This article is the second part of the above topic. Last week the subject was introduced, wherein two things were discussed: “What Temptation Is” and the fact that “Temptation Comes To All”. We conclude this study with a brief consideration of four other principles.
TEMPTATION CAN BE RESISTED
Joseph resisted the advances of Potiphar’s wife, knowing the consequences of rejecting her would be difficult. This required tremendous moral courage for a young, unmarried man far from home. Who would know if he yielded? Two of the most important persons – himself and his Lord. Listen to his reasoning, “He (Potiphar) has withheld nothing from me except you, because you are his wife. How could I do this great evil, and sin against God?” (Gen. 39:9) Other biblical examples could be cited of those who show us that temptation can be resisted. Paul wrote, “No temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to man; and God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, that you may be able to endure it.” (I Cor.10:13) What a promise! In other words, if we want to resist any temptation, we can, with the Lord’s help.
HOW TO RESIST TEMPTATION
(1) Recognize sin for what it is and know when you are being tempted.
(2) Keep your deter mination to resist no matter how strong the desire may be to yield.
(3) Pray for strength to resist, especially at the moment of your greatest weakness.
(4) Recall Scripture that condemns the sin and warns against it. Read passages that will strengthen you.
(5) Run from temptation, avoiding whatever might arouse the desire to yield.
(6) Seek the company of the strong, especially those who may have overcome a battle with temptation.
(7) Fight it as if your soul depended on it – it does.
THE RESULTS OF YIELDING TO TEMPTATION
(1) Yielding is sinful, and sin damns the soul if unrepented (or continued).
(2) The temptation will come again tomorrow, or sometime, and it will be even harder to resist the next time.
(3) The conscience becomes hardened each time you yield, and in time, yielding will not violate it.
(4) One sin often leads to another, and another.
(5) You become a slave to sin in yielding to temptation.
(6) Christ loses his control of your life and Satan takes over.
(7) It prevents you from giving yourself completely to the Lord.
THE RESULTS OF RESISTING TEMPTATION
(1) It molds you into a stronger Christian.
(2) Resisting the next temptation, possibly an even greater one, will be easier.
(3) There is joy in overcoming temptation, regret in yielding.
(4) You can help others to resist by your example and admonition.
(5) God is honored; Christ is glorified; the church is strengthened – by your resistance.
(6) You follow the example of Jesus in resisting temptation.
(7) You make your calling and election sure.
Richard