Matthew 4:1
“Then was Jesus led up of the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted of the devil.”
Temptation is a part of the Christian life. Oftentimes we look at temptation as a point at which a Christian succumbs to sin, and it can be; however, temptation can be dealt with and overcome.
Jesus showed the Christian how to deal with temptation. In the beginning of His ministry, He was tempted of the Devil and overcame each temptation. This goes to prove that you can overcome temptation. Though Jesus is the Son of God, He still had to overcome temptation because he took on the robes of flesh. This battle with temptation can be won if you deal with it like Jesus did. Let me give some helps on dealing with temptation.
First, realize that temptation will come. You will not live your life without temptation. Because we live in a sinful world, you are going to be faced with temptation on a daily basis. When you realize that temptation is going to come, then you can better deal with temptation.
Second, deal with temptation before you are tempted. There are two things that are often missed in this story that are vitally important in dealing with temptation. The first thing that is missed is that Jesus dealt with temptation with the Word of God. That means Jesus had to spend much time in the Scriptures to know which Scriptures to use. You will never properly deal with temptation if you don’t spend time studying the Scriptures. Christian, it is a must to know the Scriptures so that you can use them to fight temptation.
The second thing that is often missed is that Jesus spent time in prayer before He was tempted. Just like you must spend time in the Word of God before temptation comes, you must also spend time with God in prayer before you are tempted. Getting the power to face your day comes through prayer. When you spend time with God, you gain the power you will need to deal with temptation.
Third, don’t deal with temptation alone. To deal with temptation, you must yield to the Holy Spirit’s guiding. You will notice that Jesus was led “of the Spirit.” Again, you must be yielded to the Holy Spirit before you are tempted. When the Holy Spirit leads you, then you will be able to deal with any temptation you face. Friend, you cannot overcome temptation in the power of the flesh. You need the power of the Holy Spirit if you are going to overcome the flesh. Half of the battle of dealing with temptation is who is in control. If your flesh is in control, then you will fail. If the Holy Spirit is in control, then you will overcome temptation.
Fourth, never negotiate with temptation. When temptation comes, you must immediately deal with it or you will be overcome by it. You should never sit down and negotiate with temptation for temptation is trying to move you away from doing right. Doing right is the only way to deal with temptation. Whatever temptation offers you is not true. Always trust God’s Word and what you are told to do. God’s Word can be trusted!
Christian, you can overcome temptation. Always remember that most temptation is overcome before the actual temptation presents itself. If you will study the Scriptures, pray and yield to the Holy Spirit before you are tempted, you will find that you will be able to deal with temptation when it comes your way.