Overcoming Temptations

By Fatoki Ifeoluwa

Devotional Reading: Run from anything that gives you the evil thoughts that young men often have, but stay close to anything that makes you want to do right. Have faith and love, and enjoy the companionship of those who love the Lord and have pure hearts. 2 Timothy 2:22 TLB

No one is exempted from temptation. Anyone who denies the possibility of temptation has fallen into temptation already. However, our response to temptation varies. An unbeliever does not identify temptation as what it is because he is naturally inclined to sinning, but as believers, we know that we cannot afford to fall. We must not forget that the goal of temptation is to lead us to sin.

In our anchor text, Apostle Paul, while advising Timothy, his son in the faith, advised him to run from anything that can stimulate sinful thoughts or lead him to sinful action. For instance, the 18+ symbol does not mean that believers over the age of 18 are allowed to click, whether younger or older, believers should flee. As believers, we must know the things that pre-empt us to sin, and we must avoid them. We must never forget that prayer is not a substitute for fleeing.

Secondly, Paul advised Timothy to rather channel his energy to the things that spur him to righteous living. Again, as believers, we should not be idle in a bid to avoid sin. We should rather engage ourselves in activities that will prove beneficial to our spiritual growth. Finally, Timothy is advised to keep company with fellow believers who will stimulate him to righteousness.

As believers, we need to cut off individuals whose company makes it easy and safer to sin, and embrace those who will help us to exercise ourselves unto godliness. We must also avoid environments that make it more comfortable to sin.
What commitments will you make this morning to forestall and overcome temptations?

Prayer and Confession
Dear Father, I am grateful to You because You will always make ways out of temptations for me. I declare that I am not disobedient.

Further Reading: James 1:12-15, 1 Corinthians 10:13