The Good News About TemptationSample

Truth #2: We Can Say No

Let’s be honest, certain temptations can be so tantalizing that to resist them would seem completely ludicrous. It’s at this point we usually give in, quickly regret our decision and then justify ourselves by saying, “I just couldn’t stop myself” or “They made me do it”. Paul’s statement to the church in Corinth quickly dissolves these kinds of lies when he said, “And God is faithful; He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear.” (1 Corinthians 10:13).

The good news is we can say no to our temptations!

We can say no, but not in our own strength, we need the presence and power of the Holy Spirit in us to help shield us against Satan’s schemes. The truth is, without the Spirit's help, we will find ourselves saying yes to sin more often than we would like. It is fellowship with the Holy Spirit that produces in us the fruit of self-control, giving us not only the desire but also the ability to say no when we are tempted. If we relied more upon the Holy Spirit, we would live with fewer regrets.

And while self-control is a Christian virtue, resisting temptation should never be focused on our ability to say no to Satan, but rather on our desire to say yes to God. Having a heart that loves and seeks to please God, makes saying no so much easier.

Crucial to staying strong in the faith, is not blurring the lines between what is a temptation and what is a test. The difference is that temptation is Satan’s invitation to destroy our faith, a test is God’s invitation to strengthen our faith; and although God allows us to be tempted, He is faithful to never allow it to reach the point where it crushes us.

Stand in confidence knowing with God’s help, you can say no when being tempted.

Prayer:

God, thank you for your faithfulness and for never allowing my temptations to crush me. Please fill me with your Holy Spirit and produce in me both the desire and the ability to say no when I am tempted. Amen.