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Grace to You :: Unleashing God's Truth One Verse at a Time

Strength for Today (10-31-2010)

Overcoming Temptation

For we do not have a high priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who has

been tempted in all things as we are, yet without sin. -Hebrews 4:15

Jesus Christ provides us with the perfect example of how to defeat temptation.

Perhaps youve heard the joke, I can resist anything but temptation! Unfortunately, that is all too

often true in our lives. Learning how to successfully resist temptation is vitally important, for we sin

only when we yield to temptation.

Christians throughout history have recognized the importance of resisting temptation. One early

believer wrote, Fly from all occasions of temptation, and if still tempted, fly further still. If there is no

escape possible, then have done with running and show a bold face and take the two-edged sword of

the Spirit. The desire to escape temptation has led many in the history of the church to attempt

heroic but ultimately futile feats of ascetic self-denial. So desperate did one monk become that he

threw himself into a thicket of thorn bushes! Unfortunately, that did not bring him the relief from

temptation that he so desperately sought. The way to successfully resist temptation was modeled by

our Lord Jesus Christ when He was tempted. We must first understand our enemys plan of attack

and, secondly, make use of our spiritual resources.

Satan made a three-pronged assault on Jesusthe same three ways he tempts us. First, he tempted

Jesus to doubt Gods goodness by commanding the stones to become bread (Matt. 4:3). That implies

that God didnt care enough about Jesus to provide for His physical needs. Second, he tempted

Jesus to doubt Gods love, suggesting that He test that love by leaping from the pinnacle of the

temple (Matt. 4:5-6). Finally, he tempted Jesus to compromise Gods truth, promising Him the

kingdom without the cross if Jesus would worship him (Matt. 4:8-9).

To each of Satans temptations, Jesus replied, It is written (Matt. 4:4, 7, 10). He thereby showed us

the resource for defeating temptation: the Word of God (cf. Eph. 6:17). Do you find yourself overcome

by temptation? Then follow our Lords example and take up the sword of the Spirit today!

Suggestions for Prayer:

Pray that God would make you alert to Satans attacks.

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For Further Study:

Make a list of specific verses you can use to combat the specific temptations you face.

From Strength for Today by John MacArthur Copyright 1997. Used by permission of CrosswayBooks, a division of Good News Publishers, Wheaton, IL 60187, www.crossway.com.

Available online at: http://www.gty.org/Resources/PDF/Devotionals/strength

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