Recognize Temptation
OPENING PRAYER:
Heavenly Father, Open our eyes that we might see the temptations that surround us. We run to you for deliverance and victory in our addictions. Amen
“So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don’t fall! No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. 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 endure it.” Corinthians 10:12-13 NIV
REFLECT:
Overcome addiction by learning to recognize temptation. You say you don’t have an addiction, yet you eat a little too much, spend too much time on Facebook, sports, movies, (you fill in the blank). Addiction is a condition in which a person who struggles to stop using a substance or engaging in a behavior. Satan’s goal is to steal our time with our Heavenly Father and he doesn’t care what we do as long we don’t seek a relationship with God. Sin creeps into our lives to take control of our focus, attitudes, time, and passion directing them away for our very creator. Sin is described in Hebrews 13b AMP as “the deceitfulness of sin [its cleverness, delusive glamour, and sophistication].” This description reveals sin like a wolf in sheep’s clothing. How easy it is to be lured into Satan’s trap if we are not alert and focused on God and his word.
APPLY:
It is critical to be focused and seek God’s Spirit to help overcome. It says in Colossians 3:2 NIV, “Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.” How much time do we spend being filled with empty noise? As we bring our thoughts captive to things that are “above”, the Spirit can help us recognize those things that want to control us and separate us from our Heavenly Father. Only as our minds are renewed in Jesus will we recognize the temptation and distraction Satan so cleverly attracts us to like a moth to the fire. Take action and fine tune your focus!
CLOSING PRAYER:
Heavenly Father; help us to bring our thoughts captive to your obedience. Lead us not into temptation and deliver us from evil. Amen
CONTINUED READING:
I Corinthians 6:12, Romans 6:12-14