How about temptation? Do you find yourself struggling with temptation? Read Paul’s words to the Romans in Romans 7:15-25.
Can you identify with what Paul says? Do you feel powerless against your sinful desires? Do you want to obey God but far too many times you find yourself failing repeatedly? Perhaps you’ve finally realized willpower simply isn’t enough to overcome your sinful desires. And it’s true. If you truly want to fight temptation, you must do so as Jesus did in Matthew 4 – with the Word of God.
You see, sin begins with your thoughts – though they may appear innocent enough, they trigger a desire within you to meet your needs rather than allowing God to do so. You want to feel loved and respected, so lust springs up. Accepted – so you gossip and badmouth those who act unkindly toward you. Secure – so you chase money, relationships, and power. Clean – so you drown your shame with addictive behaviors that only add to your pain. But none of that works.
No, to stop sin, you must replace your thoughts and tactics with the truth of God’s Word.
As a believer, you’re a new creation in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17) – fully loved, accepted, secure, and clean. And Scripture is your best defense against temptation of any kind. So allow God’s truth to set you free and give you victory over temptation.
Pray: “Lord, thank You for cleansing me of sin and giving me victory over temptation through Your Word, amen.”
You CAN have victory over temptation!