in this world. It always follow you wherever you go, whether you will be at home, work, school, streets, or even at church. The fact is, it is always presence wherever you are. So what are yo gonna do now..? Will just give in...? Or you will stand against it...?

Each of us has our own weaknesses. I don't have to list all  those things here for you to know your weakness.. And the devil knows how to attack you. But before proceeding, let me just clarify this: TEMPTATION IS NOT DESIGNED BY GOD.

James 1:13-15

Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man: But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust , and enticed.
Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.

See the equation...?

Give in to your own Lust ------> SIN ------> DEATH

Yes. You read it right... DEATH!!! Pretty scary huh...? Overcoming temptations are not easy to do. Especially if it tackles about your strongest desires... And you are usually tempted when you are at your most vulnerable state. Take note of this: HALT. Pretty familiar....? For those who haven't bumped in this yet here's the meaning:

• H- Hungry
• A- Alone
• L- Lonely
• T- Tired

Just take for example, Jesus tempted by Satan after His baptism: He's alone, hungry and tired.. Lonely...? I'm not sure with that... Might be. But the point is, Jesus was tempted too.. and HE overcome it. And he was tempted while He was still on His human nature. That implies that, we too, can overcome temptations... But how...?

• Word of God- If the word of God becomes a part of your life, then it increases your endurance against temptation. Just what Jesus said to Satan:"It is written again, Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God". He used the Scripture to overcome temptation.
• Prayer- This is the most powerful tool against the devil. Talking to God constantly draws you more closer to Him. Building a relationship with the Lord makes you stand stronger against the attacks of the devil. As what says in the Lord's Prayer: "And lead us not into temptation".

We can't overcome the devil by ourselves alone. We need the Lord to help us. And Prayer and His Word builds that relationship between  you and God.

Does God allows temptations to happen ...?

1 Corinthians 1:13

"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, that you may be able to endure it."

As what I understand, Yes! But, as what he said: "And God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able".   

James 1:12

"Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him."

So what is the result of giving in to temptation..? DEATH

And for enduring temptation...? CROWN OF LIFE

IT IS YOUR CHOICE!!!