Overcoming Temptations Series

Overcoming Temptations

King Solomon was the wisest man ever and also one of the most foolish. God gifted him with unsurpassed wisdom, which Solomon squandered by disobeying God's commandments. Solomon's most notable achievements were his building projects, particularly the temple in Jerusalem. However, I think his most remarkable achievement came in the area of "OVERCOMING TEMPTATIONS." I will explain:

King Solomon

• Solomon was the third king of Israel.

• Solomon ruled with wisdom over Israel for 40 years, securing stability through treaties with foreign powers.

• He is celebrated for his wisdom and for building the temple of the Lord in Jerusalem.

• Solomon wrote much of the book of Proverbs, the Song of Solomon, the book of Ecclesiastes, and two psalms.

Solomon was the second son of King David and Bathsheba. His name means "peaceable." His alternative name was Jedidiah, meaning "beloved of the Lord." Even as a baby, Solomon was loved by God.

A conspiracy by Solomon's half-brother Adonijah tried to rob Solomon of the throne. Solomon had to kill Adonijah and Joab, David's general, to take the kingship.

Once Solomon's kingship was firmly established, God appeared to Solomon in a dream and promised him anything he asked. Solomon chose understanding and discernment, asking God to help him govern his people well and wisely. God was so pleased with the request that he granted it with great riches, honor, and longevity (1 Kings 3:11-15, NIV).

Solomon's downfall began when he married the daughter of the Egyptian Pharaoh to seal a political alliance. He could not control his lust. Among Solomon's 700 wives and 300 concubines were many foreigners, which angered God. The inevitable happened: They lured King Solomon away from Yahweh into worshipping false gods and idols.

Over his 40-year reign, Solomon did many great things, but he succumbed to lesser men's temptations. The peace a united Israel enjoyed, the massive building projects he headed, and the successful commerce he developed became meaningless when Solomon stopped pursuing God.

How big of sin are your temptations? To answer that vital question, you need to understand five foundational biblical truths about your temptations

1. Temptations are not sinful or anything you should be ashamed of.

Many people have always felt ashamed of their temptations. Why? Because they have assumed that temptations must be sinful. That is probably why no one ever speaks about their temptations—we are ashamed of them.

But the Bible clearly states that temptations are not a sin. Hebrews 4:15 contains that startling information:

Jesus was tempted in all points like we are, but He never sinned! If temptations were a sin, Jesus sinned because He was tempted just like us. However, the Bible clearly states that Jesus was sinless (2 Corinthians 5:21; 1 John 3:5). Therefore, temptations cannot be a sin or anything to be ashamed of.

2. Every single human being experiences temptations.

No one escapes the onslaught of temptations. Not a single person. Hebrews 4:15 reveals that everyone is tempted: "But was in all points tempted as we are." Did you see the words "as we are" without any exceptions or limitations? You are tempted; she is tempted; he is tempted; they are tempted; I am tempted.

3. Temptations come to everyone, no matter how godly.

Far too many of us are tragically misinformed about the truth of temptations. People assume that the more godly a person becomes, the fewer temptations that person will face. Nevertheless, the godliest of all humans who ever lived, Jesus Christ, was "tempted as we are" at all points! Godliness does not in any way limit the number of temptations we may receive. Jesus was not just tempted a little bit in "all" ways. Shocking, isn't it?

4. Temptations are typical, God-given desires that seek to trespass God's boundaries.

What exactly are temptations? The answer may surprise you because temptations are based on the typical desires God gave to all of us but with one thing out of place: Those desires seek to trespass the boundaries God established for us.

In other words, the temptation is simply a good desire gone bad!

Our God-given desires become temptations when we desire too much, go too far, or seek to fulfill them in the wrong place or with the wrong person. Temptations are simply the inner push of our typical desires to overstep God's boundaries. Often the Bible calls our sins a trespass, which means to go beyond a clear boundary into the forbidden or off-limits territory.

5. Temptations precede every sin; if you overcome temptations, you will not sin.

Every sin you have ever committed or will commit is always—and I always mean—preceded by a temptation! If you are not tempted, guess what? You will not sin!

It would help if you embraced this all-important fact: Temptations precede every sin.