May 3rd

May 3rd 

As we go along on our faith-walk we run into temptation. Often. Some things can be a struggle, others not so much. Let’s set the record straight regarding temptations and tests.

God never tempts us to sin. He will put us through tests to strengthen and prove the genuineness of our faith, but He NEVER tempts us.

James 1:2-4 Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.

1 Peter 1:6-7 In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed.

James 1:12-15 Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him. When tempted, no one should say, “God is tempting me.” For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; but each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed. Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death.

Remember Jesus understands temptation, He was tempted in every way and yet did not sin. He defeated sin so that we don’t have to be slave to the temptations we face. We can stand in the victory that He provides…if we choose to.

Hebrews 2:17-18 For this reason he had to be made like them, fully human in every way, in order that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in service to God, and that he might make atonement for the sins of the people. Because he himself suffered when he was tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted.

Hebrews 4:14-16 Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has ascended into heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin. Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.

Nobody likes tests right? But better to be tested now and find out where we are off track now, than wait to get to heaven. So we should examine and test ourselves. How we spend our money or our time will be a clear sign of where our heart is tethered.

2 Corinthians 13:5 Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves.

And it is always good to ask the Lord to test you and point out your weaknesses or wandering heart now while there is still time to repent and surrender those areas.

Psalm 26:2-3 Test me, Lord, and try me, examine my heart and my mind; for I have always been mindful of your unfailing love and have lived in reliance on your faithfulness.

Bottomline, is that there is hope, we don’t have to fall to temptation, we can make it through trials and tests. We serve a God who loves us and is able to keep us until He comes for us. He is able to keep us from stumbling if we stay surrendered to Him in every way.

Jude 1:17-24 But, dear friends, remember what the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ foretold. They said to you, “In the last times there will be scoffers who will follow their own ungodly desires.” These are the people who divide you, who follow mere natural instincts and do not have the Spirit. But you, dear friends, by building yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit, keep yourselves in God’s love as you wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to bring you to eternal life. Be merciful to those who doubt; save others by snatching them from the fire; to others show mercy, mixed with fear—hating even the clothing stained by corrupted flesh. To him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you before his glorious presence without fault and with great joy— to the only God our Savior be glory, majesty, power and authority, through Jesus Christ our Lord, before all ages, now and forevermore! Amen.

Jesus, thank you for being my hope and strength. Thank you for suffering temptation and overcoming it so that I have that hope too. Help me to surrender every area of temptation to you and help me learn how to overcome by the power of your Holy Spirit. Test me and help me to persevere until you return for me!

Psalm 51:10 Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.