Temptation, while not a sin, has the capability to make us feel guilty, stressed, and has the propensity to quickly become sin. It can twist our thoughts and can be a serious struggle. However, it can also be a time of growth, opportunity, and strengthening.
What was intended for evil can be made good by God.
Let’s not get confused, God is not the one who give us temptations, and if we fall to those temptations it is not God’s fault but our own.
13 Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am being tempted by God,” for God cannot be tempted with evil, and he himself tempts no one. 14 But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. 15 Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death. (James 1:13-15)
We have an out.
Luckily, we do not have to rely upon ourselves alone to fight temptation. When we face temptation it is easy to feel alone, forgotten, and hopeless. But we do have hope! Our God is faithful, and he will not tempt us beyond our ability (in Him).
13 No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it. (1 Corinthians 10:13)
After reading 1 Corinthians 10:13 we should feel a sense of release. Why? Because our temptations are not solely ours, they are shared by many people and you are not alone in your battle. Furthermore, God allows us to endure our temptation through Him.
It isn’t easy
Why? We can see in Romans 6-8 and in Galatians 5 that the standard of the flesh and the standard of the spirit are very different from each other. It isn’t easy (especially at first) to fight our flesh. Paul tells of his struggles in Romans of wanting to do things that he knows he should not do. If it isn’t easy for an apostle why would it be easy for us?
22 So flee youthful passions and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart. (2 Timothy 2:22)
38 Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” (Mark 14:38)
While it isn’t easy, it is possible. Check out this article on how to resist temptation!
https://www.desiringgod.org/articles/how-to-resist-temptation-s-mirage-moment
