In our last post, we looked
at three areas of life where the devil likes to set traps for us. First, we
looked at the Lust of the flesh. We learned that this is where the
devil tries to get us to choose our own will instead of the will of God. We
talked about how the devil disguises himself as something good, causing us to
doubt God’s will for our lives.
Next, we talked about the Lust of the
eyes. This is where the devil tries to get our eyes off of the Word of
God. Satan brings things along that appear to us to be more important than the Word
of God in our lives. If we’re not careful, that very thing will pull us away
from the scriptures, and we will miss out on the truths God has for us.
The last thing we discussed was the Pride of
life. This comes against our worship of God. We want to worship
ourselves, or other things or people, instead of God. We become caught up in
what “we” want to do, what “we” think is best, etc.
Now I want us to take a few minutes to see how
we can escape the traps that Satan tries to set for us.
First,
Capture your thoughts – For the weapons of our warfare are not
carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments
and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing
every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ.” 2 Corinthians
10:4-5
We must take our thoughts captive. We can’t
allow them to run wild or be the controlling factor in our lives.
Second,
Evaluate the thought – “Finally, brethren, whatever things are
true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are
pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there
is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy-- meditate on these
things.” Philippians 4:8
Assess what you’re thinking. Does it line up
with the scriptures? If I act on it, what will be the result? Can I praise God
for the thought?
Third,
Confess the wrong you’ve done – “If we confess our sins, He is
faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all
unrighteousness. If we say that we have not sinned, we make Him a liar, and His
word is not in us.” 1 John 1:9
Confessing our sin means to admit that it’s
there. Once we can admit the problem, the next step is to repent of the sin. Repent means to turn away from. In other
words, you make a decision to walk away from that kind of behavior and turn to
God and his ways.
Fourth, Resist – “Therefore submit to
God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.” James 4:7
Resisting temptation cannot be accomplished by will power alone. You need the
power of the Holy Spirit. That’s why this verse tells us to first submit to
God, and then we can resist the devil. Now let me share something about this
thing called sin that may help you more easily resist temptation. What is
happening when we face a temptation? Here it is: we’re tempted to meet a
legitimate need in a wrong way, through the world, the flesh, and/or the devil,
by living independently of God.
Here’s an example. You’ve been rejected in the past and desire so badly to be
loved. So you go to the clubs, meet someone of the opposite sex, and allow yourself
to live in a promiscuous way. After going through various relationships, you’re
still not satisfied. Why? Because you are trying to get the love you need from
sources other than God. Author Neil Anderson says this about temptation:
“Temptation’s hook is the devil’s guarantee that what we think we want and need
outside of God’s will can satisfy us. Don’t believe it.”
Here’s
another scripture about the process of temptation. “But each one is tempted
when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed. Then, when desire has
conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth
death.” James 1:14-15
Space does not permit me to expound on this
verse, as much as I would like. Simply put, when we “toy” with fleshly desires
and thoughts instead of resisting them, we will eventually fall prey to them.
And that will lead to spiritual death. My friend, nothing and no one is worth
missing heaven for!
As we close, let’s look at one more scripture
that will help us to have victory over these areas. Look at what Zechariah 4:6
says. “… 'Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit,' says the LORD of
hosts.” The bottom line, my friend, is that in and of ourselves, we
do not have the power to overcome temptation or anything else in our lives. We
must rely on the power of the Spirit of God to strengthen us during our times
of weakness. You are not alone in your battle. Jesus is standing there just
waiting for you to ask for help. Ask him. I know you
won’t be disappointed.
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