Don’t turn to the right or the left; Remove your foot from evil. Proverbs 4:27
Temptation really has not changed since the Garden of Eden days. Like that juicy apple, temptation still entices us with delicious sin. We still engage in power struggles with God, we still flirt with the devil, and when we get caught, we still try to shift the blame to someone else. “I couldn’t help myself. The devil made me do it,”.
We can always count on temptation to be convenient. One thing lead to another. Every minute of every day, the battle with temptation is lost in someone’s life, and sin’s destruction scars a soul. Eve was one of the most amazing creations of God. Eve was unique, created pure and holy. She lived with Adam in the Garden of Eden, a perfect place of pure beauty. Everything they needed or wanted was there. Adam and Eve loved their work and did it with ease. They also enjoyed perfect intimacy with each other and with God – an intimacy that was unhindered by sin of any kind. Then came temptation – and everything changed.
Eve chose to give in to temptation. Eve did not sin when she began her conversation with Satan … or when she questioned God’s instructions. Eve sinned when she mentally agreed with the lies of the enemy because that mental choice led to an action of disobedience. Satan is still wreaking havoc in the lives of people today as he wields his weapon of temptation. Oh, yes! Satan is alive and well and the reigning master of lies and temptation.
The good news is that God has already given us every weapon we need to win the war with temptation that Eve lost. We just have to make the choice to pick up those weapons and fight! In order to win the war with temptation, we must understand that temptation is a trap of Satan – a trap baited with seductive snares in every size, shape and appeal. Temptation is not sin. It is an invitation to sin. When we accept the invitation and then attend the party – we sin. Life would be so much easier if Satan was obvious. Instead, he is subtle and clever as he mixes lies with truth. He never shouts, he whispers. Make no mistake – his goal is the total destruction of your life, and his opening act is temptation.
Father, do not let me ever forget the price You paid for my sin. Thank You for the forgiveness and freedom You purchased with Your death on the cross. Bring swift awareness and conviction when I sin. Give me the strength and power to deal with and turn from the sin in my life for Your glory.
Set aside time each day to pray and study His Word. Ask the Holy Spirit to make you aware of every sin that stands between you and God. Confess that sin. Choose against it and walk on in His power and forgiveness.
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