Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today – March 5, 2019
When tempted, no one should say, “God is tempting me.” For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone. James 1:13
Have you ever felt that you just can’t overcome the temptation that pulls on you? Be encouraged. Of course, Jesus is the only perfect one, but through His power, we can live godly lives. 2 Peter 1:3 says . . .
“His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life…”
Just because God has empowered us to live godly lives doesn’t mean it won’t be a struggle; it just means that it’s not impossible. One of the reasons that it can be a struggle is because deep down there are times when we love sin in the moment of temptation more than we love Jesus.
In the moment of temptation. . .
We love gossiping more than we love Christ.
We love dwelling on our mate’s faults more than we love Christ.
We love wallowing in unbelief more than we love Christ.
We love cheating our neighbor more than we love Christ.
Thankfully, there is grace for those times when we falter and thankfully we don’t have to overcome temptation on our own.
1 Corinthians 10:13 says, “No temptation has seized you except that which is common to man. 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 you can stand up under it.”
Once you agree that God has given you what you need to live a godly life, and you believe He has empowered you, you will be strengthened to walk in His will and do what’s right. You will be strengthened to grab onto his power so you can stand up under temptation. Belief makes living in freedom possible.
But if we think it’s not possible, if we think we can’t be free from what binds us, if we believe we can’t resist temptation, then temptation and sin will have power over us. The great news is that God will never ask you to follow any command that is not possible to follow. With Him, you can do all things.
“Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you” (James 4:7).
Prayer
Lord, thank you that I can resist temptation. Help me to love you more and more so that I will desire to serve you. Amen.
Application
Write down 1 Corinthians 10:13 on an index card, carry it with you this week, and memorize it.
Related Reading
Galatians 5:16; Hebrews 2:18; 1 John 1:9
Post/Tweet today
God’s grace is ever available, so thankfully we don’t have to overcome temptation on our own. #WisdomHunters #temptation
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Have not received the devotional in my Inbox for the last 2 days.
Dear Carl,
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Grateful for you,
Gwynne