The Year of our Lord, Jesus Christ
Matthew 4:4 Matthew 4:7 Matthew 4:10
It is written… It is written… … it is written…
How did Jesus fight temptation? The Scriptures. He quoted the Bible. The number one weapon against yielding to temptation is to know and use Scriptures relevant to the temptation. The writer of Hebrews states clearly that we each have …the sin which doth so easily beset us… That sin can be overcome, using the Scriptures helps.
Let’s consider that the Word of God condemns the eating of peanut butter. It doesn’t, this is just an example. If a person’s besetting sin is a peanut butter addiction they will find help in memorizing passages of Scripture dealing with the awfulness of peanut butter. Certainly, there are helps in dealing with the sin of peanut butter, but none are better or more powerful as the Scriptures. Don’t agree? Think about the manner in which Jesus overcame temptation. He quoted the Scriptures.
By using the Scriptures wisely two things happen. The power of the tempter is limited in light of Scriptural truth, and the person being tempted is empowered. The Holy Spirit will see to that, it’s His job. He will always be there to assist every child of God to withstand temptation. Proof? 1 Corinthians 10:13 states: There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it. That way of escape is first and foremost with the Scriptures as enabled by the Holy Ghost.
The Lord taught us how to overcome temptation by overcoming temptation. He used the Scriptures, so too can you. If a temptation comes and there is not enough knowledge about the Bible to find Scriptures to help, go to your Pastor or someone else well versed in the Bible. They can guide you in finding verses, story’s, illustrations, direct statements, doctrinal teachings, and wonderful promises concerning the issues you face. That is why the Lord God put them into your lives.
The question is not, “Can temptation to sin be overcome?” For this is proven clearly by the temptation of Christ. The question is however, “How badly does a person desire to overcome that temptation?” If the desire is there the Scriptures will help.
Until Next Time,
William T. Howe, Ph.D.