It Is Not the Bait but the Bite: Flee Temptation

The devil is a very good study. He has had years of practicing his deceitful trade. He knows how to package his wares. And most temptations arrive in very attractive packages, Amen? He pays attention to our ways. But honestly, we can often be such easy prey, right? Sometimes I think we give the adversary of our souls too much credit. Scripture tells us we are to flee temptation as we would a viper. For example, when we are on a diet and we linger in front of the doughnut shop – perhaps we are tempting ourselves far beyond our ability to endure, Amen? You can put whatever your “Delilah” is in there with the same results. If we play with fire we are sure to get burned. Whatever the “it” is, get as far away from it as you can as flesh is far too easy to fall.

Besides self, we also battle the enemy of our souls. It does us well to remember that we are no match for the evil one particularly when our guards are down. Indeed, the Bible tells us to beware of over-confidence in regarding sin in our lives in 1 Corinthians 10:11-13 (NIV): “So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don't fall! No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.” It behooves us to be looking for the “door of escape” and ask God to snatch us by the hair and pull us through it if our weakness is beginning to prevail. We are no match for the evil one in our own flesh and we also are easy reads. When tempted we are to look for the door of escape and God will provide a way out. Remember self-centered, sinful living promises joy yet fails to provide. 

The Bible also teaches us to “clothe ourselves” with the Lord Jesus Christ in Ephesians 4:22-24 (NIV): “You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.” Believers are called to be pure and holy – set apart – to walk in a manner worthy of the Gospel. Christians are to “put away” the deeds of darkness and live through His power and for His glory. We are to wake up from our slumber and not continue to seek to gratify the desires of our sinful natures. Remember sin always gives birth to death of something – be it trust or love or friendship or whatever. Sin is not our friend. Also the body may be willing but the flesh is weak.