What do we have to help us when we are faced with temptations?
Hebrews 4:14-15 Therefore since we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast to our confession. For we do not have a high priest incapable of sympathizing with our weaknesses, but one who has been tempted in every way just as we are, yet without sin. [NET]
We have Jesus, Who understands us and our weaknesses. We can approach Him for help anytime. Yes, anytime! Even right in the midst of temptation!
Hebrews 4:16 Therefore let us confidently approach the throne of grace to receive mercy and find grace whenever we need help. [NET]
Psalms 46:1-3 God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way, though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble at its swelling. Selah [ESV]
Moreover, Jesus knows beforehand exactly when we’ll be tempted and how. And He prays for us before temptation strikes:
Luke 22:31-32 “Simon, Simon, pay attention! Satan has demanded to have you all, to sift you like wheat, but I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail. When you have turned back, strengthen your brothers.” [NET]
Also, God sets the limit on the severety and extent of our trials and temptations:
1 Corinthians 10:13 No trial has overtaken you that is not faced by others. And God is faithful: He will not let you be tried beyond what you are able to bear, but with the trial will also provide a way out so that you may be able to endure it. [NET]
God, in His sovereignty, has set strict limits that Satan can never cross for tempting us or bringing us trouble. He can bring trials to us only if God allows.
Job 1:9-10 Then Satan answered the LORD, “Is it for nothing that Job fears God? Have you not made a hedge around him and his household and all that he has on every side? You have blessed the work of his hands, and his livestock have increased in the land. [NET]
God also provides a way of escape when we are tempted:
1 Corinthians 10:13 No trial has overtaken you that is not faced by others. And God is faithful: He will not let you be tried beyond what you are able to bear, but with the trial will also provide a way out so that you may be able to endure it. [NET]
We also have the most precious and indispensible help of all – the Helper, Holy Spirit! God Himself, dwelling in us, helping us to subdue sin and its power!
Romans 8:8-13 Those who are in the flesh cannot please God. You, however, are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God lives in you. Now if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, this person does not belong to him. But if Christ is in you, your body is dead because of sin, but the Spirit is your life because of righteousness. Moreover if the Spirit of the one who raised Jesus from the dead lives in you, the one who raised Christ from the dead will also make your mortal bodies alive through his Spirit who lives in you. So then, brothers and sisters, we are under obligation, not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh (for if you live according to the flesh, you will die), but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body you will live. [NET]
As if all that were not enough, Angels are also sent to minister to our needs during trying times:
Mark 1:12-13 The Spirit immediately drove him [Jesus] into the wilderness. He was in the wilderness forty days, enduring temptations from Satan. He was with wild animals, and angels were ministering to his needs. [NET]
Hebrews 1:13-14 But to which of the angels has he ever said, “Sit at my right hand until I make your enemies a footstool for your feet”? Are they not all ministering spirits, sent out to serve those who will inherit salvation? [NET]
We have all that we need to face temptations. What about us?
Luke 22:46 So he said to them, “Why are you sleeping? Get up and pray that you will not fall into temptation!” [NET]
We too must pray or else all the help we have received will go in vain.
Ink & Truth 