Hosanna Restoration Church

As we begin this, let’s make it clear that the tempter cannot make us do anything! If we fall into temptation it is because we did it, not because anyone made us. That said it is time for God’s people to do more that recognize the existence the tempter. Acknowledging that he exists without recognizing his work around and in our lives is comparable to acknowledging the existence of God and refusing a relationship with Him. It is a formula for destruction.

Yes, temptation is all around us and in fact the Word of God says when we give into it, it is because it appeals to what is on the inside of us. So if we learn to recognize the tempter, we can use him to help us be rid of the things that have the potential to derail our walk with God. The tempter is good at what he does. That is why God warned us to put on the full armor of God so we could stand against his game plan. It is quite normal to be tempted, in fact it would be abnormal if we were not. However, it is not okay to give into temptation! We need to grow up and overcome the tactics of the tempter. After all, he will never tempt us to do anything good, so giving in to him leads us into sin. If we call it what it is, I think it will help us to fight harder. It may make us feel better to call it a little slip or a failure, but why not call it sin? It will help us to win!

I think we all know that temptation does not come just on huge things like sexual sin, murder, or robbing a bank. After all, Jesus pointed out that lust was as bad as adultery, and calling someone a fool was as bad as murder. Many years ago when my oldest son was a little boy he came and told me that the tempter tried to get him to steal a candy bar but he did not give in. He recognized where that temptation came from. I believe it was because we practiced beating the devil. We used to play a game we called “Jesus beats the devil.” I would say scriptures the wrong way and he would counter with the truth and I would fall down defeated. That is what happens when recognize the tempter and stop him in his tracks.

Some temptations are laughable and easy to cast down but watch out, the tempter may be setting you up. He may suggest that you just kill that person that you are angry at. (Most of us will push that one away. Some of course do give into that sort of suggestion.) Be careful not to think the battle is over when you laugh the big one off, because that may have been a ploy to get you off guard for when he suggests that you tell someone else just what you think of that person. If you are not on guard, things will come rolling out of your mouth and you will need to repent. If we will be honest, we know where the soft spots in our armor are. Now is a good time to mark those areas for repair.

When the tempter comes, let’s be ready. If we are going accomplish the purpose of God in these times, and walk in His fullness, we need to be over comers and not easily overcome! Lord lead us in the way everlasting.