Fighting Temptation
Temptation lurks around every corner, enticing us with promises that often lead to spiritual ruin. As stated in James 1:14-KJV, “But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of (by) his own lust, and enticed.” Similarly, I Corinthians 10:13-KJV, reminds us that “There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer (allow) 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.”
These verses illustrate the universal sin nature we live within and its capacity to ensnare even the most devout followers of the Holy Word. Although, we are Saved, Forgiven and Set Free by the finished works of Calvary and the Blood of Jesus Christ, No one is immune to the temptation of sin! To reiterate, as long as we live in this universe of sin nature no one is immune to it until we are Resurrected into the Eternal Glory and Eternity of Jesus Christ and God’s Holy Kingdom.
The enemy, Satan, employs temptation as a cunning scheme to ensnare the children of God into sin. Thus diverting them from their spiritual abidement with Him. We are shown in Ephesians 6:10 the elements we must acquire and stay fortified within to withstand all the schemes of Satan as well as those who he has enlisted to perpetrate those schemes.
These elements are known as The Full Armour of God Almighty: The Belt of Truth (“greater is He that lives within us, Jesus Christ than he who lives in the world”), the Breast Plate of Righteousness, the Helmet of Salvation, the Sword of the Spirit (God’s Holy Word), the Sandals of Peace of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and the Shield of Faith fearlessly forged of the Blood and Name of Jesus Christ, all activated and fortified by unceasing PRAYER. Thus enabling us to withstand and to Stand against all the “schemes of Satan”.
Therefore, one must remain vigilant and steadfast in their spiritual journey in the Lord to resist these enticing delusions, distractions and lies. Why? Because not only are we not immune to them, we can not recognize and overcome them on our own. Only with the Name, the Word, the Spirit and the Blood of Jesus Christ can we. He Alone! By our humble submitting to that fact and the awareness of where we are and who we belong to can we Stand and overcome. Revelation 12:11 is very clear “… they overcame he (Satan, the adversary) by the Blood of the Lamb, the Word of our Testimony and Not Loving our Lives to the Death” And that testimony is I John 4:4 “He that lives in you is greater than he who lives in the world”. And He is as we are told in Joshua 5:14 “…the Commander/the Lord of the Hosts (Armies), (Jesus Christ who)goes before us.”
Therefore let us put on this Full Armour of God Almighty, JESUS CHRIST and allow Him to Fight the Battles, All battles including temptation. And we will not only Stand and withstand, we will Glorify and Prosper the Kingdom of God and HIS will to be manifest in all circumstances of our life. Amen!
God Bless and Keep You