11 Oct by Kim Yung CM –
Pastor Philip Tan recently graced New Life Church Puchong where he shared passionately on the topic of “Overcoming Temptation” on the 28th of September 2014. “It is easy for us to fall for the temptation of the devil and we know that temptation comes from the devil and our own selfish ambitions. All of us have been tempted to do things we know are wrong and outside of the will of God. We face these temptations and when we fail, we often feel the guilt and shame from the sin that we committed.
Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak. (Matthew 26:41)
No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it. (1 Corinthians 10:13)
Below are the four points that often lead us to sin:-
“Many times when we are angry, we easily fall into temptation and sin against God” said Philip.
My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, (James 1:19)
“In your anger do not sin”: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, (Ephesians 4:26)
- Worry
“When we are worried we easily open the door for temptations to come in so we must know how to control our worries so that we do not get depressed” said Philip.
- Loneliness
Loneliness often leads our minds to wander where it should not, and so it is often good to keep ourselves occupied in productive and spiritual things that will better enhance our lives.
- Hunger
“Especially during our 40 days fast and prayers when we get hungry, it is natural that we think of the food that we like to eat, and the temptation will come” shared Philip.
“I the LORD search the heart and test the mind, to give every man according to his ways, according to the fruit of his deeds.” (Jeremiah 17:10)
How did Jesus overcome Temptation? The Bible very clearly stated it in the book of Luke 4:1-13 below, of the time when Jesus was tested in the wilderness. God’s plan for our redemption is strong that Jesus with the will and grace of God overcame every barrier He needed to overcome in His lifetime here on earth.
Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, left the Jordan and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness, 2where for forty days he was temptedby the devil. He ate nothing during those days, and at the end of them he was hungry.
3The devil said to him, “If you are the Son of God, tell this stone to become bread.”
4Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone.’”
5The devil led him up to a high place and showed him in an instant all the kingdoms of the world. 6And he said to him, “I will give you all their authority and splendor; it has been given to me, and I can give it to anyone I want to. 7If you worship me, it will all be yours.”
8Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God and serve him only.’”
9The devil led him to Jerusalem and had him stand on the highest point of the temple. “If you are the Son of God,” he said, “throw yourself down from here. 10For it is written:
“ ‘He will command his angels concerning you
to guard you carefully;
11they will lift you up in their hands,
so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.’”
12Jesus answered, “It is said: ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test.’”
13When the devil had finished all this tempting, he left him until an opportune time. (Luke 4:1-13)
We have been shown how to overcome our own temptations from the verses above. The Lord used the Word of God to overcome temptation! We have been given the Bible so that it will lead those who keep it close to their hearts. “The Word of God is very important. Do not only memorize the verse but the whole passage. Diligently study the Word so that it will be in your hearts and in your minds” shared Philip. Do not let Jesus’ efforts be in vain, be stern and humble to follow God in your walk with Him.
Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. (James 4:7)
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