In Luke chapter 4 we have the story of the temptation of Jesus. Jesus was victorious over sin because he was victorious over temptation.
Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone.’”
Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God and serve him only.’”
Jesus answered, “It is said: ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test.’”
Luke 4:4,8,12
Jesus crushed every temptation with the word of God.
What do I do? I explain to the temptation why it wouldn’t be a good idea. I explain the consequences of moral failure. Sometimes I just say, not now. So the temptation comes back again and again. Temptations are very persistent. They keep coming back. What else do they have to do?
I wonder how much less sinning I would do if I would just counter every temptation with “here’s what God says about that…..” But then I would actually have to know what he said. Hmm?
Good idea!
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