DRAWING NEAR
March 30
Avoiding Temptations
"Do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from evil"
(Matt. 6:13).
When we hear the English word temptation, we usually think of a
solicitation to evil. But "temptation" in Matthew 6:13 translates a
Greek word that can refer either to a trial that God permits to
refine your spiritual character (James 1:2-4), or a temptation that
Satan or your flesh brings to incite you to sin (Matt. 4:1; James
1:13-15). Both are valid translations.
I believe "temptation" in Matthew 6:13 refers to trials. Even though
we know God uses trials for our good, it's still good to pray that He
won't allow us to be caught in a trial that becomes an irresistible
temptation. That can happen if we're spiritually weak or ill-prepared
to deal with a situation.
God will never test you beyond what you're able to endure (1 Cor.
10:13), but resisting temptation requires spiritual discipline and
divine resources. Praying for God to deliver you from trials that
might overcome you is a safeguard against leaning on your own
strength and neglecting His power.
God tested Joseph by allowing him to be sold into slavery by his
brothers, falsely accused by an adulterous woman, and unjustly
imprisoned by a jealous husband. But Joseph knew that God's hand was
on his life. That's why he could say to his brothers, "You meant evil
against me, but God meant it for good in order to . . . preserve many
people" (Gen. 50:20). Joseph was ready for the test and passed it
beautifully!
Jesus Himself was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted
by the devil (Matt. 4:1). God wanted to test Him to prove His virtue,
but Satan wanted to tempt Him to destroy His virtue. Jesus, too, was
victorious.
When you experience trials, don't let them turn into temptations.
Recognize God's purposes and seek His strength. Learn from the
example of those who have successfully endured the same trials. Be
assured that God is in control and is using each trial to mold your
character and teach you greater dependence on Him.
Suggestions for Prayer:
Thank God for the trials He brings your way. Ask Him to help
you see your trials as means by which He strengthens you and
glorifies Himself.
For Further Study:
Read Psalm 119:11, Matthew 26:41, Ephesians 6:10-18, and James 4:7.
What do those verses teach you about dealing with temptation?
Drawing Near, Copyright c 1993 John F. MacArthur, Jr.
All rights reserved. Used by permission.
http://www.gty.org
~~~
James 1:2-4 (NKJV)
2 My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials,
3 knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience.
4 But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect
and complete, lacking nothing.
Matthew 4:1
4:1 Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be
tempted by the devil.
James 1:13-15
13 Let no one say when he is tempted, "I am tempted by God"; for God
cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He Himself tempt anyone.
14 But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires
and enticed.
15 Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin,
when it is full-grown, brings forth death.
1 Corinthians 10:13
13 No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man;
but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what
you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of
escape, that you may be able to bear it.
Psalm 119:11
11 Your word I have hidden in my heart, That I might not sin against
You!
Matthew 26:41
41 "Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation. The spirit
indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak."
Ephesians 6:10-18
10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of
His might.
11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand
against the wiles of the devil.
12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against
principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of
this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly
places.
13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to
withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
14 Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put
on the breastplate of righteousness,
15 and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of
peace;
16 above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able
to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one.
17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit,
which is the word of God;
18 praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit,
being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for
all the saints
James 4:7
7 Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from
you.
~~~
These devotions are posted with permission from John MacArthur's
first (1993) devotional work, _Drawing Near_, and they are also sent
out daily for free to several folks via e-mail.
In addition, John's second (1997) devotional, _Strength for Today_,
is also available free via e-mail only. _Strength for Today_ follows
the same format as what you have seen here from _Drawing Near_, but
with different monthly themes.
If you would like to receive daily devotions via e-mail from either
of these series, just let me know (via e-mail), and I will gladly add
you to the list(s) of your choice.
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In Christ,
Peter
Peter G. Chase :: Columbus, Ohio, USA
pchase1@wideopenwest.com
STOP! Who do you think Jesus is?
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To forgive is to set a prisoner free, and to discover that the prisoner was you. -Alistair Begg
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