Tempted by the EVE of SELF?

Battling Temptations
By Dr. Sinclair Grey III


Do you feel overpowered by temptations? When you make up your mind to do right, temptation(s) come knocking on your door. You're constantly being tempted to act up and act out to that which is contrary to what God has for you. Temptations come to pull you away from the protective shield that God has placed around you. There's no way to avoid temptation, but you don't have to fall into the trap. Whether it's greed, sex, drugs, or jealousy to name a few, temptation affects each person differently.


In this life, I've discovered you'll always be tempted in one form or another. Many of us have avoided certain temptations but slipped and fell into others. Fighting temptation seems to be a full-time job, but you need to know that you can do it. No matter what other people may say, you have power on the inside that's greater than anything on the outside. No matter how small the temptation is, falling into temptation leads to other things happening. What may seem small and insignificant in the beginning is the opening the enemy needs to plan an all out attack on your life. I want you to know that temptation comes to those who are living for God. Think about it for a moment - why would the enemy tempt someone on his side? It's only those who've decided to live and walk upright that the enemy tempts.


In this spiritual journey, we can learn a few lessons about temptations. The first lesson learned is that temptations draw your attention away from what God wants you to do into a state of self-imposed will. Whenever someone or something attempts to pull you away from what God has called you to do or what God has given you, they're trying to impose something other than God on you. The second lesson learned is that temptations cater toward pleasing your flesh instead of edifying your spirit. Just because it feels good doesn't mean it's good for you. Once you've decided to live for God, you're on Satan's hit list. Because you changed your life-choice from darkness to light, the enemy will do whatever is possible to trip you up. 

However, the good news is that the One who created you is the One who can sustain you.
In his letter to the people of Corinth, the apostle Paul deposited these words, "No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it." Please don't miss this last lesson. God loves you so much that He will not allow that which is trying to bring you down to take you out. You can shout on this because God has everything under control. When situations are pulling you in every direction, God steps in and orders your steps. If you use God's escape route of prayer, praise, and His Word, I promise you that your life will be better. With every temptation comes a triumph because you can show the enemy how awesome God is. Remember, the battle isn't yours; it's the Lord's. [7.20.14] 



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