(Cont'd)

Temptations will continue to come to you as long as you're in the flesh. The most anointed people are also tempted. God the Son was tempted in the flesh. 

Hebrews 2:14-18 (AMP) says this about Jesus:

[14]Since, therefore, [these His] children share in flesh and blood [in the physical nature of human beings], He [Himself] in a similar manner partook of the same [nature], that by [going through] death He might bring to nought and make of no effect him who had the power of death–that is, the devil–

[15]And also that He might deliver and completely set free all those who through the [haunting] fear of death were held in bondage throughout the whole course of their lives.

[16]For, as we all know, He [Christ] did not take hold of angels [the fallen angels, to give them a helping and delivering hand], but He did take hold of [the fallen] descendants of Abraham [to reach out to them a helping and delivering hand]. [Isa. 41:8, 9.]

[17]So it is evident that it was essential that He be made like His brethren in every respect, in order that He might become a merciful (sympathetic) and faithful High Priest in the things related to God, to make atonement and propitiation for the people's sins.

[18]For because He Himself [in His humanity] has suffered in being tempted (tested and tried), He is able [immediately] to run to the cry of (assist, relieve) those who are being tempted and tested and tried [and who therefore are being exposed to suffering].

The temptation is not the sin. Falling into temptation is the sin. Temptations are not the end of the world. Jesus has given us victory over the devil (the father of sin and sinners) in the second part of verse 14 above. Read verse 18 again with understanding.

Not enough?

"For no temptation (no trial regarded as enticing to sin), [no matter how it comes or where it leads] has overtaken you and laid hold on you that is not common to man [that is, no temptation or trial has come to you that is beyond human resistance and that is not adjusted and adapted and belonging to human experience, and such as man can bear]. But God is faithful [to His Word and to His compassionate nature], and He [can be trusted] not to let you be tempted and tried and assayed beyond your ability and strength of resistance and power to endure, but with the temptation He will [always] also provide the way out (the means of escape to a landing place), that you may be capable and strong and powerful to bear up under it patiently" (1 Corinthians 10:13; Amplified Bible).

The chorus of one of Dr Paul Enenche's song says: 

And He will make a way to escape for you

My God will make a way to triumph for you

He will never allow you to be defeated

He won't let what will conquer you confront you

No temptation is irresistable. No temptation is beyond human resistance. Whatever temptation comes your way, you are more than equal to tackle it. You may not feel like it (you won't feel like it many times) but this is God's Word, and He's "not a man that He should lie". He also "honours His Word more than (He honours) His Name." If He said it, then it's true. You should be sure of His Word more than you're sure of your name.

If you keep falling, it's because you haven't realized this Truth. Now that you know it, let it sink in. When next you are tempted, you can choose to fight it or flee from it. Falling is not a choice anymore. Just be careful that you aren't the one looking for temptation. Also, remember to rely on God's Grace, not just your willpower. Do your part of fighting or fleeing and let God do His part of enabling you to keep fighting.

Don't walk towards temptation and tell yourself "You can do it. You can fight it. You can do it." No, you can't do it! Not that way. You have to run. When it happens in your mind (like sexual thoughts) that you can't run away from, fight it. Think of something else.

Philippians 4:8 (LB) says to "…Fix your thoughts on what is true and good and right. Think about things that are pure and lovely, and dwell on the fine, good things in others. Think about all you can praise God for and be glad about."

People may call you names when you're trying to avoid sinful situations. Ignore them. Don't argue with them. You can tell them why you're doing it, but don't argue. Try to please God, not them. God made you for Him; they didn't create you. It's God Who will judge how we live our earthly lives, not them. It was Jesus Who died for you, not them.

Do you understand it now?

(To be continued)