[Luke 17, Proverbs 25]

H – Luke 17:1, “And he said to his disciples, “Temptations to sin are sure to come, but woe to the one through whom they come!”

E – Overcoming Temptations!

Temptations are unfortunately a part of life. Because of the fall of man and the birth of sin we have the unpleasant opportunity to experience the struggle it brings. 

There is so much to say about temptation in the Bible. (Just a few of importance)

1. Temptation is known as a luring and an enticing. It is a fishing metaphor for drawing prey away from shelter in order to trap them with a deadly hook (James 1:14, 1 Pet. 5:8–9).
2. Temptation is meant to breed a desire which leads to sin and once entrapped in sin it leads to death (James 1:15).
3. We know that God test his people to strengthen them but He never tempts anyone because He never desires His people to sin (James 1:13).

Therefore, temptation is straight from Satan himself. The reality is that even Jesus was tempted in every way, yet without sin (Hebrews 4:15). Because of His temptation He even understands our weakness to temptation (seriously, go read Hebrews 4:15). A Christian can be comforted with the truth that nothing that entices them is foreign to the Lord. He too has felt the tug of sin, and yet he never gave in to such temptations.

So the logical question is, how do I overcome temptations? (Just a few things that come to mind this morning. This is not anywhere near exhaustive)

1. Pay Attention to Yourself (17:3). We are called to be self controlled and alert (1 Peter 5:8), keeping watch over ourselves least we fall into temptation (Matthew 26:41). I need to pay attention to my head and heart, where I am at, and where I’m going.
2. Draw Near to God (Hebrews 4:16). If God understands, yet is without sin, I need to draw close to Him and receive Mercy and Grace that comes from Him. In my time of need I simply need Jesus.
3. Remove Whatever it is in You Life that may Cause You to Stumble. If we are serious about not sinning, turn away from the temptation. We must repent (Luke 13:3) and put away everything that is a source of stumbling or temptation (Matthew 5:27-30; Mark 9:42-48).
4. Stand in Victory. Because Jesus overcame I can overcome. He has provided the “way of escape that I may endure” (1 Corinthians 10:13). 
5. Arm Yourself for The Next Battle. The adversary doesn’t give up and awaits the right opportunity to lure and entice. I can not afford to let my guard down (Ephesians 6:10-20). 

A – I can overcome. I must allow the Lord to transform me anew. Only He can guard my mind and my heart through Christ Jesus. 

R – Lord God, thank you for caring for me. Thank you for mercy and grace. Thank you for meeting me in my time of need when I call out to you. Thank you for being the God of countless second chances and forgiveness. Thank you that my failures are not final. Thank you for renewal and revival in my soul. Thank you for giving me your Spirit. Thank you that I can overcome. Thank you that I can stand in Victory. And, Thank you that I have a great Help. Lord, help me to run away from temptation and be strengthen through my trials. 

In Jesus Name!