You may not believe it, but there is in fact good news about temptation. This simple three-day devotional unpacks a single scripture with some comforting truths to help you navigate your way through temptation.
Journey Church SA
Day 1
Scriptures: 1 Corinthians 10:13, Hebrews 4:15, 1 Peter 5:8-9
Truth #1: We Are Not Alone
In the thick of temptation, it’s easy for us to feel like we are the only person on the planet cutting through the jungle of evil thoughts and desires. Paul the Apostle consoled the Corinthian church with these words, “No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind” (1 Corinthians 10:13).
The good news is we are not alone in our temptations!
All of our temptations are in fact common – ordinary, typical, or universal. Yet it is Satan – whom Jesus referred to as ‘the father of lies’ – who deceives us into thinking that our temptations are unique. Nothing could be further from the truth. Every human being is grappling with the same kind of evil thoughts and desires that we are, day in and day out. The danger in believing our temptations are unique, is that it can cause us to be swallowed up in a sea of shame, leading us to doubt God’s great love for us.
To top it off, we can be comforted knowing that while on earth, Jesus Himself wrestled with the exact same temptations we do! The only difference is that He never buckled under the pressure and said yes to sin, and that is what qualified Him to become the perfect sacrifice for our sins.
So take heart, your temptations are not unique and you are not alone, God is with you and He wants to help you.
Prayer:
God, thank you that I am not alone in my temptations, you are right here with me every step of the way. Please give me your power to say no when I am tempted; as well as the faith to believe that you do forgive me when I fail and say yes to temptation. Amen.
Day 2
Scriptures: 1 Corinthians 10:13, James 1:13, Titus 2:11-14
Truth #2: We Can Say No
Let’s be honest, certain temptations can be so tantalizing that to resist them would seem completely ludicrous. It’s at this point we usually give in, quickly regret our decision and then justify ourselves by saying, “I just couldn’t stop myself” or “They made me do it”. Paul’s statement to the church in Corinth quickly dissolves these kinds of lies when he said, “And God is faithful; He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear.” (1 Corinthians 10:13).
The good news is we can say no to our temptations!
We can say no, but not in our own strength, we need the presence and power of the Holy Spirit in us to help shield us against Satan’s schemes. The truth is, without the Spirit’s help, we will find ourselves saying yes to sin more often than we would like. It is fellowship with the Holy Spirit that produces in us the fruit of self-control, giving us not only the desire but also the ability to say no when we are tempted. If we relied more upon the Holy Spirit, we would live with fewer regrets.
And while self-control is a Christian virtue, resisting temptation should never be focused on our ability to say no to Satan, but rather on our desire to say yes to God. Having a heart that loves and seeks to please God, makes saying no so much easier.
Crucial to staying strong in the faith, is not blurring the lines between what is a temptation and what is a test. The difference is that temptation is Satan’s invitation to destroy our faith, a test is God’s invitation to strengthen our faith; and although God allows us to be tempted, He is faithful to never allow it to reach the point where it crushes us.
Stand in confidence knowing with God’s help, you can say no when being tempted.
Prayer:
God, thank you for your faithfulness and for never allowing my temptations to crush me. Please fill me with your Holy Spirit and produce in me both the desire and the ability to say no when I am tempted. Amen.
Day 3
Scriptures: 1 Corinthians 10:13, Genesis 39:11-12, Isaiah 41:13
Truth #3: We Have A Way Out
Navigating temptation can be as exhausting and frustrating as trying to find the exit of a maze, a complex system of connected passages, including many dead-ends, that one must roam through in order to find the way out of.
Paul concluded his encouragement to the Corinthians saying, “But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.” (1 Corinthians 10:13).
The good news is we have a way out of our temptations!
We need to know God sees our maze of temptations from a bird’s-eye view, and more than just knowing where the exit is, He wants to hold our hand and lead us out of it. His guidance can be as simple as convicting us about watching a certain television series, nudging us to bite our tongue in a heated conversation, and even encouraging us to run from trouble like Joseph did when being lured by Potiphar’s wife.
God finds absolutely no pleasure in seeing us pushed into a corner by temptation. His heart is for us to live in freedom from sin, and so He promises to offer us a way out every time we are tempted, we just need to be willing to submit to His leading.
So next time you are tempted, remember the good news:
1. You are not alone.
2. You can say no.
3. God will provide a way out for you.
Prayer:
God, thank you that I never have to navigate temptation on my own, you are the one who holds me by the hand and guides me away from danger. Amen