Rather, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the sinful nature. --Romans 13:14
As the Union Pacific Railroad was being constructed, an elaborate bridge was built across a large canyon in the West.
The builder wanted to test the bridge, so he loaded a train with extra cars and equipment to double its normal load. Then he drove the train to the middle of the bridge, where it sat for an entire day.
One worker asked, "Are you trying to break this bridge?"
The builder replied, "No. I'm trying to prove that the bridge won't break."
Just the same, the temptations Jesus faced weren't designed to see if He would sin, but to prove that He couldn't.
Jesus fought the devil by the power of God's Word. And as believers, you and I will be attacked by Satan our entire lives. So we must always be prepared, like Jesus was, to never to give in to temptation!
In Billy Graham's Christian Workers Workbook, he lists several facts about temptation you can count on:
- Temptation is common for believers (1 Corinthians 10:13).
- Temptation is of the devil (Matthew 4:1-11).
- Temptation itself is not a sin, but succumbing to it is. (James 1:14-15).
- God does not lead you into temptation (James 1:13).
- God allows Satan to tempt you, so that you can face it, overcome it, and be stronger as a result (Job 1:6-12, 1 John 2:14).
- All temptation can be resisted (1 Corinthians 10:13).
- When you are tempted, remember that Jesus has been there before (Hebrews 4:15).
Remember that Satan will always attack you where you are most vulnerable. So, daily submit yourself to God through prayer and the study of His Word, surrender your mind, will, and emotions to Him, and clothe yourself with the armor of God (Ephesians 6:13-18) and the Holy Spirit.
PRAYER CHALLENGE: Ask God to give you the strength to walk away when temptation arises.
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