There are certain things that every one of us will face in life. One of these things is the temptation to sin. The Bible teaches us that “each one is tempted when he is carried away and enticed by his own lust” (James 1:14). James went on to show the end result of one giving in to temptation: “Then when lust has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and when sin is accomplished, it brings forth death” (James 1:15).
Sadly, all men and women of accountable age must acknowledge that there have been times when they have given in to temptation and have sinned. “If we say that we have no sin, we are deceiving ourselves and the truth is not in us” (1 John 1:8). The Scripture plainly says, “All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23).
In spite of this, we can find encouragement in God’s promise about temptation: “No temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to man; and God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, so that you will be able to endure it” (1 Corinthians 10:13).
There is no temptation we face that is unique to us. Others have not only experienced the temptation, but have overcome. We have the promise, backed by our infallible God, that when temptation comes there will be a way of escape. We can endure it. We can overcome.
Knowing that each temptation we face can be overcome, we must strive for perfection. As John wrote, “My little children, I am writing these things to you so that you may not sin” (1 John 2:1). God has promised the way of escape and that we can overcome temptation. What has He given us that, when used properly, will help us do this?
- He has given us His word – When Jesus was tempted by the devil, He responded to each temptation by quoting Scripture (Matthew 4:4, 7, 10). God’s word shows us what is right and what is wrong. Through the commands, instructions, and examples contained in it, He has told us what to do and what to avoid in order to please Him.
- He has given us the ability to think and remember – By becoming “accustomed to the word” and practicing it, we learn “to discern good and evil” (Hebrews 5:13-14). We must study the word of God so that we are able to recall it when we are tempted. The psalmist said, “Your word I have treasured in my heart, that I might not sin against You” (Psalm 119:11).
- He has given us free will – We will be tempted. God has also said that there will be a way of escape with each temptation. So we know that we will never encounter a situation in which our only option is to sin. We will always have the option to do what is right. Humans are not born totally depraved – inherently inclined toward evil – as some people teach. We can choose to sin or we can choose to overcome. Either way, the choice is ours to make.
God has provided everything we need in order to overcome temptation. It is up to us to take advantage of what He has given. God “desires all men to be saved” (1 Timothy 2:4), but we must use the tools He has provided – which are more than sufficient – in order to resist the devil and submit to God (James 4:7).
