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Can you resist temptation?
How good are you at resisting temptation? This Holy Week we join Pastor Tim Hartwig in thinking about temptations we have faced and remembering that Jesus has won the victory over sin. It doesn't depend on us. Thanks be to God!
Hebrews 4:15-16
How good are you at resisting temptation? If you see that cookie on the counter do you just pick it up and eat it? If you see that image on your screen do you just go ahead and click it?
How good are you at resisting temptation?
If we’re honest we have to admit that there are maybe some things that we can resist, but others that were just terrible. We may not gossip about others but we’ll look after them and lust sexually. We may keep our anger in check but we’ll lie without thinking. We are terrible at resisting temptation.
But thanks be to God he sent Jesus to overcome Satan and sin and win a victory for us. In the book of Hebrews chapter 4 we read
For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are, yet was without sin. So let us approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need. (Hebrews 4:15-16)
God sent Jesus to overcome temptation for us. Jesus wasn’t showing us how to get it done he was doing it for us.
So because we gave into temptation Jesus didn’t.
Because we followed temptation and sin Jesus resisted temptation and lived a holy and pure life.
He did it for us.
So now by faith you are credited with Jesus’ perfect life. God doesn’t see how you have failed. God doesn’t see your weaknesses. They’re all covered in Jesus. So approach his throne of grace and receive mercy in your time of need.
God also promises that he gives us the Holy Spirit to fight against Satan and sin. May God grant you a rich measure of that spirit as you fight your own battles in life but be assured that the victory doesn’t depend upon you. Jesus won it for you. Amen.
