“Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the desert to be tempted by the devil.” (Matthew 4:1)
World-class athletes see winning in their mind’s eye. They win the event before it even begins. They see themselves crossing the finish line, overcoming obstacles, fighting the good fight. Likewise, you are in a race, too (1 Cor. 9:24). Prepare in advance. Your enemy knows your weaknesses and your strengths. He has had plenty of time, thousands of years, to prepare. He knows what buttons to push to elicit his desired effect.
Temptation is a very real part of discipleship. You are either in a storm, coming out of a storm or there are storm clouds on your horizon. And we should be alert and prepared for it. The time to think about and prepare for battle is not in the battle, but beforehand. Being forewarned is to be forearmed. This is a necessary step in learning to be proactive instead of reactive in times of temptation.
A disciple has not demonstrated true obedience unless they have first been given an opportunity to disobey. God wants us to obey, but God gives us the freedom to choose. Without choice, we would be prisoners, and our obedience would be shallow. Temptation provides an exercise in choice, with rewards for choosing to obey and sad consequences for choosing to disobey.
As believers, we are tempted by what is already within - our predispositions, our sinful lust. We must remember that our enemy is aware of our tendencies, where we have fallen before and makes powerful suggestions to entice us to sin against God. Many say, “The devil made me do it.” Not so. Every person is tempted when he or she is drawn away by his or her own lust. Another word for lust is desire. We see something, we want something, we do something to get the object of our desire.
Having an intense desire is not bad. For instance, when Jesus was tempted by the devil, what was being offered was not illegal, i.e., having a natural desire for food is not illegal. However, using His divine power on Satan’s terms would have been illegal so He did not change the stones to bread. Similarly, Satan tempts us to satisfy a normal desire in a wrong way or at the wrong time. To illustrate, sex is legitimate, but only in the covenant bond of marriage. Food is legitimate unless we steal to get it. We yield to temptation and sin when we try to satisfy God-given desires in wrong ways or at wrong times. To be Spirit-led, God wants you to satisfy your desires in the right way and at the right time.
We can learn to resist the devil’s temptations if we know and obey God’s Word. The Bible tells us that God’s Word is a sword to use in spiritual combat (Ephesians 6:17). Knowing God’s Word is an important step in resisting the devil’s attacks, but we must also obey God’s Word. We must remember that Satan knows God’s Word, too, but he failed to obey it.
We must realize temptation is not sin - we sin when we give in to temptation and disobey God. Jesus was tempted in every way, but never sinned (Heb. 4:15). We must also know that the devil is a fallen angel. He is real, not symbolic, and is constantly warring against those who follow and obey God. Satan’s temptations are real, and he is always trying to get us to live his way or our way rather than God’s way.
Temptation often comes when we are tired, alone, hungry, and as a result, at our most vulnerable. Satan many times tempts us when we are physically, emotionally, or spiritually stressed. For example, we can be tempted when we are isolated, worn out, burned up, facing big decisions, or filled with anxiety. We can be tempted when we have just experienced a spiritual breakthrough. Many times, waves of temptation come within days after a prayer has been answered, a life transformed, an addiction broken, or when we make right, godly choices. Temptation takes place outside the desert, too. Often we can have the most horribly tempting thoughts while involved in ministry, counseling, or listening to a sermon. Temptation can also come when we are at our best, in our strong moments, when we are susceptible to pride. When temptations seem especially strong, or when you think you can rationalize giving in, consider whether Satan may be trying to block God’s purposes for your life or for someone else’s life. We must guard at all times against his attacks.
Temptation can come when we are wrestling with uncertainty, when we struggle with doubt. These are especially dangerous times. We must stand on the unshakable foundation of God’s Word.
Temptation often times comes when we discover a shortcut, a way to do something quickly when we know that a more excellent way will take more time. We forfeit long-range, right-way thinking for short-range, wrong-way thinking. We lay discipline at the altar of expediency and exchange enduring character for immediate gratification and comfort (Gen. 27:41). The tempter tries to persuade us to take action, even good action, for the wrong motives and at the wrong times. Just because something is not wrong does not mean that it is good if done for the wrong reasons at the wrong time. We must learn to discern that fulfilling legitimate desires illegitimately or at illegitimately wrong times is sin. Not only is doing that which is wrong, wrong, but not doing that which is right is wrong, too (James 4:17).
We think, “What I am doing is not wrong.” But the Bible also tells us that it is sin to not do that which is right. For example, it is a sin to lie. It is also a sin to know the truth and not tell it. It is a sin to speak evil, gossip, slander or wrongfully accuse someone. It is also a sin to not go to that person and restore a broken relationship in God’s Biblical way of restoration (Mth. 18:15).
We must be constantly on guard asking ourselves, "Is the Holy Spirit leading me to do this? Or is Satan trying to get me off track?" If in doubt, don’t. If not in doubt, ask another trusted, more spiritually mature saint for their counsel.
We must realize that the devil’s temptations focus on three central areas: 1) physical needs and desires; 2) possessions and power; and 3) pride. Hebrews 4:15 says that Jesus "has been tempted in every way, just as we are - yet was without sin." We must fully embrace and understand that Jesus knows firsthand what we are experiencing, and He is willing and able to help us in our struggles. When you are tempted, turn to him for strength.
God does not tempt people. God tests people, but He never tempts them. As Sovereign King of all, God allows Satan to tempt people, but does so in order to make them more like Christ, refine their faith and to help them grow in their dependence on Christ (Rom. 8:28, 29). We can resist the temptation to sin by turning to God for strength and choosing to obey His Word.
We all take the easy road and blame others for own shortcomings. We say, “It’s his fault.” Or, “I couldn’t help myself.” Or, “Everybody else is doing it.” Or, “I didn’t know better.” When we do this we are making excuses and not taking responsibility. Our response should be to take responsibility, confess our sins to God and those we have offended, and ask for forgiveness.
The Bible tells us that we can be victorious even though we live in a morally depraved society. Realize that you are not alone – everyone has wrong desires and temptation. Understand that others have resisted temptation, and so can you. Any temptation can be resisted because God will help you resist it.
When you are tempted, think about what you are thinking about. Take those demonic thoughts and carnal imaginations captive (2 Cor. 10:5). Recognize, and if necessary, avoid those people and situations that bring temptation. Stay away from anything you know is wrong. Choose right now to do only what is right – make this your daily desire before God. Keep company with those who love God and can offer help when you are tempted (2 Timothy 2:22; 1 Cor. 15:33).
You can trust Jesus to overcome temptation - Jesus faced struggles just like you. When you are tempted, go to Jesus for strength and endurance. He understands your needs and is able to help (Heb. 4:14-16). Become a champion disciple.
Grow in grace and truth,
Doug Morrell
CORE Discipleship Group Ministries
http://www.coregroups.org
