TEMPTED?
Temptation is an enticement to sin, and it is common to every man. Jesus was tempted in Luke 4:1-13. But because Jesus knew the plan of Satan He did not yield to the temptation “…was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.” Hebrew 4:15. Jesus knew there was something that has been written concerning Him, a purpose He must fulfil, and a glory He must enter into and Satan was determined not to let all these happen. If Jesus had not vehemently resisted the offers of the Devil the whole human race would have been ruined forever.
Jesus resisted temptation when He was in the flesh as human, and not as God. He was hungry but as you know God is not hungry for physical food as we mortal men do. If Jesus overcame temptation while as a human being, and He has called us to walk in His steps (I Pet 2:21), then temptation must not have power over us. I know there are myriad of temptations confronting you as youths in today’s world, but God’s
command to you is: “Flee also youthful lusts: …” II Tim 2:22. There is increasing temptations to go into illicit relationships and begin to mess up, to begin to chase money through illegal means or to give in to the pressure of alcohol and hard drugs, but if you are jealous of the glorious destiny ahead of you, then you must flee those youthful lusts.
The U.S. Air Force pilot Scott O’Grady was shot down over Bosnia during the late 1990s. He evaded capture for days until he was found by rescue helicopters. When the helicopter landed to rescue him he summoned all of his strength and fought through bushes to get to the place of refuge. You see, God provides a way of rescuing us during temptation but we need to run under His refuge. “There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.” I Cor 10:13.
