Scripture Reading: 2 Timothy 2:22
Temptation is Satan's invitation to a life of sin. As he entices us, we must be prepared to resist his invitation. To resist Satan's temptations, we must:
- Remember that temptation is not a sin. Even Jesus was tempted, yet He did not sin. Don't let Satan deceive you into believing that you have already sinned just because you have been tempted.
- Sincerely pray for God to make a way of escape. Everyone is tempted. Others have resisted it, and so can you. God will see you through.
- Run from temptation. Paul told Timothy in today's Scripture text: "Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of pure heart." To run from temptation is to protect yourself from evil thoughts that eventually control your actions. If you find yourself giving in to a recurring temptation, take Paul's advice and run from it as fast as you can.
- Recognize and avoid the things and situations that tempt you. Be prepared to suffer the consequences if you subject yourself to temptation.
- Reject temptation by surrounding yourself with Christian friends who will help you overcome. Find yourself a spiritual mentor with whom you can share your temptations in confidence as you pray together for deliverance. Ecclesiastes 4:9-11 says, "Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labour. For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow: but woe to him that is alone when he falleth; for he hath not another to help him up. Again, if two lie together, then they have heat: but how can one be warm alone?"
Taken from Dr. Brenda Robinson's "A New Desire Devotional"
