OVERCOMING TEMPTATION

hillsbiblechurch

DEVOTIONAL

TEXT: LUKE 4:1-13 NKJV

“Now when the devil had ended every temptation, he departed from Him until an opportune time.”   
Luke 4:13 NKJV

Temptation is an inclination or invitation to do contrary to the will of God in any given situation. Before Jesus started His ministry, He took out time to pray and fast for forty days. After that, the devil tempted him. Jesus overcame all the temptations and in verse thirteen we were told that the devil left Him for an opportune time. I love the way the Message translation stated it:

“The devil retreated temporarily, lying in wait for another opportunity.” Luke 4:13b MSG

Now that got me thinking. Does the devil ever get tired? Of course not!! He is determined to bring down with him to hell as many people as possible. And he does that by stalking believers!! The above scripture said "lying in wait for another opportunity." We must be careful not to provide such opportunity. And believe me opportunities abounds to be tempted in our day to day activities at work, home,school, through the media and even in church. 

“Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.”      1Peter 5:8. NKJV

Jesus Christ advised us to always pray against temptations because the devil never gets tired. He is always looking for every opportunity to strike.

“And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil” Matthew 6:13a

How do you overcome temptation? By watching and praying.

“Watch and pray, less you enter into temptation.” 
Matthew 26:41 NKJV.

Watching has to do with guarding against situations, circumstances and even people that may lead you to temptation. You must constantly be at alert. Do not let down your guard. Watch your association and the people you move with. Are they benefiting you spiritually or you keep compromising your faith whenever you are with them?

Do not be over confident. Pray in advance for God to keep you from temptation as Jesus taught us in the Lord's prayer. Prayer makes divine power available to overcome temptation. 

Prayer:

Oh Lord, lead me not into temptation. Deliver me from evil in Jesus might name. Amen

Activity:
Can you recall any temptation you have been involved in and how you scaled through it.?