Tempting

While not part of the temptations of Christ series we are going to talk about temptation again today. Because temptation is all around us.

If you have watched any TV, Movies, Listened to any music, driven down the road and seen the billboards around town you will no doubt have been tempted in some way or another by the people or products that are on display. The media in our environment today heavily leans into the "sex sells" narrative.

*When tempted, no one should say, “God is tempting me.” For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; but each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed. -James 1: 13-14

So. What is this saying? It’s on us right? We have a wondering heart. We are prone to navigate to the shiny right? We want the new and latest. We see the pretty young guy or gal and our eye lingers just a little longer then it should. These desires are deep in us and when we give into them we give into sin. We have to be strong and lean on God and look to him for guidance and support. We have to rely on him for strength and ask him to lead us not into temptation but to deliver us from evil.

He will not put us in any situation that we can’t overcome. It’s only when we done want to that the temptation becomes sin.

We are humans are weak and prone to sin. God knew this and that why he sent Jesus here to be the perfect sacrifice for us. To forgive us of our sins. This is not freedom to do as you like, we must still work hard to resist temptation and avoid sin, but know that when you do, and you turn to him and confess and repent, He is there with open arms ready to receive.

The will of God will never lead you where the grace of God will not protect you.

Press on. Fight the good fight. As a Soldier for Christ.