The Truth About Temptation
By: Bruce Wilkinson
Introduction
Do you know what lies between you and your next sin? Something called “temptation.”
Therefore, the moment you become serious about “Personal Holiness” is the moment you
must also become serious about “Times of Temptation.” Now that you have been
introduced to the subject of Biblical holiness in this first session, it is time for you to be also
introduced tot he subject of temptations: what they are and how they work.
Temptations are strategic in your quest for personal holiness. Why? Because they lie between you and your goal
of holiness. How? Temptations are the entry door to every sin. Even though you may not have recognized it, you
were tempted before you sinned. Immediately you can see the profound power of temptations in your life. At the
moment of a temptation, you can either experience defeat or victory. Defeat in the face of temptations leads always
to sin, and victory leads to life. Temptation is the lead domino in a chain that ultimately leads to great disappointment,
suffering, and alienation.
What the Bible teaches
Have you ever heard anyone say: "God made me do it" or "The temptation was just too strong, I couldn't
help myself" or "I'm different because nobody faces the powerful temptations I face" or "I've
always done it, I just can;t stop" or "The devil made me do it" or "It's not my fault, it's
in my family line," etc.?
Sound familiar? They're the normal lies we tell ourselves when we want to give ourselves permission to sin.
We make the "lies" so logical in our minds that giving into the temptation is the only thing to do -
it's called "rational lies". Fortunately, the Bible is the powerful revelation from the Lord regarding
the "rational truth" about temptations. Read carefully 1 Corinthians 10:13
"There hath no temptation taken (overtaken) you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who
will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to esape,
that ye may be able to bear (endure) it."
It's Up To You
The truth is that "no temptation has overtaken me except such as is common to man." Therefore, never
believe the lie that your temptation is unique or uncommon. Never believe the lie that this temptation you currently
face is so overpowering that it gives you the excuse to "have to give in." Because that "overpowering"
temptation is actually a very common one. Over and over again as men tell me of their most powerful temptations
they always are shocked when I share that what they are facing are the very same issues that every Tom, Dick, and
Harry face. It's just that Tom, Dick, or Harry haven't told him yet. So. if Tom, Dick, and Harry can face that
same temptation and say "no" time after time, how come you've decided that the only thing you can do
is say "yes?"
Think more deeply about the thought that your temptations are so strong that they literally overpower you. This
passage clearly teaches that "God won't allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able." Therefore,
never believe for a moment that your temptations are "too strong." Because they aren't. Never have been.
never will be. you just believed that little whisper that you are "different" and no one else would understand.
Brush that whisper aside and listen to the bold declaration of the Truth:
"God won't allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able."
God says he is faithful and won't permit it to happen. Don't you know that God realizes that he made satan much
stronger and smarter and more cunning than you? If God didn't limit temptations, you and I wouldn't have a chance!
That's why God's right at your side. Count on it. I call the Lord, "The Great Limiter!" Never again say,
"satan made me do it - or my temptations are just too strong for me." Because that's just not the truth.
The Lord knows you and your limitations and he sovereignty stops the force of the temptation before it crashes
through your abilities to say "no." Do you actually believe that? How wonderful to count on the Faithfulness
of God in your times of temptation! When you feel that the tidal wave is drowning you, speak the truth! Don't listen
to the whisper of the tempter, shout the truth:
"God is faithful and he isn't letting me be tempted beyond what I am able!"
The Bible pulls back the veil every once in a while and permits us to see a glimpse of this truth. Remember
Peter who was severely tempted and did not stand firm during his "time of temptation?" Did it go past
his threshold? Listen to Jesus in Luke 22:31
"And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat:"
Satan had to ask God for permission to tempt Peter. And, in the 2000 years that have passed since then, nothing
has changed except Peter's name. Count on it, God will not permit satan to tempt you beyond what you are able.
And, by the way, Peter didn't have to give into his temptation either.
Morning Bible reading:
1 Corinthians 10:12 Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall. 13 There hath no temptation
taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye
are able; but will with the temptation also make way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.
Morning Prayer
Dear Faithful Father,
Good morning Lord! Your presence has guarded me all the night. Your Glory radiates in the heavens and Your Love
is shed abroad in my heart. How I praise You for working in my heart and for strengthening me as I seek for personal
holiness.
I thank You for Your unending Faithfulness to me. It amazes me that you are so active in every part of my life
including my temptations! Thank You for putting Divine Limits on my temptations so that none are too strong for
me. Thank You for also making "the" way of escape for each temptation so I don;t have to be trapped by
temptations. Thank you for making sure that I can "bear" every temptation without sinning. My heart sings
to you - - How wonderful are all your ways to me.
Afternoon Bible reading
James 1:13 Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither
tempteth he any man" 14 But every man is temted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. 15 Then
when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death. 16 Do not
err, my beloved brethren. 17 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father
of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning. 18 Of his own will begat he us with the word
of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures.
Afternoon Prayer
My Pure and Holy God,
You are never tempted! You will never tempt anyone - including me. Instead of tempting me to evil and harm,
You give me every good and perfect gift.
Lord, I confess that at times I have felt that my worse temptations were all Your fault. I have secretly blamed
You. how sobering to realize that my temptations ultimately were from the lusts of my own heart. If I didn't lust,
then I wouldn't be enticed to sin in that area. Lord, I fully accept my responsibility to no longer seek to blame
anyone or anything else.
Oh Holy Father, cleanse my lustful heart! Purify my thoughts and actions. I confess my sins and humble myself
before Your Glorious holiness.
Evening Bible Reading
Hebrews 4:14 Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God,
let us hold fast our profession. 15 For we have not a high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our
infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. 16 Let us therefore come boldly unto
the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.
Hebrews 2:18 For in that he himself hath suffered being tempted, he is able to succor them that are tempted.
Evening Prayer
Dear Jesus my High Priest,
You are my personal high Priest, Oh Jesus the Son of Glory! You left heaven to die for me and now you actively
intercede in heaven for me!
You understand all of my temptations because you were tempted in all points like me, yet You did not sin. Forgive
me for thinking You did not or could not understand my trials with temptations to sin! Therefore, I pledge I will
come quickly and boldly the next time I face temptations.
Lord, why do I rely on my own strength in temptations? Why do I not flee to your face because you "aid
those who are tempted." Oh Lord, I have sinned because of my weakness, but in my next temptation, I will seek
Your aid.
Thank You for Your death for me and now your life in me! Amen.
