None of us can avoid temptation forever because temptation is inevitable. No matter how much we may try to eliminate temptation in our lives, everyone faces temptations with no exceptions. Some people feel guilty when they are tempted, but we should always remember that being tempted in itself is not a sin.
No matter how close to God we walk, no matter how righteous and obedient we are, and no matter how good we try to be, we will still be tempted. Even Jesus was tempted to the point where He can personally relate to our struggles with temptation. Why is temptation inevitable? Because Satan is our enemy and he is persistently trying to pry us away from God, and also because we still have a sinful nature that makes us vulnerable to temptation. In addition, we live in a culture that feeds lustful desires.
Inevitability means that it is not a matter of if we will face temptation, but when and where we will face it. Temptation is usually the strongest when we are at our weakest physically, emotionally, and mentally. This fact is why we need more than self-control to defeat temptation. Practicing self-control by avoiding and limiting exposure to tempting things can be effective, but we also need the Holy Spirit to empower us and help us resist temptation. In order to effectively fight temptation, we also need to identify what tempts us the most. Where we are vulnerable and most likely to take the bait is exactly where Satan will attack.
Will God not allow more than you can bear? Of course, He would allow more than we can bear. It is in that place when you can’t bear anymore that He is made strong. Many people have justified this false statement by quoting 1 Corinthians 10:13 which says:
“The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure.”
“Three different times I begged the Lord to take it away. Each time he said, ‘“Mygrace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” So now I am glad to boastabout my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me. That’s why Itake pleasure in my weaknesses, and in the insults, hardships, persecutions, andtroubles that I suffer for Christ. For when I am weak, then I am strong.”’2 Corinthians 12:8-10 NLT
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