
Every day is a blessing from God, but often enough we take it for granted because of how spoiled we have become. We have become so spoiled by what this world has to offer that we don't realize that this life is temporary, and that our actions in this life determines the outcome for what comes next. Believe me when I say, "There is a lot of bad influences in this world that would set you on the wrong path." Social media will encourage you through the phrase YOLO, or you only live once as an excuse to live a "wild exciting" life, but at what cost. Matthew 16:26 says, "For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul?"
Do not be deceived by what you see on social media. All the pictures and posts you see of people having fun partying, clubbing, gambling, drinking or indulging in sexual pleasures may appear as innocent and harmless and even feels good, but indeed looks can be deceiving as those actions can very well be harmful to your soul. Matthew 26:41 say, "Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” The enemy, the devil will make several attempts to tempt you to lose yourself, he knows that our flesh is weak but we have the power to overcome this world, as Jesus said in John 16:23, "These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” If Jesus can overcome this world and overcome temptation, then what is your excuse?
Galatians 5:16 says, "So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh." The Holy Spirit is there to help us through our trials and tribulations, even through the temptations of the flesh. So don't you think you are alone. Remember Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego when they walked through the fiery furnace, they were not alone. 1 Corinthians 10:13 says, "No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it." You're not weak if you find yourself falling into temptation. Just look at David, he fell into the sexual desire of the flesh and even had a woman's husband killed, but David kept running back to God and repented. I'm not saying go ahead and give into your temptation, but rather I say be careful and if you fall into temptation, come to Christ and repent.
To quote John in 1 John 1:9, "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." There is still hope for you if you fall into temptation, don't you dare lose hope. James 1:2-3 says, "My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience." God loves us and He understands that we may struggle through temptation, but if you find yourself in a losing battle with temptation. Simply cry out to Jesus and he will save you. Just as it says in Romans 10:13, "For “whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.” And be careful to not fall to the sins of others. In 1 Timothy 5:22 it says, "Do not lay hands on anyone hastily, nor share in other people’s sins; keep yourself pure."
So how do we fight temptation? We can learn from Jesus when he was in the wilderness when the devil tried to tempt him. Every time the devil tried to attempt Jesus, Jesus countered every temptation with scripture. It is through scripture and the help of the Holy Spirit by which we can overcome all temptations of the flesh. 1 Peter 4:1-2 says, "Therefore, since Christ suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves also with the same mind, for he who has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin, that he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh for the lusts of men, but for the will of God." And how do we live for the will of God? Ephesians 5:15-21 says, "See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be unwise, but understand what the will of the Lord is. And do not be drunk with wine, in which is dissipation; but be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord, giving thanks always for all things to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, submitting to one another in the fear of God."
What is the meaning of "fear of God?" The Hebrew word for "fear" as in "fear of God" is "yirah" which can translate to respect, reverence, and worship. In the Bible, fearing God means acknowledging who God is and responding with awe, respect, and obedience. It's the beginning of wisdom, and it's a key part of having faith in God. And it is through that faith in which we can overcome temptations, faith and trusting in the Lord just as it says in Proverbs 3:5-6, "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths." When you have Christ in your life, and you have turn from all your wicked ways and trust fully in the Lord.
When you have that much relationship with Christ, the Holy Spirit will give you a gift of discernment which can and will help you so that you will not be overtaken but that temptation of the flesh. But remember the war of the flesh and spirit will still be there, that just means the enemy will work that much harder to get you, but because you will have Christ on your side, you will come out as Victor because Christ is the ultimate Victor. And I end this with this scripture from 1 Corinthians 15:57, "But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ." Amen.
Heavenly Father, I pray and I ask that you give us strength, wisdom and patience to overcome this world as you have over came it. Give us discernment to overcome the enemies lies and deceit. Lead us Jesus not into temptation, but deliver us from all evil. Help us as we draw closer to you, Lord. We ask this and receive it in your mighty name. Amen.