We’ve got your daily encouragement, written by Travis Pate.
Bible Reading:
“Now these things took place as examples for us, that we might not desire evil as they did. Do not be idolaters as some of them were; as it is written, “The people sat down to eat and drink and rose up to play.” We must not indulge in sexual immorality as some of them did, and twenty-three thousand fell in a single day. We must not put Christ to the test, as some of them did and were destroyed by serpents, nor grumble, as some of them did and were destroyed by the Destroyer. Now these things happened to them as an example, but they were written down for our instruction, on whom the end of the ages has come. Therefore let anyone who thinks that he stands take heed lest he fall. No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.”1 Corinthians 10:6-13
Word:
Temptation has been around since Adam and Eve walked through the Garden of Eden. We are all familiar with the story of the serpent enticing Eve with the fruit from the forbidden tree. In Ch. 4 of Genesis, we see another story of temptation and sin within the story of Cain and Abel. Cain feels slighted because God does not accept his offering, while He does accept Abel’s.
In the story, God makes an interesting statement about temptation. God tells Cain, “If you do what is right, will you not be accepted? But if you do not do what is right, sin is crouching at your door; it desires to have you, but you must rule over it.” (Genesis 4:7)
God knew Cain’s heart and knew that he was having thoughts of causing harm to Abel. He tells Cain that he must make a choice in the face of the temptation that was before him. God told Cain he must rule over the temptation. I know, easier said than done, right?!
God has given us all of the tools we need to face temptation. Ephesians 6 tells us that we should put on the armor of God to fight these spiritual battles. Most importantly, we need the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. All of the other armor is for our defense, but the word of God is our weapon to fight temptation. Jesus himself uses the word of God during the time he was tempted by Satan. Each time Satan put a temptation before Jesus, Jesus’s response includes, “It is written.” Jesus was able to endure Satan’s attack by using the word of God.
We are often faced with choices between the flesh and the Spirit many times per day. We must be grounded in the word of God so that we can endure these attacks and remain strong in our faith.
Prayer:
Dear God, you have instructed us in how to pray, so we are obedient and ask that you lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Help us to stand firm in our faith when we face temptation. May our thoughts and actions be pleasing to you. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Skillwork:
Do you have “go to” verses? I use this phrase to describe verses that you would use to help you remain strong in your walk. Commit to memorizing 2 or 3 verses that you can use to help you remain faithful when you are faced with temptation.
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