Have you ever encountered temptation that was too enticing to resist?
The problem with temptation and lust is … they lie. Temptation promises us pleasure, but all it delivers is pain.
Ephesians 4:22
…that you put away, as concerning your former way of life, the old man that grows corrupt after the lusts of deceit,
Lust and temptation tell you that there’s greater pleasures to be had than the ones that God can bestow upon you.
1 Peter 5:8
Be sober and self-controlled. Be watchful. Your adversary, the devil, walks around like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.
Be sober and self-controlled. Be watchful. Your adversary, the devil, walks around like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.
Yes, the Devil, the tempter (1 Corinthians 7:5), is ALWAYS PROWLING, ready to lie to you. But scripture is clear that no lustful desire can give us more pleasure than we get from drawing closer to God and Christ Jesus.
Psalms 37:4
Also delight yourself in Yahweh, and he will give you the desires of your heart.
Also delight yourself in Yahweh, and he will give you the desires of your heart.
Why Do So Many People Give In To Deceitful Lust?
The Bible makes it clear that pride is one of biggest enemies in fighting deceitful lust and temptation.
Proverbs 16:18
Pride goes before destruction, and an arrogant spirit before a fall.
Pride goes before destruction, and an arrogant spirit before a fall.
Temptation Is Not Sin
Very simply, we are not sinning when we get tempted. Everyone must battle temptation as part of their walk with Christ. Even Jesus was tempted …
Hebrews 4:15
For we don’t have a high priest who can’t be touched with the feeling of our infirmities, but one who has been in all points tempted like we are, yet without sin.
For we don’t have a high priest who can’t be touched with the feeling of our infirmities, but one who has been in all points tempted like we are, yet without sin.
Sin occurs when we give in to temptation.
Even With A World Full Of Temptation, God Is In Complete Control
Scripture tells us that Satan does not have permission to give us more temptation that we can cope with.
1 Corinthians 10:13
No temptation has taken you except what is common to man. God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted above what you are able, but will with the temptation also make the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.
No temptation has taken you except what is common to man. God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted above what you are able, but will with the temptation also make the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.
How Do We See The Truth When Confronted With Deceitful Lusts And Temptations?
With God’s strength, we are far from helpless against Satan’s attacks. Every day we can pray for deliverance from temptation and for wisdom to avoid it.
Matthew 26:41
Watch and pray, that you don’t enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.
Watch and pray, that you don’t enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.
We can surround ourselves with lovers of Christ and be careful to avoid temptation-filled places and situations.
Proverbs 4:14
Don’t enter into the path of the wicked. Don’t walk in the way of evil men.
Don’t enter into the path of the wicked. Don’t walk in the way of evil men.
Scripture reassures us that if we resist Satan that he will FLEE from us (James 4:7). Even better, when we resist Satan we draw nearer to God, and He also draws nearer to us (James 4:8).
