One of the earliest passages of scripture to catch my attention was 1 Corinthians 10:13, “No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.” (NKJV)
Temptation is a fact of life, we are tempted with the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eye and the pride of life. But, here is the good news temptation is not sin, it only becomes sin when we yield to it. James reminds us of just how deceptive Satan really is when tempting us. “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. 14 But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed. 15 Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death. 16 Do not be deceived, my beloved brethren.” (James 1:13–16 NKJV). The idea that we can blame Satan for all our sinful short comings is neither scriptural, or beneficial for us getting victory over those areas in our life that are not in complete submission to the Lordship of Jesus Christ.
Remember Jesus wanted us to know what the enemies agenda was, “The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.” (John 10:10 NKJV) The one thing we never want to do, is to help Satan accomplish his deceptive and destructive agenda by yielding to his temptations. Paul tells us to put on the whole armor of God, "....that we may be able to stand against the wiles (schemes) of the devil." Yes, we are in a spiritual war, and the victory is ours in Christ. So, let us heed the words of the Apostle Paul to the Corinthians, “For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh. 2Corinthians 10:4 For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, 2Corinthians 10:5 casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ, 2Corinthians 10:6 and being ready to punish all disobedience when your obedience is fulfilled.” (2 Corinthians 10:3–6 NKJV)
Temptation is a fact of life, we are tempted with the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eye and the pride of life. But, here is the good news temptation is not sin, it only becomes sin when we yield to it. James reminds us of just how deceptive Satan really is when tempting us. “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. 14 But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed. 15 Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death. 16 Do not be deceived, my beloved brethren.” (James 1:13–16 NKJV). The idea that we can blame Satan for all our sinful short comings is neither scriptural, or beneficial for us getting victory over those areas in our life that are not in complete submission to the Lordship of Jesus Christ.
Remember Jesus wanted us to know what the enemies agenda was, “The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.” (John 10:10 NKJV) The one thing we never want to do, is to help Satan accomplish his deceptive and destructive agenda by yielding to his temptations. Paul tells us to put on the whole armor of God, "....that we may be able to stand against the wiles (schemes) of the devil." Yes, we are in a spiritual war, and the victory is ours in Christ. So, let us heed the words of the Apostle Paul to the Corinthians, “For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh. 2Corinthians 10:4 For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, 2Corinthians 10:5 casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ, 2Corinthians 10:6 and being ready to punish all disobedience when your obedience is fulfilled.” (2 Corinthians 10:3–6 NKJV)
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