Guarding your heart against temptations

These things happened to them as examples for us. They were written down to warn us who live at the end of the age. If you think you are standing strong, be careful not to fall. The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure. 1 Corinthians 10: 11-13

Probably you have heard this; “It does not matter what you know but who you know.” This saying is based on the world’s perception that when you are trying to obtain something, it matters that you know someone influential that can help you achieve what you long for. The same could be true if your desire is to win the battle over temptation. It is important that you know Jesus who will provide you the strength to overcome temptation. From the text, the Apostle Paul is citing the experience of the Israelites during the time of the Old Testament. They took for granted their relationship with God and this led them to compromise their own spiritual convictions. As a child of God, Paul’s challenge is for you to learn from the Israelites so that the same mistake that resulted to spiritual neglect and failure will not be your experience. The Word of God provides you instructions so you will not give in to temptation. In Matthew Chapter 4, our Lord Jesus Christ, showed how He refuted Satan’s lies by His knowledge of the Scriptures. He did not give in to Satan instead He remained steadfast and did not rationalize. He simply presented the truth that comes from His word to deflect Satan’s tactics. This is an example that every child of God should follow. You cannot rationalize with Satan and rely on your own strength as you confront him. Satan and your old sinful desire are powerful. This is why when Satan tempted the Lord Jesus Christ, He quoted form the Old Testament; “...that people do not live by bread alone; rather, we live by every word that comes from the mouth of the Lord” (Deut. 8:3). He showed a steady grasp of the Word setting an example to every believer that it is by His Word that will prevent you to give in to temptation. “I have hidden your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you” (Psalm 119:11). Be quick to respond to Satan’s deception by quoting Scriptures that you are regularly meditating upon and readily applying to daily life.

Blessings.