Good Morning Everyone,
Our theme for this month: “Trusting God”
Our Bible verse for today: “No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.” 1 Corinthians 10:13 (NIV)
Our thought for today: “Trust God to help you resist temptation.”
Do you ever give-in to temptation? Ok, let me rephrase that. How many times every day do you give-in to temptation? If you’re like me then the answer is “More times than I can keep track of.”
But why? Why do I give-in so frequently even when I know it’s wrong? The answers are many and often complex. Sometimes I like it and I do it intentionally even though I know it’s wrong. One donut, occasionally, is a treat. Four at one sitting is gluttony. But I like donuts! And so I eat them (I had three last Sunday).
Other times temptation is more complex and devious, such as addictions to drugs or pornography. But still, there must be ways to deal with it, right? The answer of course, is yes.
In 1 Corinthians 10:13 the Apostle Paul teaches that we will never face a temptation that is beyond our ability to withstand with the help of God. There is always a way out, and therefore victory over it is always within the realm of possibility.
With respect to my weaknesses for donuts the answer is obvious, “Stay away from the donuts Jim”. I was well aware that last Sunday was the first Sunday of the month and therefore “Donut Sunday” at our church. I knew the donuts were in the Fellowship Hall. And I also knew that there was no compelling reason for me to be in the Fellowship Hall (other than the fact that that’s where the donuts were!) I could have prayed a little prayer, asked God to give me some other pressing task that had to be done (away from the Fellowship Hall), and I could have avoided the gluttony. But the truth is that I wanted those donuts, all three of them, sin or no sin.
Addictions are harder to deal with but still, the battle is winnable. Ask God to show you the way out. Pick up the phone and call for the help of an accountability partner. Rebuke Satan and the demon of addiction in the name of Jesus.
God has promised to provide a way out, no matter the nature or source of the temptation. If you want the victory, and you seek God’s help, you can trust Him to help you.
God Bless,
Pastor Jim
Oak Hill Baptist Church 