Temptation .........
These are challenges we may face on daily basis which may prompt us or make us go against the will of God or outrightly disobey him. Temptation is evident in the life of every believer (Christian), but what matters in the kingdom is not the temptation but our reaction to temptation (if we fall or resist). Temptations even show how genuine our Christian life is, because when the devil sees we are living a consecrated and sold-out life, he will then bring temptations our way to keep us off track. To show that nobody is above temptation even our Lord Jesus Christ was tempted but he did not sin. That should also be our testimony.
There are many ways Satan can tempt believers like us, Let's look at Daniel's three Hebrew friends, they were tempted to bow before the golden image by the king, but they overcame the temptation and were saved from the fiery furnace. There are many things that can be used as a source of temptation to us like the love of money, Lustful desires of this world, worldly and sensual clothing and apparel, Worldly music and so many other things that can be used, But note that the devil will only tempt you with the things he knows you love, He could even tempt you through your loved one or someone you respect so highly, So let's be really careful about this phase called Temptation.
Now how can we overcome this crucial stage (Temptation) which we will pass through as Christians? Firstly, we have to be prayerful and watchful as it is in Matthew 26:41 I quote "Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation, the spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak."
For Christians the devil will bring temptations our way so that we would be drifted from the path of heaven, but when we are watchful and prayerful, we will be able to withstand and overcome the temptation and pressure of the devil. and we must also make sure that we are continually in the presence of God and reduce idleness to its minimum as a proverb says, "An idle mind is the Devil's workshop."
In addition to that we should meditate on the word of God as it is the sword of the spirit which we can use to fight temptations of the devil, and as I said earlier the devil will only test us on that which we love, so we must be able to resist those things if it is then making you disobey or go against the will of God, You can read on living a fasted life in our "what true fasting is all about series." on this blog so as to know how to resist those things that are making you fall into sin.
We round up today's post with this bible passage James 4:7 I quote "Submit yourselves therefore to God and resist the devil and he shall flee from you." So, once we are able to constantly and purposely resist the devil through the grace of God, we shall be able to resist temptation.
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SLUMMING IN SIN
In shadows deep, where darkness hides,
Resides the twisted tales of sin,
A dance of wickedness beneath the moon,
Where lost souls wander, their hearts grown thin.
The serpent's hiss, temptation's call,
Echoes through forbidden corridors,
Whispering secrets of pleasure and pain,
As souls are led astray, forevermore.
In greed's embrace, they slowly drown,
Their minds consumed by worldly desires,
Lust and envy, vainglory's crown,
Fuel the flames of passions' fires.
Pride, a mirror reflecting false praise,
Blinds them to truths they cannot see,
Their souls, entangled in arrogant haze,
Stray further from purity's decree.
Gluttony feasts upon their weakened wills,
Indulging in excess with every bite,
Their bodies groaning with unquenched thirst,
Yet their spirits remain empty, devoid of light.
Wrath, a tempest brewing within,
Unleashes storms of vengeance and hate,
Destroying the bonds once held so dear,
Leaving ruins in its vengeful wake.
Sloth, a slumber that paralyzes,
Leads them to stagnation, to wither away,
Time slips through idle fingers like sand,
Lost beneath a haze of lethargic decay.
But even through this darkness, hope emerges,
For redemption's light can pierce the night,
In forgiveness' embrace, freedom surges,
Guiding lost souls toward love's pure light.
So let us strive to conquer these sins,
To seek forgiveness and embrace grace,
To heal the wounds within, where darkness begins,
And find redemption in God's warm embrace.
For within Jesus, there lies the key,
To vanquish sin, to let our spirits soar,
To live in harmony and purity,
And shine as beacons of love forevermore.
For therein we live by his blood
And experience the bliss.
As stated in His word
Even till life eternity
© Hephzibah Purity
Conquering Temptation: A Path to Victory in Your Faith Journey.
Introduction
Life, often likened to a bed of roses in fairy tales, reveals its true complexity through the lens of reality. One undeniable facet that sets life apart from a utopian fantasy is TEMPTATION. As Christians, residing in this mortal coil, we are not exempt from the trials of temptation; it is a relentless companion on our journey of faith. Many great figures in scripture, including our progenitor Adam, fell victim to its allure, a testament to its enduring presence. But is temptation truly unconquerable for believers? No, it is not. In this article, we will delve into the nature of temptation, its effects, and the strategies to overcome it on our faith journey.
What is Temptation?
Temptation is an enticement or seduction towards something attractive or alluring. Interestingly, temptation is not confined to the realm of sin; it can manifest in seemingly virtuous forms, leading astray those who yield to it. Moreover, temptation exerts pressure on our thoughts, generating improper emotions that ultimately culminate in sinful actions. For instance, the seemingly harmless act of taking an extra piece of meat from the pot may, under temptation's influence, trigger a cascade of emotions that result in sin against God. Temptation can manifest even in what appears to be good, making it a formidable adversary. In the Bible, even our Lord Jesus Christ faced temptation, showcasing its multifaceted nature (Luke 4:3-4).
How Does Temptation Affect a Growing Christian?
Temptation exerts a profound influence on growing believers when succumbed to:
1. Enmity with God: The gravest consequence of yielding to temptation is the creation of enmity with God. Temptation leads to sin, and sin severs the believer's relationship with God. The story of Adam serves as a stark example, as his temptation-induced sin led to fear, separation, and punishment (Genesis 3:9-10).
2. Fear: Temptation breeds fear and a lack of self-confidence. When succumbing to temptation, individuals often experience apprehension and insecurity. Adam's fear of his nakedness after succumbing to temptation highlights this point (Genesis 3:10).
3. Punishment: Yielding to temptation opens the door to punishment. Just as a child faces consequences for stealing a piece of meat, succumbing to temptation brings about pain and sorrow. The aftermath of temptation often leads to tears and suffering.
How to Overcome Temptations as a Growing Christian
While temptation is inevitable, it is not insurmountable. Here are strategies to triumph over temptation on our journey of faith:
1. Prayer: The most crucial weapon against temptation is prayer. It is through prayer that we prepare ourselves for the spiritual battles that lie ahead. Prayer keeps us alert and spiritually equipped to face temptation (Matthew 26:41).
2. Studying, Meditating, and Confessing God's Word: Just as Jesus used the Word of God to counter temptation, we too can employ scripture as a powerful weapon. Knowing, believing, and confessing God's Word in our lives empowers us to withstand temptation (Luke 4:3).
3. Discipline: Discipline involves controlling one's thoughts, actions, and emotions. By exercising self-control in various aspects of life, such as finances, fashion, and dietary choices, we can fortify ourselves against the allure of temptation.
4. Careful Positive Thinking: Positive thinking helps us avoid thoughts that lead to temptation. Being discerning about our thought patterns enables us to sidestep the snares of temptation. We must remember that temptation can manifest in both good and bad forms.
5. Good Company: Associating with like-minded believers and trustworthy individuals aids in resisting temptation. The Bible admonishes against evil company corrupting good morals. Seek the company of those who uplift and support your faith.
6. Relying on the Holy Spirit: The Holy Spirit serves as our guide and counselor in navigating the treacherous waters of temptation. Surrendering to His guidance and allowing Him to work within us elevates us above temptation.
Conclusion
In our journey of faith, all we need for a victorious life is found in God. Temptation, though inevitable, is not unconquerable. When faced with temptation, remember that in Christ, you are more than a conqueror. By employing prayer, relying on God's Word, practicing discipline, maintaining positive thinking, seeking good company, and yielding to the Holy Spirit's guidance, you can live a life of victory over temptation.
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