Question and answer: “What exactly is a temptation and how will I know when I’m being tempted?”

A temptation is a thought, a look or a suggestion, that if indulged in or dwelt upon will lead you into sin. Jesus taught that if we look at someone to lust after them it is like adultery with them in our heart Matthew 5:27-28.Temptation can be subtle and very appealing. If someone offends you, temptation would come if you think about a way of getting revenge.

Studying the Bible will help you to understand what is right and wrong, and it will help you resist temptation. The devil will tempt you as often as he can, especially when you are weak.

1 Corinthians 10:13 ‘God is faithful; who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able to bear, but with the temptation will also make a way of escape that you may be able to bear it’

Fact: Life is full of choices: You choose to sin, or be holy Genesis 4:7.

Temptation always looks, feels, or tastes good. If you know that a film, which contains sinful material is on TV, you may be tempted to watch it - that is not a sin. BUT if you watch it wilfully, knowing that it contains bad material, then it is sin. It is not edifying or glorifying to God. Ask yourself ‘what would Jesus do?’ Practise the presence of Christ.

Wisdom: When temptation comes, reject it, and refuse to dwell upon it.

The enemy will try to tempt you by planting bad thoughts in your mind. Fight back by proclaiming, “The Lord rebuke you Satan, I do not receive these thoughts and will not accept them. You are defeated; I plead the blood of my Lord Jesus Christ over my mind.” Zechariah 3, Romans 16:20, Colossians 2:15, Revelation 20:10, Philippians 4:8.

Think: What are my weak points and what am I going to do about it?

Sin, if entertained, has consequences. A fence on a cliff edge may seem to spoil your view, yet it also protects you from falling to your death! ‘The wages of sin is death’ Romans 6:23.

More Info: Genesis 39:2-12, Numbers 32:23, Isaiah 41:10, Matthew 26:41, Luke 10:19, John 8:31,32, 2 Corinthians 9:8, Galatians 2:20, Ephesians 4:22-24, 6:13, Philippians 2:12, 3:12-14, 2 Timothy 3:16-17, Titus 3:3-7, Hebrews 4:15,16, 12:1, 2 Peter 1:3, 1 John 3:3-12, Jude 20,21.

Visit the interactive version of this course online. www.byfaith.co.uk © 2003 ByFaith Media.