
Temptation Vs. Sinful Desire.
A temptation becomes a sin when we determine in our mind that we personally want to partake of it.(Matthew 5:21–22, 27–28) The bible says we sin when we are lured and give into our sinful desires.(James 1:14–15) In God’s eyes, fantasizing about something is the same as doing it.(1 Samuel 16:7 / Psalm 44:21) It’s not wrong to have an attraction to something that displeases God, it’s only a sin when we let ourselves think about doing it, and fantasize about what it would be like.
Jesus was tempted and never sinned.(Hebrews 4:15 / Matthew 4:1) It’s not that Jesus didn’t want the fulfillment of sin, but he wanted his Father’s will more. Sin is pleasurable to the righteous, but they know that it’s better for them if they don’t sin. God says all sin has consequences and all obedience has rewards.(Job 4:8 / Hebrews 11:6) God’s rewards or consequences always outweigh whatever a temptation might offer us.(God promised to reward our hardships here on earth)Sin is like eating honey with ant poison mixed in, or like eating a snack, but forfeiting a delicious meal. The only way we would pass on honey or a tasty snack, is if we know about the poison or the meal we would forfeit. Knowing the truth gives us the necessary facts and incentive to make the right decision. This is why the scripture says we “transformed by the renewing of our minds,” and again, “you shall know the truth and the truth shall set you free”.(John 17:17 / John 8:31-32 / 2 Peter 1:3 / Titus 1:1 / Romans 12:2) As God teaches us his ways, we learn about the rewards and consequences of doing what’s right or wrong. God promised not to let us be tempted beyond what we can bear.(Jeremiah 32:33 / Psalm 71:17 / Psalm 32:8 /Psalm 23:1) We don’t know all truth, so he teaches and prepares us for future temptations.(Jeremiah 32:33 / Psalm 71:17 / Psalm 32:8 /Psalm 23:1)God helps us, but he still requires our effort to overcome future temptations. His way of preparing us involves doing, thinking, and saying what he shows us. We need to be learning what the Bible says, praying, and doing everything God shows us.(Hebrews 5:14 / 2 Timothy 3:16–17 / Psalm 119:9)These things give us the knowledge and training to overcome the temptations God will allow us to go through.(Hebrews 5:14 / 2 Timothy 3:16–17 / Psalm 119:9)
The Bible says, if we love God, we will do what he says.(Acts 2:3–4 / Matthew 25:1–13 / Revelation 5:6 / Genesis 2:2) God tells us to use all our heart soul mind and strength to love him.(Acts 2:3–4 / Matthew 25:1–13 / Revelation 5:6 / Genesis 2:2) He promised to help us, to give us rest when we’re tired, reminders when we forget, strength when we are week, endurance when we are weary, and any other imaginable thing we may need.(Exodus 25:30 / 1 Samuel 21:6 / Mark 2:26) His yoke is easy and his burden is light, but his help is for those that are striving to obey him.(Matthew 6:11 / Matthew 6:25) We can have victory over sin, but only if we fight it the ways God shows us.(Exodus 30:6 / Revelation 8:3–4) “His mercy is new every morning,” today is the day we can do what he says.(Exodus 30:7–8 / Ephesians 6:18)
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When I have sinned, one thing that helps me overcome that sin is rememberingwhere I first was tempted, what lies I believed, and what truths I forgot. Then I can better prepare myself to obey God in that area next time.