There are situations which can come out of the blue and take us by surprise. When such occurs, hopefully we are learning to keep a calm and level head for facing and working through whatever it is in a profitable manner. However, those things we know can and will arise, we need to remain mindful of having a ready response for them. Living duly prepared, we stand a greater chance of standing strong and resisting what needs to be resisted. This is no more true than when it comes to temptation. We know what our struggles are. We know where our weaknesses lie. Therefore, in regard to those things we will do best when we have put in place a ready response.
When Jesus was in the wilderness fasting for forty days and nights, the devil came to Him to tempt Him. Matthew’s account records three attempts by the devil and three times we read Jesus’ ready response of an “It is written”. (Matthew 4:4, 7, 10) Even the devil tried to misapply an “it is written” (Matthew 4:6) to which Jesus responded with a properly centered “it is written”. Following the example of our Lord, this is also our best defense when facing temptation; reminding ourselves of what God’s Word has declared concerning it and so redirecting the focus and action of our life.
In his letter to the church at Corinth, Paul encouraged. . .
“(13) 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 ESV)
Whatever temptation you or I may struggle with the most, we are not alone. What needs to be done is resolving to look for the way of escape God provides and using it! Resist by retreating from it. Resolve to remember what is written regarding it! Therefore, whatever that temptation or weakness might be, let me suggest looking up the passages relative to it and keep “what is written” handy to read or keep so fresh in the mind that whenever the temptation arises that is where the focus turns to rest. If it is anger, list passages such as Proverbs 16:32, Proverbs 19:11, Ephesians 4:26, James 1:19-20, etc. If it is a struggle with lust and sensuality, list passages such as Proverbs 11:6, Matthew 5:28, 1 Corinthians 6:18-20, Galatians 5:19-21, Ephesians 5:3 & 5, Colossians 3:5-6, 1 Thessalonians 4:7, etc. Whatever it be, take the time right now to pull out a concordance and find those passages and so be prepared!
Have a great day WITH A READY RESPONSE FOR RESISTING TEMPTATION!
Carl
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(“teEn-MAIL” is sent out daily by Carl Hanson, preacher for the Church of Christ in Port Townsend, Washington, USA, located at 230 A Street, Port Townsend, WA 98368. Come visit us if in the area.)
