August 2nd

 

"When the devil had finished all this tempting, he left him until an opportune time." (NVI)

 

"And when the devil had ended all the temptation, he departed from him for a season." (KJV)

 

"After the devil had finished testing Jesus in every way possible, he left him for a while." (CEB)

 

"The devil finished tempting Jesus in every way and went away to wait until a better time." (ERV)

 

"And when the devil had ended every the complete cycle of temptation, he temporarily left Him that is, stood off from Him until another more opportune and favorable time." (AMP)

Luke 4:13

 

The enemy tempted Jesus!

The devil knew the nature of Jesus, he knew Jesus is God!

The enemy also knew he is a loser. He knew all the prophecies about his destiny. But even with the certainty of defeat, the enemy tried to tempt Jesus. He insisted! He kept waiting for a new opportunity, a better time..

Imagine with us! Who are we? So delicate... So weak... (I Peter 1:24)

If God was importuned, we are not free!

Sometimes we, believers, we feel so strong, so surrounded by a gospel atmosphere, so sure of salvation, we feel so safe, so untouchable, so higher!

This is not true!

If we were so guaranteed, we could just relax and enjoy life. But, why would the Bible be so full of verses as in Revelation 22:11-12?

Everyday we must be better!

An american company, Barna.org,  did a survey, among believers, about temptation. Check the top five:

 

Surprisingly, sexual temptations did not figure in the top five. Probably because libertinism has grown so much that what was considered imoral became normal.

Resisting to temptation is good for me: builds my character! (James 1:12)

Resisting to temptation is good for those around me: words are good, but examples are very importante weapons to influence others!

 

How to resist temptation?



1. Know your weakness. Admit it! Search for help! Spend time with yourself and the Lord! Ask for help from your leaders in the church. Don´t use your weakness as an excuse for sinning.

2. Watch and pray. To watch is a step that depends on you. To pray is something you do waiting fot the Lord to act. Trust that He will help you. (I Co 10:13)

3. Live one day at a time. Maybe today you will win a battle against temptation, but tomorrow you will lose another battle. Living is war with many battles! Stay firm! But when you fall, ask for forgiveness. (I John 1:9)

4. Depend on God! You can´t with devil by yourself. And devil can´t with God!  (James 4:7)

5. Look at the example of Jesus. When tempted Jesus did not seek for an amuleto, no miraculous power, but used the Word to hit the enemy! Arm with yourself with the knowledge of God and His Word!

 

By Ana.