3 Truths to Speak to Your Temptation

When I asked a Bible Study group what came to mind when I said “temptation,” one
woman squealed, “Fun!” Our group laughed with her, imagining the thrill of indulging our
desires.
But real temptation, like a fishing lure, holds deadly hooks beneath its beautiful facade.
Jesus pointed out their destructive intent when he called the devil “the father of lies”
who “comes only to steal and kill and destroy” (see Jn. 8:44; 10:10).
Recognizing the deception of temptation can help us win our battles with it. Here are
three truths to tell temptation when it knocks.
1. I know you’re lying.
Temptations are destructive lies wrapped in enticing packages. Like the serpent in the
Garden of Eden, they make promises that aren’t true. Eve did not become like God
when she ate the forbidden fruit. She became like Satan, ousted from her preeminent
position and paradise. Sin not only corrupted her but also infected her children. One son
murdered the other.
The flirtatious affair that promises excitement ultimately delivers regret and heartache.
The satisfaction that comes from indulging destructive cravings is short-lived, but the
pain can last a lifetime (Heb. 11:25).
Have you noticed that once you cross a line it is more difficult—not less—to refrain the
next time you’re tempted? The relief promised if we will only yield to our lusts is nothing
more than another link in the chain sin uses to control us (John 8:34, Romans 6:16).
Temptation hisses, “One time won’t hurt. No one will know. You can quit when you
want.” But God’s Word counters, “Your sin will find you out,” (Num. 32:23 NASB).
2. I don’t want that.
The Bible calls temptations “deceitful desires” (Ephes. 4:22). They masquerade as our
longings. But the new nature given to every true believer wants to please God, not
grieve the Holy Spirit within us (Ephes. 4:30). We want healthy relationships, not broken
ones. We want freedom from sin, not bondage to it. Screaming at my child may get her
to comply in the moment, but it won’t gain the respect and relationship I deeply want.
Giving in to sin alters us. When I met identical twins, no one had to tell me which one
walked with the Lord. Their unalike hearts showed in their different countenances.
Sin ultimately limits our freedom. Sexual exploits later haunt the marriage bed.
Pornographic images burned into the participant’s memory later interfere with his ability
to enjoy female company. Excessive alcohol and rich foods harm digestion and ruin the
enjoyment of nutritious food. Bickering limits closeness. Overspending robs families of
enjoyment because Mom and Dad are stressed or overworking to pay off the debt.
Someone has said, “Sin will take you farther than you ever wanted to go, cost you more
than you ever wanted to pay, and keep you longer than you ever wanted to stay.” Who
wants that?
3. I’m dead to sin and alive to God.
We don’t expect roadkill to move out of the road when we honk our horns. Dead
animals don’t respond to anything. We can cajole, tempt, or threaten, but the dead don’t
respond.
On the other hand, a trained family pet tunes into his owner’s voice. He responds to
gestures and is aware of every movement. He is physically and relationally alive to his
master.
“In the same way, count yourselves dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus.
Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body so that you obey its evil desires. Do
not offer any part of yourself to sin as an instrument of wickedness, but rather offer
yourselves to God as those who have been brought from death to life; and offer every
part of yourself to him as an instrument of righteousness. For sin shall no longer be your
master, because you are not under the law, but under grace” (Romans 6:11-14).
Jesus’ work on the cross has given us the power to act like roadkill with temptation and
to be well-trained pets with God.
We Have Help
In addition to speaking these truths we must draw near to the throne of grace.
“But Jesus the Son of God is our great High Priest who has gone to heaven itself to help
us; therefore let us never stop trusting him. This High Priest of ours understands our
weaknesses since he had the same temptations we do, though he never once gave way
to them and sinned. So let us come boldly to the very throne of God and stay there to
receive his mercy and to find grace to help us in our times of need” (Hebrews 4:14-
16 Living Bible TLB).
Because Jesus was tempted with the same temptations we face, He is able to help us
win our battles (Heb. 12:2,4). And because He died for our sins He is able to cleanse us
when we fail. What a Savior!