Growing Through Temptation

This is an excerpt from Chapter 26 of "The Purpose Driven Life" by Rick Warren. This has really encouraged me to see my temptations in a very different way. (Thanks to Ming for recommending this) I thought i would share with all of you a summary form what I read. I encourage you all to read the full version if you have the book. Or let me know I can send you a pdf copy of the chapter. Blessings.

Temptation is an opportunity to do good. It is an opportunity for you to grow and mature in Christ by developing the fruits of the spirit (Gal 5:22-23). Character building always involves a choice and temptations provide that opportunity.

You cannot claim that you have done good if you were not tempted to be bad. You can't know how much you can love somebody unless you are in the midst of unlovely people. God gives us His real joy in the midst of sorrow. Every time you defeat a temptation you become more like Jesus!!

How does temptation work?

1) It starts from our inner desires. It is not something that is external. You won't be tempted unless you have a desire for it. Mark 7:21-23

2) The second step is doubt. Satan tells us that it is not wrong to do it. It is not a sin and God won't care about it. Heb 3:12

3) Next is deception. It tells that it is only a little sin. YOu can get away with it. The satan is the Father of lies.

4) Final step is disobedience. We succumb to the temptation and commit sin. James 1:14-16

Overcoming temptation

a) Don't be intimidated when you have a temptation. Don't be ashamed. Infact Temptation is a sign that satan hates you. He knows that you are Godly and wants to tempt you more. It is all the more reason for you to be holy. Also know that Temptation is not a sin. For eg in case of sexuality… it is natural to have attractions and desires..infact it is God given. but it is lust, the deliberate act of will that is evil. Actually the closer that you grow to God, the more that Satan will tempt you. So rather than condemning yourself of having such a thought, rather refocus yourself on God and consider it an opportunity to even more depend on God.

b) Recognize your pattern of temptation and be prepared for it. Know as to what places, times and with whom do you have the most temptations and be prepared to avoid those situations.

c)Request God's help. Remember that there is a 24 hour emergency hot-line in heaven. So don't hesitate to call upon God's help during those times. He is there to help us. Also don't feel guilty even if you are tempted the 10,000 times. Because God is patient and His love endures forever. So shout unto him again and again when you need help. And remember that after you have stood the temptation.. you are gonna grow one more step closer to God. James 1:12

So in all, temptations aren't that bad after all. In a sense one should be happy about having temptations because then you know that the enemy is really scared of you. However.. you should be prepared for the times of temptations and should be strong and know how to face it…