Day 26 Message

      
Day 26 Readings

Day 26 - Growing through Temptation

Temptation is an opportunity to grow. All through our life we are presented with different things to produce spiritual growth, and temptation allows us to exercise our character by doing the opposite.

Temptation stays pretty much the same, but many of us still fall for the same old tricks. First, Satan figures out something you desire. Often, these can be good things but he will tell us that another route will make us just as happy. For instance, we may want security. God wants us to trust in him, then we can be truly secure. Satan would tell us that storing up money can make us secure, even though wealth can disappear.

First, Satan makes us question what we know. We find ourselves wondering about what we know of God and how he wants us to live, and not looking to the source for information.

Next, we accept the lie and choose to believe it. At this point we are telling God that our opinion is more important than his word.
Finally, we act upon the false desire.

Now that we know how we are tempted, we need to look at how to escape temptation. First, realize that temptation itself is not sin. Don't be scared by thinking that temptation is more powerful than God in you. Next, look for how you are usually tempted and try to break that pattern. If you are tempted to sin every time you talk to someone, you need to change those conversations or maybe even that friendship. Then request God's help. Pray quickly, and prepare to move to get away from the temptation, however God tells you to move!

Don't try to fight temptation on your own. Without God and others looking out for us, we will have a very hard time. Look to him and his word, then surround yourself with others who want to do the same thing.

Thinking about my purpose:
Know. Temptation is an opportunity to do good.
Remember. "God blesses the people who patiently endure testing. Afterward they will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him." -James 1.12. (NLT)
Think about it. How can I become more like Christ by defeating a temptation that I often face?

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