3/29/2022

 Temptation is something that every human being on this Earth is subject to. It has been that way since the beginning of time, and even the most Holy of us still face temptation. Even Jesus himself, who is God in the flesh, was tempted by the devil. Of course the key difference between Jesus and us is that Jesus always told the devil no. However, for the rest of us it just doesn’t always seem to be that easy. If you are like myself or many other christians you make a point to be wary of how the devil attacks day to day. And though it is important to be prepared at any given moment this warriness also has its downfalls. This is what I call “Temptation Paranoia”.

You may know what I’m talking about or you may not understand how paranoia comes through our vigilance. There are some great books out there such as “The Screwtape Letters”, by C.S. Lewis, which gives us a play by play of how the devil attacks. Now don’t get me wrong, it is very important to see the different ways that the devil attacks us. However, when we start to understand how the devil attacks we also begin to understand how crafty and wicked he truly is. You could almost say it feels as though he is playing chess and we are playing checkers. And the thought of the devils methods of temptation can become daunting. In fact we can become so wary of the devils attacks that it gives him an advantage. What I mean by that is we can think we are being attacked when we are not, and that creates in us all sorts of mixed emotions. So, just like any other reasonable thought let’s take this slow so that we can understand what is happening and how to overcome our temptation paranoia.

What is Temptation? Temptation is the desire to do something that is wrong or unwise (to sin). Who tempts us? Some would say that God tempts us, which is a bit unreasonable which is why I’d like to dismiss this claim first. As we read in James 1:13, “13 Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am being tempted by God,” for God cannot be tempted with evil, and he himself tempts no one”. So then if God is not the root of our temptation then who is? If we continue reading James 1:14-15 “14 But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. 15 Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death.”. So what does it mean that we are tempted by our own desire, is it not the devil who tempts us? Yes the devil and his demons do indeed tempt us but it is by our own desires of the flesh that we succumb to his attacks. Sinning becomes a lot easier when we can blame an external source such as the devil but we are accountable for our own sin, because we make the decision to give into our own desires of the flesh. As we read in Romans 7:15-20 

“15 For I do not understand my own actions. For I do not do what I want, but I do the very thing I hate. 16 Now if I do what I do not want, I agree with the law, that it is good. 17 So now it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells within me. 18 For I know that nothing good dwells in me, that is, in my flesh. For I have the desire to do what is right, but not the ability to carry it out. 19 For I do not do the good I want, but the evil I do not want is what I keep on doing. 20 Now if I do what I do not want, it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells within me.” 

The sinful nature within us is a dangerous thing which is why it is so important that we turn to the spirit of God which dwells in us. 

So, if it is the sinful nature within us that the devil uses to cause us to sin, how exactly do we overcome it? Those who live in the world freely give into their sin which, as we have just read, produces death in us. We however listen to another voice which instructs us in the way of wisdom. Let me ask you if you decide you want to be a mechanic, how many mistakes do you think it would take before you became a master mechanic? And once you become a master mechanic would you still make mistakes? When we become Christians we are going to still make mistakes regardless of how much we have devoted to God, but we repent and turn back. You may ask what exactly does this have to do with the temptation paranoia? It is better for us to focus on moving towards God than away from the devil. When we move away from the devil he can direct us to go wherever he desires. But when we turn to God there is one goal and it is a clear path. 

When a soldier goes to battle the focus is on the enemy. A soldier's goal is to defend against and attack the enemy. They are able to do this after receiving extensive training and being fully equipped. I say this because even though we may have a clear sight of God we still are in the middle of spiritual warfare and must be ready. Ephesians 6:10-20 explains how we should equip ourselves for the battle that we have placed ourselves in. When you are unsure of whether you are being tempted or not, there is one key thing that you can ask yourself, “Does this bring glory to God”. What’s important about this is that rather than becoming paranoid and wondering if everything you want to do is a scheme of the devil you rather begin to focus your actions on glorifying God. Which by the way can be done in many different ways. Though the devil schemes, God still works in mysterious ways and still uses all things for the good of his kingdom.

Ephesians 6:10-20

10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. 11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. 12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. 13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. 14 Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. 16 In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; 17 and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, 18 praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints, 19 and also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel, 20 for which I am an ambassador in chains, that I may declare it boldly, as I ought to speak.

Associate Pastor Clay