The Spiritual Man's Obstacle CourseSample

7. CUT the NET (part 2)

Cutting Through Temptation

“But if Christ is in you, then even though your body is subject to death because of sin, the Spirit gives life because of righteousness.” – Romans 8:10

We, as the followers of Christ, can also CUT through the NET of temptation just as Jesus did! Our pitfall is often that we don’t acknowledge we are being tempted. We’re either oblivious to the fact that the net is dropping on us, or we like the anticipation and thrill of it. But if we are going to make the cut, and do it well, we need to be honest with ourselves.

Here’s how to make the CUT, step-by-step:

1. Cause. Identify the cause of the temptation. What's the root of the problem? Why is this appealing to our needs? Maybe you really have a financial crisis and stealing is appealing. Or maybe you just want to keep up with the Joneses. Maybe you are alone and need validation, or it might just be lust or hormones knocking on your cyber door. Yet, if you identify the cause, the need can be understood, and the net can be cut through.

2. Unveil. Bring to light what Satan's busy with. He rules only in darkness, never in the light. He simply can’t function when the spotlight is on him, neither can temptation. Bring it before God, and your Christian brothers, your family, and friends as is needed. And call it as it is. Stop sugar coating it. If it’s lust, it’s not just because women are beautiful and you’re a man. It’s lust and adultery! If it’s anger, it’s not circumstantial and only when provoked. You have a problem with your temper; let that be known! If it’s addictions or peer pressures, it’s not only "a social thing that you do every now and again and you have under control or can walk away from’." It’s a problem you need to admit you have and call in the support of others to start cutting it out of your life–completely! Step into the light, and unveil the net that tangles you…

3.Truth. Finally, we speak of our double-edged sword again (Hebrews 4:12). Stand upon God's Word and arm yourself with Scripture to counter the attempts of the enemy. Notice today how exactly Jesus countered every temptation? “The Scriptures say…” He did not dance with the devil. Jesus simply knocked him on his behind with the knowledge of God’s Word. Study scripture and become wise in the ways of God’s Word. This is your sword of the spirit. This is the swiftest way to cut through temptation’s traps from all sides.

Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
– Ephesians 6:17

Read Matthew 4:1-12 and reflect on the following:

• What’s your observation(s) from this reading?
• What’s your understanding of your ability in Christ to cut through temptation?
• What’s your biggest obstacle to applying this in your own life?
• What should you pray about after today’s reading?