Defeating Temptation

“Since the children have flesh and blood, he too shared in their humanity so that by his death he might break the power of him who holds the power of death—that is, the devil— and free those who all their lives were held in slavery by their fear of death. For surely it is not angels he helps, but Abraham’s descendants. For this reason he had to be made like them, fully human in every way, in order that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in service to God, and that he might make atonement for the sins of the people. Because he himself suffered when he was tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted.”- Hebrews 2:14-18

Jesus is our ultimate source of help when we are tempted. Because He knows how that feels. He had to withstand the devil’s fiercest temptations in the wilderness when He was weak, tired and hungry. We can learn from Him in that He refuted the devil by speaking scripture to him. Because He lived it, He not only empathizes with us when we’re tempted but He provides a way out. Contemplate on these two scriptures below and you will draw strength through trusting in the One who alone can bring you through any storm or struggle and clean you up when you fall! You can be sure in your life you will face temptations. The key to overcoming them is to not trust in your own strength or wisdom to overcome them, but to trust in Christ alone. Remember the acronym H.A.L.T. to protect yourself, which means never make big decisions when you are hungry, angry, lonely or tired.

“No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.”-1 Corinthians 10:13

“Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. After fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry. The tempter came to him and said, “If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread.” Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’

Then the devil took him to the holy city and had him stand on the highest point of the temple. “If you are the Son of God,” he said, “throw yourself down. For it is written: He will command his angels concerning you and they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.’ Jesus answered him, “It is also written: ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test.’ Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor. “All this I will give you,” he said, “if you will bow down and worship me.” Jesus said to him, “Away from me, Satan! For it is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.’ Matthew 4:1-10

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