“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.”
1 Corinthians 10:13 KJV
Read through the scriptures above again. But this time, slowly; if you can picture what you are reading, it will sit better.
Last week, we introduced to you this discussion, and we pointed out this; stumbling blocks, obstacles, and offenses will always come to men. One of such, is what we are looking at today—temptations.
As you go through 2021, note this truth: temptations are a common feature of humanity. No man is immune to it. No matter how highly placed you are, you are not free from temptations.
When God came to the world as a man, he was tempted. If he was, you will be. So, one of the things that will come your way, and to everyone this year, is temptation.
Since we can’t exempt ourselves from being tempted, how do we prepare for the coming temptations?
First, we must know the source of temptations. It is important you know, that God is not the source of temptations.
The word "temptation" means to trial or test. To tempt therefore will be to try or test an individual, in order to see what the outcome will be. It carries a negative sense—usually the fall of the one being tempted.
God does not tempt. He has never tempted anyone. He knows all men and what they are capable of, so he does not need to tempt them to see if they will stand or fall. He is all-knowing.
So then, what is the source of temptations?
“Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:”
1 Peter 5:8 KJV
The Devil is constantly seeking those he can destroy.
“And Jesus being full of the Holy Ghost returned from Jordan, and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness, Being forty days tempted of the devil. And in those days he did eat nothing: and when they were ended, he afterward hungered.”
Luke 4:1-2 KJV
In the aforementioned scripture, we see the Devil tempting Jesus. So, we understand that the Devil tempts men. Why? In order to overwhelm or devour them.
Know this—the Devil is not on a break due to the pandemic; he did not need a crossover night to enter this year—he will tempt you again, this year.
Relax. Don’t be afraid.
Just stay tuned, as we explain further next week.
For now, read: 1 Peter 5:7-10, and James 1:13-15.
GO ACHIEVE
Diariesofhopelive@gmail.com
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