Tuesday's Truth- The Commonness of Temptation

Today I will elaborate on point one from my top 10 list to help overcome temptation. I will discuss the commonness of temptation. To see the top 10 list click here.
All Scriptures are listed in NIV.

II Corinthians 10:13 tells us that temptation is common. This is comforting for three reasons.

First, other people are going through the same thing even as I write. We can encourage and pray for one another as we go through trials and temptations. We can also offer words of advice on how God helped us personally get through our struggle.

Second, the Bible gives us countless examples of those who faced temptations in order that we may learn. Some fell (such as Samson with Delilah) and others did not (such as Joseph with Potiphar’s wife.) By studying these examples, we remind ourselves of the consequences of sin and the importance of drawing close to Jesus.

The third reason why temptation is common is because Jesus went before us and overcame. Consider the following Scriptures.

"Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the desert to be tempted by the devil. After fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry". (Matthew 4:1-2)

Jesus was hungry and Satan tempted Jesus to eat. Satan also challenged who Jesus was and who Jesus would serve. Does not Satan still tempt us today in the same ways? He whispers to our weak flesh, our wants, our identity, and our belief in God. Satan wants us to question God and bow to the moment’s urge. Aren’t we thankful that Jesus Himself endured and overcame sin? Because of Jesus, we can endure our darkest hour without sinning. (And if we do sin can, we can turn to Him for forgiveness. I John 1:9)

"Because he himself suffered when he was tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted. Therefore, holy brothers, who share in the heavenly calling, fix your thoughts on Jesus, the apostle and high priest whom we confess. He was faithful to the one who appointed him, just as Moses was faithful in all God's house". (Hebrews 2:18-3:2) "For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet was without sin". (Hebrews 4:15)

In wrestling inwardly with greed or discontentment, I remind myself of how temporary life is and of Christ’s sacrifice. These Scriptures comfort me.

"For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that". (I Timothy 7:8)

"I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want". (Philippians 4:12) (I don’t think having plenty is wrong, by the way! Being in need or having plenty, we should honor and serve Christ.)

I stand in awe of what Jesus endured and sacrificed for you and me. He had everything, God Himself, and yet He stepped down from heaven into human form. Why? He loved us so much and this love still draws us and keeps us today. He endured his darkest moments and now lives forever in glory, waiting for the sons of God to be revealed. (Galatians 3:26, Romans 8)

Our purpose, our design, and our destiny are far greater than just getting through the day or gaining more for our personal selves. May God mold each of us into His likeness and get even greater glory from our lives.

My prayer for you:
Father, I thank You that you are able to help my sister in her moment of temptation. Help her keep her thoughts fixed on You and not give in to Satan’s lies. May she know of her great worth in Christ, your unfailing love, and submit to You alone as Lord. May she tell of your faithfulness! In Jesus name.