Based on “Satisfaction Seekers” by Pastor Dean Corns; 7/30-31/11,Message #DC137; Daily Devotional #2 - “Beating Temptation”
Preparing the Soil (Introduction): Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. Resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world. (1 Peter 5:8-9, NKJV) It is natural for even the most dedicated Christ followers to experience temptation. Jesus Himself battled temptation while in the desert (Luke 4:1-13) and throughout His ministry. The enemy will continually try to convince us that we can satisfy our desires without God. Invariably when we give in to temptation we find that whatever sin we committed failed to satisfy us the way we thought it might.
Planting and Watering the Seed (Growth): The Christ follower will battle temptation throughout his or her life on earth. Just because we have a victory over temptation does not mean we will not be forced to battle it again the next day. In daily spiritual warfare against temptation there is never a time to relax or let down our guard. The enemy may come to tempt us when we are weak, as when Job was tempted to “…Curse God and Die!” (Job 2:9) as he scraped boils off his skin. On the other hand, we are also vulnerable to temptation when we are strong, such as after experiencing spiritual victory. David who, after winning many battles and bringing Jerusalem to glory, allowed himself to give in to temptation after witnessing Bathsheba bathing on a rooftop (2 Samuel 11:2). Even though we are born again, we bring sinful habits from our prior lives with us. Some of these can include things like credit card abuse, TV addiction, alcohol and sexual sins. We must be careful, as Christ followers, to not reason with these temptations and allow ourselves to give in to old sins. God wants us to be free and has provided us what we need to be free. The Word tells us that, when we are tempted, God will always provide an alternative to the temptation. 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. (1 Corinthians 10:13, NKJV) A strong prayer life and daily exposure to God’s Word are strong weapons against the enemy, as well as spending time in the company of other Christ followers, which helps with accountability and can deter temptation.
Harvesting the Crop (Action/Response): We cannot allow temptation to cripple us as we grow in faith, instead remember that God rewards us for overcoming temptation. Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him. (James 1:12) The Christ follower should be ever vigilant against temptation through prayer and daily exposure to the Bible. Jesus told His followers, “…Pray that you will not fall into temptation.” (Luke 22:40) By strengthening the spirit we can recognize the enemy’s strategies and free ourselves from the condemnation of giving in to temptation.
Cultivating (Additional Reading): Genesis 15:1; Revelation 1:17; Deuteronomy 31:6-8
WSK
Calvary Chapel of Melbourne; 2955 Minton Road; W. Melbourne, FL 32904; 321-952-9673
All Bible references are from the New International Version (NIV) unless otherwise noted.
New Kings James Version = NKJV