ARTICLE

LEAD US NOT INTO TEMPTATION...

Anchor passage:

"Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be abased and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need".
                                                                                                            Philippians.4:11-12

           " But everyone is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed".
                                                                                                                       James. 1:14

        Often times, I have heard people ask questions on how to overcome certain temptations. Some approach the issue like there's one general cure for all temptations. Others see it as dangerous and unholy phase of the Christian faith. The latter scripture makes us understand that every temptation is a function of ones desire. what then is the place of desires in temptations? If as children of God, our desires are created by Him, then why are we asked not to yield to temptations?

Here's what I think...

 every temptation is an offer to fulfill a God-given desire in a God-forbidden way. 

 Let me explain…

Take food, for example. There’s nothing wrong with eating food. In fact, hunger is a God-given desire for life and sustenance. But the temptation can be to fulfill that desire through gluttony, which is obviously a sin. Another desire is the sexual urge. Many young people have silently wondered why their sexual organs are so sensitive yet they are asked to abstain from all forms of sexual impurity. The urge is put there by God and it is to be used for procreation in marriage. There's nothing sinful about having a sexual urge but it becomes sinful if you allow your heart and mind become engrossed in the desire of fornication, adultery or any other form sexual immorality.

This can also be applied to less tangible desires, like the desire to be loved and accepted. A God-honoring way to fulfill that desire would be to find love and acceptance in Him. But sadly, many people try to find love and acceptance solely in the things of the world and become enamored with searching and searching for something they’ll never find.

Desires are normal. Search God’s Word and discover what glorifies Him. Understand He’s created you with desires. And ask God for His leading in showing you how you can find your ultimate need and satisfaction in Him alone!

And if you don't have a personal relationship with God, click HERE to begin.