Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. James 1:2-3
Have you ever compared how Jesus and the Israelites each handled their wilderness experience? They both experience God in those moments. However, the Israelites complained and wanted to go back to their former lives, while Jesus was humble to the Holy Spirit’s leading.
We all face temptation. Temptation comes in all shapes, forms, and sizes. The one thing we must remember is temptation does not come from God. Do not believe the lie that being tempted is a sin. Jesus was tempted. He shows us the way to freedom when temptation tries to ensnare us. The temptation is what takes our eyes off our pursuit of God.
Let’s read Philippians 2:5-7 and Hebrews 4:15. What do we learn about why Jesus needed to experience temptation? When we go through difficult times, it is easy to think that no one would understand. We have to remind ourselves that Jesus does understand. There are also others out there that do understand; it’s finding that support. Jesus came to earth to show us what God is like. Jesus humbly took on a human body and limitations so that we could see how the power of God living within us can help us overcome temptation.
Read Genesis 2:16-17. From what tree did God tell Adam not to eat? What would happen if he did?
God’s instructions were straightforward. There were options all around for Adam other than eating from the tree. According to Genesis 3:1, what question did the serpent ask Eve? Read Genesis 3:2-4. How did Eve’s response differ from God’s instructions to Adam in Genesis 2:16-17? How does the serpent contradict God’s instructions?
Read Genesis 3:5-6. How does the serpent contradict God’s proclamation? What is the shift in Eve’s mindset? Eve questioned God’s heart, and there she went down a slippery slope. Temptation starts in our heart, then our minds, then in our actions. What is hard about the temptation for us? What are some of the lies we can believe about a temptation?
Satan never made Adam and Eve eat the fruit. He suggested it. It’s not the object of our temptation, though our trust in God is the problem. We are tempted by what we think God won’t give us another way. Another temptation is if you have felt the pull to fix or have things your way, There’s a spiritual root for that tendency. What are some areas in your life that you try to fix, force, or control?
Read 1 Corinthians 10:13. When tempted, what does God do for us? How has God provided a way out for us when we’ve been tempted? Read James 5:16. What happens when we talk about our struggles? Confession is powerful. It can bring healing. God will forgive us. We can also find trusted, supportive Christians to help us along the way. Do you have that in your life? If not, start praying for that. You don’t have to do this life of trials alone.
Dear Heavenly Father,
Thank you for giving us an option to not give into temptation. I pray that we will cling to you and your ways.
In Jesus Name
Amen
