Danger Zone
(Temptation)
Pastor Michael Keeton
We do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weakness, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need. Hebrews 4:15-16. NKJV
Day in and day out, you’re surrounded by temptation, even if the inside of your house has been swept clean of every influence that could tempt you to sin. In the course of a single day, you’ll have more opportunities to lie, cheat, and steal than you ever thought possible. And that’s just the tip of the iceberg. The pile of hidden temptations is big enough to sink the Titanic.
Fortunately, you’re stronger than the Titanic if you remember to give your day, with all its temptations, to God when you pray each morning. And if you’ve been faithful to stay in close contact with the Father all throughout the day, then you have such a sensitive radar system that you can spot the iceberg of sin looming in your path in plenty of time to change your course.
Temptation is unavoidable. The way you handle temptation is what will make the difference in your spiritual track record. With some really fast running shoes and an arsenal of memorized scripture, you can flee temptation and wage a verbal counterattack at the same time. With each victory you’ll build up your resistance to temptation and no longer fear the moment you have to step out into the Danger Zone.
I WILL:
- Remember to give my day to God each morning.
- Place a high priority on memorizing scripture so I’ll be prepared for Satan’s attacks.
- Flee temptation as soon as I recognize it.
- Realize that I cannot avoid temptation, but I can avoid giving in to it.
- Trust God to make me sensitive to the first signs of temptation.
- Learn how to resist Satan by following Jesus’ example.
Things to DO:
- Read the account of Jesus’ temptation by Satan in Matthew 4.
- Identify the greatest temptations in my life right now. (Eliminate anything that feeds that temptation, certain videos for instance.)
- Post a reminder somewhere where you’re sure to see it each morning to ask God to help you resist temptation.
Things to Remember:
- Mark 14:38; Jesus said, “Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.
- 1 Corinthians 10:13; No testing has overtaken you that is not common to everyone. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tested beyond your strength, but with the testing he will also provide the way out so that you may be able to endure it.
Remember, Temptation is not sin but leads to sin.
Don’t give in to Temptation and stay out of the DANGER ZONE!