Temptation is something that all believers encounter. According to the above verse, we are tempted when we are dragged away by our evil desire and enticed. Although we are saved by the grace of God and received a new life in God, our old sinful nature is still present in us, but it is no longer controlling us. Our sinful nature is very susceptible to all kinds of evil desires. Any desires that are not pleasing to God come from our sinful nature, such as listening to music and watching movies that do not glorify God, excessive drinking and smoking drugs, profanity, cheating, lying, etc. Every day we are surrounded by ungodliness, and we are constantly being tempted to do the same. However, we have the Spirit of God dwelling in us and helping us overcome our evil desires. However, we need to choose to submit to the ways of God in order for us to overcome temptations. James 4:7 says, "Submit yourselves to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you."
Temptation is not a sin, but when we give in to our temptation, we sin. It is our response to the temptation that will make us sin. For example, if we are being tempted to cheat or lie, we have not sinned yet, but if we choose and commit to cheat or lie, we just sin. And if we continue in sin and are not willing to turn from it, then it will lead us to destruction. So let us not give in to our temptation. Let us walk away from places and situations that can easily tempt us. The moment we feel that we are being tempted to sin, let us ask God for strength to overcome our temptation and change our direction. We can call someone to share our struggles and ask if they can pray for us when we are being tempted.
Satan tries to destroy our life by tempting us to do things that are not pleasing to God. And the only way to overcome our temptation is to submit ourselves to God. The closer we walk with God, the more we can overcome temptations in our life.
Ask yourself these questions: What is temptation? What should I do when I am being tempted? Why does Satan tempt me to do things that are not pleasing to God?
Write down all the worries that you are facing today and lift them up to God.
Prayer:
Father in Heaven, you are my God, and you do not tempt me to sin, but Satan is always there to tempt me to do things that are not pleasing to you so that he can destroy my life. Please help me to submit myself to you completely. Please help me to overcome any temptation that I face today. In the name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.