Freedom From Temptation
July 2nd
Luke 10:19 - 'Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you.'
LUKE 10:19
Although these are examples of God's protection from harm caused by the physical creation, this scripture is also speaking of mastery over the spiritual realm of the enemy (i.e., Satan). This Scripture does not say that Satan cannot inflict any harm. The scriptures abound with examples, and warnings of the enemy's damage on the godly and the ungodly alike (2 Cor. 2:11, 2 Tim. 2:26, 1 Pet. 5:8-9).
However, he cannot harm us when we are walking in faith in Christ's redemptive work.
There are no unique temptations.
The devil likes to make us think there are. If he can convince us that no one understands, no one has ever had this problem before, then he can isolate us and take away our hope. But any temptation we face is just some variation of the same old thing. It may come in a different sized box, be wrapped in a different paper, and have a different bow, but the contents are the same. Understanding this diffuses much of the power of temptation.
Even though temptation is universal to mankind, we are not left on our own. God is faithful. Jesus was tempted in all points like as we are, and yet He overcame every time (Heb. 4:15).
Part of His ministry is to specifically aid us in overcoming temptation
(Heb. 2:17-18).
Most of us have experienced times when we thought we couldn't resist another minute. Either we were wrong, or we were on the verge of a breakthrough.
The Lord promised that He would not allow us to be tempted above what we are able to bear. So, at those times when you can't stand another minute, just continue to stand and this promise will pull you through.
However, he cannot harm us when we are walking in faith in Christ's redemptive work.
There are no unique temptations.
The devil likes to make us think there are. If he can convince us that no one understands, no one has ever had this problem before, then he can isolate us and take away our hope. But any temptation we face is just some variation of the same old thing. It may come in a different sized box, be wrapped in a different paper, and have a different bow, but the contents are the same. Understanding this diffuses much of the power of temptation.
Even though temptation is universal to mankind, we are not left on our own. God is faithful. Jesus was tempted in all points like as we are, and yet He overcame every time (Heb. 4:15).
Part of His ministry is to specifically aid us in overcoming temptation
(Heb. 2:17-18).
Most of us have experienced times when we thought we couldn't resist another minute. Either we were wrong, or we were on the verge of a breakthrough.
The Lord promised that He would not allow us to be tempted above what we are able to bear. So, at those times when you can't stand another minute, just continue to stand and this promise will pull you through.
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