Seven Words That The Flesh Hates 2 -TEMPTATION

"Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil." (Matthew 4:1)

"For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin." (Hebrews 4:15)

"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."
(1 Corinthians 10:13)

Yesterday, in an article posted on Facebook, I mentioned seven words that the flesh hates. The words are sacrifice, suffering, service, tests, trials, tribulations and temptations. This article deals with the word TEMPTATION.

Temptation is defined as "the desire to do something, especially something wrong or unwise." (Lexico English Dictionary - Oxford)

Stating that the flesh hates the word temptation might seem contradictory. After all, the flesh is opposed to the Spirit and anyone who is in the flesh cannot please God (Romans 8:8). It would therefore seem to make sense if the flesh jumps at the word temptation. Well, let's look at it this way. Jesus was tempted not only in the wilderness but also during the days after the wilderness experience. Temptation is a vital part of the Christian experience. As long as we are on this earth, you and I will face temptation. To say or think otherwise will be contrary to what God allows us to go through.
No true Christian loves temptation and the flesh would seek to convince us that temptation is unreal or that the desire to do something wrong is not temptation but a legitimate longing. The flesh seeks to justify sinful desire and tries to make one feel that playing with fire is harmless. The flesh embraces everything that is contrary to the will of God. The flesh would like to replace the word 'temptation' with the phrase 'legitimate entitlement'. 

Jesus told His disciples, "Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” (Matthew 26:41) and while teaching about the sower, He said, "But the ones on the rock are those who, when they hear, receive the word with joy; and these have no root, who believe for a while and in time of temptation fall away." (Luke 8:13)

There will always be times of temptation on this earth but the flesh will try to downplay temptation because the devil comes to steal, kill and destroy (John 10:10). It is God's will for us to be aware of the subtlety of the devil and the power of temptation. But glory be to God, with every temptation, He will provide a way of escape.

"... the Lord knows how to deliver the godly out of temptations and to reserve the unjust under punishment for the day of judgment," (2 Peter 2:9)

My brethren, I would like to remind us that temptation is not sin. It becomes sin when we succumb to it. However, we can live victorious Christian lives through the power of the Holy Spirit. The Lord knows how to deliver His people from the snare of the devil.

We are admonished in 1 Timothy 6:10-12

"For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. But you, O man of God, flee these things and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, gentleness. Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, to which you were also called and have confessed the good confession in the presence of many witnesses." 

Even though temptation is inevitable, we must flee temptation. Joseph fled from Potiphar's wife when she grabbed his garment and asked him to sleep with her. For Joseph it was a huge temptation and he decided to leave his garment in the hands of Potiphar's wife instead of committing sin (Genesis 39:11-12). When you are tempted, acknowledge that you are being tempted and then ask God for the way of escape. If need be, flee the area where you are most susceptible to thoughts or feelings that could lead you to commit sin. 

The devil is a liar. God wants us to take temptation seriously and as we watch and pray, depend on God, abide in Jesus, we shall surely emerge victorious from the temptations of the devil in Jesus' Name. Though the lions may be on our way to hinder, God will surely give us victory. Have a blessed day.