Temptation Situation

On a daily basis we are constantly attacked by Satan’s lies. He tries his best to cause us to take the easy way out: sin. Because of this, we must be on constant guard against him and the sin his lies produce. How can we be in control during temptation situations?

Genesis 4:7 says, “You will be accepted if you respond in the right way. But if you refuse to respond correctly, then watch out! Sin is waiting to attack and destroy you, and you must subdue it."

This passage tells us that we either are controlled by sin, or we subdue it and become its master. Why is it so hard to do good rather than evil though? Paul and James put it in perspective for us with the harsh truths their books expose. Paul, tells us in Romans 6:16, “Don't you realize that whatever you choose to obey becomes your master? You can choose sin, which leads to death, or you can choose to obey God and receive his approval.” James also tells us about our desires in James 1:14-15, “Temptation comes from the lure of our own evil desires. These evil desires lead to evil actions, and evil actions lead to death.”

We aren’t left hanging though. God’s word doesn’t just tell us that our evil desires are what cause our sin, but it also tells us how to overcome it. Once again, Paul lays it down for us and gives us the remedy we need. Philippians 2:12B-13 says, “Now that I am away you must be even more careful to put into action God's saving work in your lives, obeying God with deep reverence and fear. For God is working in you, giving you the desire to obey him and the power to do what pleases him.”

When it comes down to it, in order to overcome the evil desires that we have as human beings, we must obey God. As Christians, the Holy Spirit provides the desires that God wants us to have. We can take comfort in the fact that God is working in us to choose what is right. Only He can provide the desire and power to do what pleases Him. When you are in a temptation situation, don’t try to overcome it on your own. Instead, call upon God to provide His power so that you can desire to do what is right in His eyes.