How Can Christians Resist Temptation?

How did Jesus react when faced with temptation from Satan? What can we learn from his actions? In this podcast, James Bruyn talks about how to resist temptation.

Why Live in Fear?

Where will you turn, where will you go? Running from the Lord, Running from the love that will never let you go? Why do you choose to continue to live in fear? Why do you keep removing the scabs over the pain that has been inflicted on you in the past? Love came and dwelled among us and you don’t have to be afraid.

Facebook, Pinterest, Twitter, Instagram – when will you tell someone that they are loved, that they are good enough, that they are enough, that they have an invaluable contribution to make to this world?

A Vulnerable Moment

Satan found Jesus at a vulnerable moment – alone, hungry and in the wilderness, the same place where Satan often finds you. Jesus rested his faith on the knowledge that man is truly alive when they trust in God’s word. Hungry, alone and in the wilderness, the lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world chose to worship God and serve God alone.

Satan found Jesus in the synagogue – churches … the one place where one would thing that you would be a safe from temptation – and incited the congregation to be filled with rage at what Jesus said. The light of the world quietly continued to shine his light upon all those sitting in the darkness and the shadow of death.

Jesus Went Viral

When news of Jesus miracle working powers went viral, freely he continued to give, freely he continued to heal. The teacher quietly stepped away to God’s throne of Grace to pray and then faithfully continued to fulfil the purpose God had laid out for him.

Satan made sure to meet Jesus as he came down from the mountain top transfiguration experience, where he had heard his Father remind him that he was loved. Faced with an unbelieving crowd and a demon possessed boy freely he shared his love and power. A love and power sustained by quiet prayer.

Temptation Upon Temptation

Still without sin, Satan pulled out all the stops, and layered temptation upon temptation on Jesus. His disciples squabbled over who would be the greatest in the Kingdom. One of his own disciples betrayed him. His closest friends couldn’t stay awake to pray with him, and then ran away in fear for their lives. After physical abuse and humiliation, he watched one of his closest followers, Peter, deny ever being with him. Hanging on the cross, Satan used the taunts of others to tempt him to come down from the cross and destroy his enemies. Yet in that darkest, loneliest moment Jesus in quiet trust committed his spirit into the faithful hands of his Father God.

Satan Was Defeated

With that act of obedience, Satan was defeated. After a life on earth where he offered up prayers and petitions with fervent cries and tears to God, where he learned the high cost of obedience from what he suffered He was made perfect.  (Heb 5:7-8) One man had walked this earth, and resisted every single temptation Satan could throw at him. 

Jesus of Nazareth became the source of your eternal salvation if you will obey him. God has now designated Jesus as your high priest who sacrificed his life for your sins. Jesus, the Son of God, has ascended into heaven so that you can approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that you may receive mercy and find grace to help you in your time of need.

Your Faith in Christ

Heb 4:14-16 states:

Hold firmly to the faith you profess!

Your faith in Christ is a treasure beyond price! Your faith makes you fully alive just as Jesus was, makes life worth living and provides an anchor for your soul. In the place where you live and work, commit to hold firmly to your faith with courage and boldness.

May your confession of faith in Christ as Lord, be accompanied by obedience and generosity. Rejoice with thanksgiving for the indescribable gift of surpassing grace that God has blessed you with. Fix your eyes and thoughts on Jesus who won the victory over sin and through whom your redemption has been permanently accomplished. Enjoy the intimate relationship you have with God because of what Jesus has done.

Worship and Cherish

Humbly worship at the throne of Grace so that you can continue to fulfill the purpose God has laid out for you especially when you are riding the crest of success and popularity, and people are thrilled with who you are and all that you know, or do.

Cherish the promises and love you share with your Heavenly Father during the mountain top experiences. As you come down from the mountain faithfully continue in prayer so that you can continue to share his love and shine brightly amongst your unbelieving co-workers, neighbors and friends.

Continue to let your light shine when you face rejection, when people stop listening to you, or can’t stand to have you around any longer , for your life is safe in God’s hands .

When You are Vulnerable to Sin

When you next find yourself in one of those moments in life where you are vulnerable to sin – maybe it is the internet where no one is watching you, maybe it is when you are hungry and your blood sugar levels are low, maybe it is when you find yourself in the wilderness and the life has been sucked out of you – rest your faith upon the truths of Scripture so that you can stand firm against the tempter. When you find your life tossed and torn by sin and temptation, remember Jesus will never, ever break off a battered reed. Jesus will never put out a smoldering wick. (Matt 12:20)

The Strength to Resist Temptation

When you fact temptation today, Jesus offers you the strength you need to resist. Jesus has been in the thick of life, he has seen it all and experienced it all – sickness, physical weakness, moral weakness, hatred, murder, greed, dishonesty, lust and every other sin in the book. Jesus understands the temptations which lead to doubt, despair, disobedience, lack of self-love and selfish preoccupation. Jesus has endured more temptation then you or I ever faced.  Jesus kept on hanging in there resisting temptation until he defeated the tempter while we often give into temptation long before it is over.

The Throne of Grace

Jesus isn’t standing aloof like a spectator watching you being tempted. Jesus isn’t exasperated over your sinfulness. Jesus didn’t come to condemn you but to save you. Jesus is constantly, gently inviting you to remain with him in the most holy place, at God’s throne of grace. At God’s throne of grace you will find a sanctuary even when it seems like you can’t find a safe place on earth. There you will always find the one who longs to help you gain the stability you need to stand firm and resist temptation.

God, who is sitting on the throne of grace has authority, capability and resources beyond this world.  In humble worship, with earnest prayers, at God’s throne of grace, confidently state your needs with honesty and childlike faith. At God’s throne of grace there is no need to be afraid … there you will hear the words “I do not condemn you – go and sin no more”.

At this moment, in faith continue to believe that …

God’s grace is sufficient for you!

You are God’s beloved child!

God is your refuge and strength – an ever present help in trouble!

God’s power is made perfect in weakness!

How do you handle temptation? Comment below or contact us at HopeStreamRadio.