As long as we are human, Satan will try to tempt us to sin.
The first thought, which infiltrates our mind, encouraging us to sin, is from
the world, the flesh or the devil. The temporary temptation is not the sin; and
we should not entertain any guilt for the number of times Satan tempts us. We
are only responsible if we entertain those thoughts, even if we do not act on
them (Matthew 5:28). When the first thought goes through your mind, let
it go immediately.
Do not give the devil a place in your life by entertaining
these notions, or letting them bear fruit in your thoughts, words or actions (Ephesians
4:27). Some temptation is greater than our resolve to live a pure
life before God. If we do sin, however, Jesus is our advocate with the Father,
and He is faithful and just and forgives every sin we confess (1 John
1:9). There is no penance, which we can perform to absolve us of sin; only
the sacrifice of Christ on the cross can free us from the penalty of sin (Romans
3:23, 6:23).
The good news is that Christ in us is greater than anything
Satan has to offer us (1 John 4:4). With each fall, we learn to walk
straighter, with more spiritual purpose and humility. Selfishness is at the
root of every sin. Sin is dead works, which deny the life of Christ within us.
When the temptation comes, submit to God, resist the temptation and Satan has
to flee from us (James 4:7). Christ always comes to our
rescue, if we call on Him.
Our flesh may not have the power to resist sin, but Christ
in us will resist through us (2 Thessalonians 3:3). We learn from our
failings to take one step closer to total union with Christ each moment of the
day (Galatians 2:20). Since we are dead, and our life is now hidden with
Christ in God (Colossians 3:3), we no longer have any need to
cater to our flesh or to give in to temptation (Galatians 5:24; Romans
7:5, 8:8-9). We soon learn to resist temptation, until sin no longer
holds any value for us at all (2 Peter 2:9). We live an abundant life in
Christ.
Prayer:
Father God, thank You for sending Jesus to take the power
away from Satan and his demons (1 John 5:18). We will keep our eyes on Jesus
and submit to the leading of Your Spirit in our life (Hebrews
12:2). Thank You for always providing a way of escape from every
temptation (1 Corinthians 10:13). Once Christ abides in us as our
whole life, then sin does not interest us any more (Colossians
3:4). We are always kept by Your power (Hebrews 2:18; 1 Peter 1:5). For
this, we thank You and give You all the praise, honor and glory.
Thought for the Day:
When we make no provision for the flesh, Satan cannot tempt
us. - Galatians 5:16,25