Resisting temptation. A lesson from Jesus

How do I resist temptation? A lesson from Jesus

Weary and tired from a long day of errands, I struggle with putting the key into my front door. Sliding and twisting the lock, I grab the handle and feel my shoulders relax; I am home! Looking down, I pick up my bounty of joy and get my 5-minute snuggle time. It has been a long day.

“You are home. I cooked something for you,” announced my Aunt. Smiling, I walk into the kitchen to grab my plate. Looking into the pots, I realise that there are two sets of meal items. I don’t eat certain things, one of them being chicken that is not hormone-free. Looking down at that pot versus my pot of bean stew, I started struggling.

I know that eating the chicken would make me sick, but it looked and smelled so good. As I was contemplating the pros and cons, a thought hit me, the words of Paul,

“No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.” 1 Corinthians 10:13

I had a way out; I had another meal option.

A lesson from Jesus

Resisting temptation. A lesson from Jesus came to mind in Matthew 4:1-11. Being led into the desert, Jesus fasted for 40 days and 40 nights. He was hungry and I am very sure, weak. The devil seeing an opportunity presented Jesus with three different temptations. This could have been the greatest Marvel Comics story. The evil one approaches, and the good guy blasts him with his super-powers.

But the Bible is clear that no superpowers were needed. Jesus resisted temptation by quoting the scriptures. All He used were the words of the Bible as His battle tool. A reminder for all of us why studying the Bible and storing scripture in our hearts is the ONLY tool we need when resisting temptation. God’s promise in 1 Corinthians 10, reminds us that God is faithful and won’t give us any temptation that we can’t bear.

Some of us may have challenges with memorising scripture. Seek Christ. Just ask. God will answer your prayers.

Prayer: Father, how great is Your name. Your promise to us in 1 Corinthians provides freedom in knowing that You know us intimately and understand all that we can bear. Thank you for the example of Jesus and the reminder that all we need to overcome temptation is You. Breathe your Holy Spirit within me so that I can understand and retain Your Word in my heart. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Have you ever been disappointed in God?