According to Jesus, lust is preceded by temptation and can lead to sin (see Matthew 5:27-28). But the good news about dealing with temptation is that you’re not alone. God’s Word tells us, ‘No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it’ (v. 13 NKJV). In light of this Scripture, simply saying ‘I couldn’t help myself’ is an excuse that doesn’t hold up before God. The Bible says no temptation is greater than God’s faithfulness. If you choose the way of escape which He offers, you won’t fall into the trap. And if you do fail, it will be because you didn’t draw on God’s faithfulness. The temptation may not disappear immediately, but you will be given a way to bear it, to hold out against it. The temptation remains an active possibility, but God gives us the option of trusting in His reliable, delivering power. Bearing temptation implies an ongoing process. You can win the battle, but the war will never fully end until the last shot is fired at the coming of Jesus when every foe will become his footstool (see Acts 2:35). In the meantime, ‘be vigilant and cautious…for that enemy of yours…roams around like a lion…seeking someone to…devour. Withstand him; be firm in faith…knowing that the same…sufferings are appointed to your brotherhood…throughout the world’ (1 Peter 5:8-9 AMPC).

© 2024. Written by Bob and Debby Gass. Used by permission under licence from UCB International.