How To Be Victorious Over Temptation

[Timothy Wayne George]

There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it. ( I Cor. 10:13 ) The word temptation has two meanings: As one means an enticement to commit evil, while the other means a test to do good. God does not tempt us to do evil, but He does test us to do good. So we see as Jesus was led into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil, it was the a Holy Spirit that led Jesus into the wilderness. So it was the will of God for Jesus to be tempted. So we see that every time the devil tempted Jesus, then Jesus quoted scripture three times, and Jesus was victorious over temptation. Thus for us to be victorious over temptation we must quote scripture as well. We see that all temptation is common to man, but the key is God is faithful, who will not allow us to be tempted above that we are able to bear. So when you are tempted, understand that it is normal, and that God will with the temptation provide a way to escape, so that you will be able to bear it. Joseph is a great example of this as when he was tempted by the devil, he asked the question, how can I sin against God? For all sin is against God, so when confronted with sin, we must look for the escape. So Joseph rather than committing adultery, runs from the sin, and God rewarded him in the end. So when the Holy Spirit tells you what to do, you must obey. When we obey, it may cause suffering in our lives, as it did for Joseph, but God will turn that suffering into our good, and for His glory. So don't make the mistake when tempted to blame God for your temptation, but rather thank God, that He will not allow you to be tempted beyond your ability to bear it, and that He will show you how to escape, so that you may bear it, and then give glory to God for your victory. As James said to count it all joy when you fall into many diverse trials, and temptations, knowing that the trying of your faith produces patience, so that you will be complete, lacking nothing. May the Lord bless you to be victorious in your temptations in life from this day till Christ returns.

[Timothy Wayne George]

When we are tempted we must give thanks for Jesus was in all points tempted, just as we are, but He did not sin. We can come boldly before the throne of grace to receive mercy and grace to help us in our time of need. Do not despair for God knows how must we can bear, and will not put more on us than we can handle. Give God all the glory.