When you are tempted…

One thought on “When you are tempted…”

1. I thought of this strategy to help resist temptations. And I feel that this strategy will help other Christian overcome these temptations.
   The trick to resisting tempation not only comes from resisting the urge, but replacing the temptation with something pleasant and Christlike. I call this the four R’s of resisting temptation.
   • RECOGNIZE: What is the trigger for the temptation? Are their set times for the sinful behavior? What environment create the sudden urge to do evil? If you are currently in that environment, what do you notice?
   • Remember Scripture: Remember what God says in His Word. (see part 3)
   • RESIST: There are three questions to consider during this step.
   1. What does GOD want? This is where understanding Scripture comes in very handy. Remember, God’s Word is 100% truth, and cannot be sugarcoated or changed. This means, whatever is written goes, regardless of the circumstances. The truth will always see you free from every negative influence and consequence in your life. Be forewarned though, even Satan knows Scripture, and can use that knowledge against you as a means for temptation. Do not let your guard down. This is where step 2 becomes critical.
   2. What does SATAN want? I know many of us may believe that sin is closely related to our flesh, and on Satan’s influence on the human race. However, we often try to separate these two things, or we may place blame on one thing instead of the other. I believe that the sinful flesh and Satan work in tandem, although each is separate. Consider the temptation of Adam and Eve. Your sinful nature (aka your flesh) will most likely align with Satan and his false promises. These idle promises are cleverly designed for you to fall back into the pit of habitual sin. Being naughty tastes so good, as long as we get what we want.
   Let me assure you. Although the sinful flesh and Satan work in tandem, it is important that we distuingish the fact that WE ourselves make the choice. Yes, Satan will tempt us with things that will appeal to our flesh. But, the challenge is left up to US. What we (or in some cases, Satan) want for ourselves may seem good for a season, but will ultimately lead to destruction. Think of this as taking ten bags of candy, and eating those every day. It tastes good, but you do not want to hear that these would give you cavities in the future. As Howard John Wesley best explained in a recent sermon, Satan will offer you things in this life that so sweet and glamorous, and will cut off the price tag so that you will take the bait, even if it means doing ungodly things.
   3. What do YOU desire? In other words, which way will you choose? What will you say “yes” to? Those who are under the Holy Spirit’s guidance have the ability to make that choice. We can either choose God’s will, or our own sinful desires (in other words, what Satan wants).
   • Remain vigiliant. Be forewarned that this may not be the last temptation you will endure on this Earth. Until you are dead, you will endure temptation. Be on the lookout, because an empty void could be a recipe for either godliness, or a recipe for disaster.
   🙂

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