The Answer for All Temptation (day 8)

Jesus, our high priest, is able to understand our weaknesses. When Jesus lived on earth, he was tempted in every way. He was tempted in the same ways we are tempted, but he never sinned. (Hebrews 4:15)

What does this mean? Read this next passage.

Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, and he himself tempts no man: but each man is tempted, when he is drawn away by his own lust, and enticed. Then the lust, when it hath conceived, beareth sin: and the sin, when it is full grown, bringeth forth death.  (James 1:13-15)

When I have a desire that is different from what God would have for me that is a temptation. If I follow that desire, if I entertain that desire that is when I sin. Jesus had desires that were different from God’s will, but he said, “Not my will but thine be done.” (Luke 22:42) That is the way he overcame sin and if we will follow him and say the same thing when we have desires contrary to God’s, we will overcome also.

My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye may not sin. And if any man sin, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous: (1 John 2:1)

Have we sinned? Absolutely YES each one of us, over and over. Do we have sinful desires within us? Again yes! Do we have to continue the pattern of sin and forgiveness? NO, each of us can go to war and begin to say, “Not my will but thine be done,” when we are tempted.

We each one will stumble and fall many times. That doesn’t matter. What matters is; will I, will you, decide that we will begin today to learn to overcome sin as Jesus did.

Heavenly Father, thank you so much for your gift of Jesus to be our savior and to be our guide and help on the way to full salvation. We always need your help to be conscious of our weakness and your willingness to see us succeed. All of the strength is yours and all of the glory is yours always and forever. Amen.