Learning not to fall

On the wooden pier, the experienced fisherman carefully ties the hook to the line, then places on it the bait that will seduce the fish. The expert angler knows that to catch a certain kind of fish, he needs a specific kind of bait…a dry fly for trout, worms for bass, or scented baits for catfish. But, what the fish does not know is that “not everything is what it seems”. Within seconds, at the tempting offer, he takes the bait, fights his way out, and the result is a delicious fish fillet served at the fisherman’s table!

We all know well what it means to be seduced by a lie; receive the offer of something that promises to be good, but that in the end is not convenient. Temptation is the attractive bait that hides the deadly hook. But take heart! You don’t have to bite it.

“There is a way that seems right to man: but the end of it is the way of death.” (Proverbs 14:12)

Twisted truths about temptation

  • Twisted truth: “Temptation is sin”.

Truth: Temptation is not sin. Jesus was tempted in everything, but he did not sin. (Hebrews 4:15)

  • Twisted truth: “God is tempting me!”

Truth: Temptation does not come from God, but he allows it. (James 1:13)

  • Twisted truth: “The devil made me fall!“

Truth: Temptation is Satan’s attempt to seduce us into sin, but we can resist it. (James 4:7)

  • Twisted truth: “She is a saint, temptation is not a danger to her.”

Truth: We are all tempted, just in different areas. In fact, the mature believer is subject to major temptations. (1 Corinthians 10:12)

  • Twisted truth: “This temptation is too much for me. I can’t beat her.”

Truth: Temptation may be beyond your control, but it is not beyond God’s control. (Proverbs 3:26)

How temptation develops

  1. Temptation is experienced by everyone.
  2. Temptation often occurs in the area where we have fallen in the past.
  3. Temptation begins in the mind.
  4. Temptation takes advantage of what attracts us and our fears.
  5. Temptation apparently satisfies legitimate needs, yet supplies them illegitimately and at the wrong time.
  1. Temptation overcomes us when the heart is not “on guard”.
  2. Temptation resorts to justification to silence the conscience.
  3. Temptation becomes relentless and urgent.
  4. Temptation provides unusual opportunities to fall into sin.

“Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation; the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” (Matthew 26:41)

The formula for freedom and self-control

A new purpose + a new priority + a new plan = a transformed life

  • Choose to reflect the character of Christ. (Romans 8:29)
  • Decide to trade your old habits for new ones. (Romans 12:2)
  • Choose to trust in Christ’s strength, not his own strength. (Philippians 4:13)
  • Decide to make God’s gift of self-control your own. (1 Peter 1:13)

key verse to memorize

“No temptation has overtaken you that is not human; but faithful is God, who will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear, but he will also provide a way out with the temptation, so that you can endure.” (1 Corinthians 10:13)

Key passage to read and meditate

romans 6

“Therefore gird up the loins of your understanding, be sober, and hope fully in the grace that will be brought to you when Jesus Christ is revealed.” (1 Peter 1:13)

How to resist temptation

In the fight against Satan’s “tailor-made” temptations, learn to stand firm by trusting in the Lord.

He recognizes the source of the temptation. (Ephesians 6:12)

  • Understand that Satan is the author of all tempting thoughts.

He assumes that he will win the war. (Romans 8:37)

  • Expect there to be a lot of battles.
  • Be sure that Christ will win this war for you.

Analyze your heart. (1 Peter 5:6)

  • Do you know that temptation reveals some unmet need?

Visualize the consequences. (Psalms 38:3)

  • Think about the guilt and shame you will experience.
  • Think about the pain you can cause others.

Feel the presence of God. (Hebrews 4:13)

  • God is with you at all times.
  • God knows your needs and desires.

Transform your thoughts through the truth. (2 Corinthians 10:4,5)

Seek God’s will and his ways by reading his word.

“For you have not yet resisted to blood, striving against sin” (Hebrews 12:4)

The way back home

Isaiah 30 illustrates God’s relationship with his people Israel who had been rebellious, lying and disobedient. But despite his rebellion, God revealed his compassion and provision for them to return to him.

  • Repentance (Isaiah 30:15)—Repentance requires total sincerity before God. It is acknowledging our responsibility for what we have done and deciding to walk away from temptation.
  • Rest (Isaiah 30:18)—Accept God’s grace toward you when he offers you forgiveness.
  • Return (Isaiah 30:19)—Ask for help! God hears him and will answer his prayer.
  • Receive (Isaiah 30:21)—Once you turn to God, you must learn God’s purpose for your life.
  • Recovery (Isaiah 30:22)—As you submit to God’s power, sin will lose dominion over you.
  • Rejoice (Isaiah 30:23,26)—God always blesses a prodigal heart when it returns home.