The Opportune Time
Jesus responded to Satan’s temptation by committing to obeying God’s Word. Understanding that our enemy knows the opportune time to tempt us, we must prepare ourselves.
Sin
Ignorant Disobedience vs. Informed Disobedience
The commandments in Scripture educate us on how sinful we truly are. But instead of leaving us in our rebellious despair, we learn of something that is even more numerous than our trespasses—it is God’s grace.
Resistant to Jesus
As Jesus mourned over Jerusalem’s unwillingness to be protected from Him, how often are we resistant to His leading? Instead of experiencing His covering, we expose and endanger ourselves.
If Adam Never Ate
If Adam could have chosen obedience, I would have come after him and received Paradise’s eviction notice on behalf of all humanity. Instead of blaming others for the condition of this world (like Adam and Eve did), take responsibility for how your sin has caused chaos in your world.
Everybody’s Doing It
1 Peter 4:1-6 – Our culture seems shocked and annoyed if Christians don’t join or support expressions of wild living. It is better to suffer for refusing temptation than it will be for those who embrace defiance.
Don’t Be a Hypocrite
1 Peter 2:11-12 – If this world is not our home, we cannot give ourselves to every available temptation. The war against hypocrisy is important so that we don’t hinder others from seeing Jesus.
Prone to Wander
We are all prone to wander, but we are each prone to wander in different ways. We have to evaluate our habits to find victory against temptation.
It’s Time to Get Honest
Ignoring our sin doesn’t remove it from reality. To step out of the darkness and into the light, we have to be honest about our sins.
The Bible’s Heroes Aren’t Role Models
The Bible tells amazing accounts of how ordinary people did extraordinary things, but it also informs us of their struggles. While these men and women weren’t perfect, they looked to another who provided the strength we all needed.
Beware the Traps of Sin
There are traps of sin that all of us can fall into because we are humans with desires of the flesh, but there are traps of sin that are very effective on you personally. If you want to follow Jesus in obedience, you must beware those traps.
How to Avoid Youthful Passions
At some point, we will all realize that we have never graduated from the childish way of thinking, that we ought to have what we want and ought to have it right now. This quest for immediate gratification is not from Christ and must be combatted in our lives.
Just Go Ahead and Confess It Already
We often think that confession is a weakness, but it is actually a strength. God knows what you have been struggling with recently, so it’s best to share it with Him.
The Sin We Embrace So Quickly
Exodus 32:1-14 – The people grew impatient with Moses’ apparent delay on the mountain and decided to take idolatrous matters into their own hands. Through their example and Moses’ response, we discover what we must do with the sin we embrace so quickly.
Declaring War on Temptation
Each of us experiences temptation throughout our lives. We have an intentional enemy who knows where, when, and how to attack us in vulnerable areas of weakness. Ignoring his tactics will not make you impervious to personal setbacks.
How Our Sins Can Affect Others
It takes a person out of touch with reality to say that one’s sins do not affect others. Our sins can quickly devastate those around us, especially when our anger leads us to justify our words and actions.
When God Confronts Pride
Exodus 9:8-11:10 – In the final five plagues, God humbles a man who considers himself a god and a people who thought themselves untouchable. God opposes the proud and will use any means necessary to humble us.
When God Attacks Affluence
Exodus 7:14-9:7 – In the first five plagues, God shows His power over the gods of Egypt and attacks the Egyptians’ many sources of affluence. Nothing in this world deserves our wholehearted trust and allegiance.
Get Back Up
All of us will stumble due to our decisions or others’ opposition, but how we respond speaks volumes. If you feel you have been knocked down, get back up again.
Avoiding Sinful Opportunities
While you might be prone to wander in certain ways, you are most likely more susceptible to temptation in particular places and at specific times. You’ve got to evaluate your habits to find victory against temptation.
Corruption
Judges 21:24-25 – The people of God progressively pushed against the ways of God and pursued the ways of the world. The further that they drifted, the more apparent it was their need for a Savior.
When the Compromises Come
Nehemiah 13:1-31 – Nehemiah left the city for a short time, and opposing voices emerged in an attempt to change direction. When compromises come among the people of God, we must commit to rerouting to God’s expectations.
When Conviction Comes
Nehemiah 9:1-38 – After listening to the Word of God, the people were aware of their sins and repented. When conviction comes, we must humbly approach God with a restorative desire.
Be Disgusted by Your Sin (Or Be Prepared to Repeat It)
If your sin doesn’t truly upset you, you will continue to allow it in your life. Only when someone gets sick and tired of its presence does he or she actually start fighting it.
Commandments & Compromises
Your marriage would be much easier if sin weren’t in the picture. Unfortunately for you and your spouse, it is unavoidable. Your marriage can survive if you work together to navigate temptation, sin, and restoration when it all happens.
Dead to Sin
Theologically speaking, we are dead to sin, but that doesn’t mean we are free from daily struggle. How are we supposed to die to sin in our daily lives?
Are God’s Commands Meant to Make Us Miserable or Joyful?
Most people view God’s commands as His attempt to take all the fun out of life. But the more you study His instructions, and consider the pain associated with disobeying them, the more you realize that His commands are actually for our good.
Fighting Temptation
Each of us experiences temptation throughout our lives. We have an intentional enemy who knows where, when, and how to attack us in vulnerable areas of weakness. Ignoring his tactics will not make you impervious to personal setbacks.
The Opportune Time
Luke 4:1-13 – Satan tempted Jesus when He was isolated and weakened. When temptation comes to us at opportune times for failure, we must stay connected to Jesus.
The Devil Can’t Make You Do It
Have you ever wondered why the devil, the imposing leader of a rebellious army of supernatural beings, appeared in the Bible first as a serpent? It may have something to do with the truth that the devil can’t make you do anything.
The God Who Is for You
God is so for you that He actually gave you commandments that will benefit your life if you choose to obey them. Don’t buy the lie that His rules are meant to take the joy from your life.
Don’t Allow Guilt to Cause a Greater Separation
When you sin, don’t retreat further from the one who can help you. Don’t let guilt cause a greater separation.
Beware the Temptation that Accompanies Affliction
1 Thessalonians 3:1-5 – With great affliction comes numerous opportunities to give in to temptation. As believers, we must be careful not to surrender to the flesh when we become overwhelmed.
If Habitual Sin Remains Unchallenged
1 John 3:4-10 – Can a true believer continue in habitual sin? God’s Word provides stark warnings about the changes that should be present in the disciple’s life.
When God Loves Us Enough to Intervene
If God’s children continue to succumb to sin, He doesn’t mind getting involved. He still loves us enough to intervene and put a stop to what is sinful and harmful.
Lured by Lust
Adultery always begins far before the act. We must be careful what we look at and what we think about if we are to remain faithful to our commitments.
When God’s People Turn Aside
As Daniel studied the scriptures, he was dismayed at how far the people had drifted from God. His prayer of corporate repentance provides a helpful guide as we seek a needed wake-up call from God.
Dangerous Desires
There is great danger when we look for ways to disobey our God. There are dangerous desires of which we must be aware.
Hardships Don’t Give a Free Pass for Sin
We often need God’s protection from wicked people, but do we ever consider the protection we need from our own sinful habits? Just because we experience struggles does not mean that we can justify sin.
How to Overcome Temptation
You’ve already been tempted to sin today numerous times. While everyone is tempted, particular people are more prone to certain temptations than others. While you can’t avoid being tempted, you can fight against its pull. It’s time to go the 2nd mile in overcoming temptation. Listen to the podcast below or subscribe to your favorite podcast app here.
The Best Way to Fight Temptation
We all face temptation, but how are you fighting against it? If we want to confront our disobedience, there is no better example to imitate than that of Jesus. Not only did he live his entire live devoid of sin, but he also showed us a powerful strategy in combatting Satan. In Matthew 4:1-11, we watch how Jesus defeated Satan …