In 1 Corinthians 10:13, the apostle Paul explains, “No temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to man; and God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, so that you will be able to endure it.” In order to experience the victory you've been given in Christ over sin, you must know the process by which temptation takes hold. Then, you must build a defense against it.
Start by realizing that your desires are not necessarily wrong. In fact, they can be very good if they fit the Lord's plan and purpose for your life. But when you allow your wishes to dominate and distract you from doing God's will, troublesome situations and consequences are soon to follow.
The process of temptation begins in your mind with what you think. Eventually, your thoughts stir up your imagination, which is very powerful. You fantasize about the object of your desire – how it would feel to possess it; how unhappy you would be without it. As time goes on, the pressure builds. You reach the point where you must make a choice. Will you turn from the temptation, or will you give in to the pleasure it promises? Once you consent, sin takes hold.
Of course, as a faithful believer, you know that the Holy Spirit can help you turn away from enticements you may face during any step in the process. You also realize that it becomes increasingly difficult to turn away the further you go. This is why it it is so importation that you take “every thought captive to the obedience of Christ” (2 Corinthians 10:5). Why? Where you mind wanders, your feet are sure to follow. You need a defense system to help you respond wisely, guard your thoughts, and keep you from going down the wrong path.
How do you build this defense system? First, you must take responsibility and admit, “Yes Lord, this is a temptation for me.” Confess any sin you've already committed, accept the Savior's forgiveness (1 John 1:9), and acknowledge that He can teach you to live free of it. When you're willing to accept your vulnerability and dependence on God in the areas where you are tempted, you've taken a very important step toward victory.
Second, look at the big picture. Ask yourself: “What does the Father think about this? If I yield to this enticement, what will the consequences be? How will it affect my future and the people in my life? Will it distract me from doing the Lord's will?” The great deception of sin is that it promises pleasure without penalty – instant gratification with no regret. But once you consider the negative results of your actions, the temptation will appear much less attractive.
Bearing the big picture in mind will also help you identify if there's a way to meet your desire that is in line with God's will – a way that will bring Him glory. So third, be sure to recall the Father's promises concerning your life. One of the reasons temptations are so powerful is because they play into your anxieties. Disappointments and setbacks can lead to discouragement if don't fully trust that the Lord can and will fulfill His word in you.
This is why Jesus said, “The Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all that I said to you. Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful” (John 14:26-27).
God has given the Holy Spirit to encourage you as you wait for His perfect timing and to enable you to do all that He has commanded. When you feel weak, rely upon the awesome power of the Spirit to comfort you, remind you of His love and presence, and strengthen you to stand firm until His promise to you is accomplished.
Finally, set your mind on things that honor the Father. Meditating on God's Word and spending time with Him in an intimate relationship empower you to remain steadfast in your struggle against sin. When temptations come, the Holy the Spirit can immediately bring Scripture to mind as a shield to protect you.
From June 2010 Prayer Letter
Charles F. Stanley
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