Help To OvercomeSample

Jesus actively “sympathizes” with our weaknesses.  He feels with you. He knows firsthand the suffering of extended temptations.  What then are we to do about these matters?  Because we haven’t yet sinned and are weakening, Hebrews 4:16 states, "Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace."  

Not with our heads down out of defeat but boldly and with great liberty—we haven’t sinned yet.  The word “boldly” comes from the Greek noun parresia which means openly, courageously, confidently with all assurance, and without any reservation in our speech.  

When are we to come boldly into the presence of Jesus? These two verses (Hebrews 4:15-16) are all focused on one specific situation in our life: When we are being tempted and need some supernatural assistance.

The logic is straightforward:  Because Jesus was “tempted as we are, yet without sin” and because our High Priest “sympathizes with our weaknesses”--therefore we have a highly understanding Person to ask for help.  

The verse goes on to say that we should come into the throne of grace, that “we may obtain” something. 

We are seeking to “obtain” something that we realize we cannot achieve without someone else’s assistance.  The word “obtain” means to claim something for yourself, to take ahold of something that you can use.  You are weak—you need inner strength and courage beyond your own resources. You need assistance from your powerful Savior.

The verse teaches we are to come to Jesus to “obtain” two different things that will help in your difficult temptations:  Mercy and Grace. We need mercy to stop the temptation or at least weaken it further, and grace to bestow on us the added strength so we can finally overcome the temptation successfully.  

As one who has asked for the mercy and grace from Jesus numerous times during painful testings and difficult temptations, I can promise you that this is one prayer Jesus loves to answer!

So, what should you do the next time you are tempted to sin? Realize you haven’t sinned yet and are completely innocent; therefore, come running to the Throne of Christ and simply call out, “HELP!”

You don’t need a long prayer—you just need to ask for one thing—HELP in the time of need! Ask without shame or hesitation, ask boldly in faith, and you will receive the help you need.

We hope this Plan encouraged you. Connect with Bruce Wilkinson in his helpful book "Overcoming Temptation" by clicking this link.