Temptation to Sin: Friend or Foe?
“For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong” 2 Corinthians 12: 10.
I’m Only Tempted to Sin Where I’m Weak
There are many things we could say about this well-known verse. But one thing the Lord has shown me is that we’re tempted in areas where we are weak. We’re only tempted in areas where we’re weak. To read the passage for context, click here.
Jesus was tempted in the garden of Gethsemane because as a man he had weaknesses inherent in having a frail human body and mind (Mathew 26: 36-46).
I’m never tempted to binge anymore, because it’s no longer a weakness for me. To read about my struggle and how God delivered me, click here. And I’m rarely tempted to be angry, bitter and full of self-pity anymore, because this is also no longer a weakness.
But I am baited to think wrong thoughts on a regular basis. This is a weakness for me. But the good news is, every time I don’t give in, I get a little stronger in this area.
When We Resist the Temptation to Sin, We Become Strong
In this way “when I am weak, then I am strong” as Paul declares in this verse. Temptation is actually a glorious opportunity to gain strength and endurance in a weak area. Of course, it’s also a temptation to become weaker if I give in to it.
The problem is, it’s a weakness, and that’s why I’m tempted. So, what’s going to prevent me from giving in so I can grow stronger? I believe this is where prayer and the power of the Holy Spirit come in.
Jesus said: “Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak” Mathew 26: 41. If we watch for temptation, and are aware of it when it strikes, we can begin to pray against it.
This will release the power of the Holy Spirit and enable us to withstand it. And use it to grow strong in that weak area.
The Devil Means It for Evil, but God Uses it for Good
The devil means temptation to destroy us. But God uses it to deliver us of our weaknesses as we continue to “watch and pray”.
Here is the progression, as I see it: Weakness> Watch> Temptation> Pray> Overcome temptation> Gain strength. The only way we will break this vicious cycle is through prayer and the power of the Holy Spirit.
As we progressively grow stronger, we may begin to recognize the temptation and simply say no. But initially at least, an area of weakness will require prayer to overcome.
To read another post related to Temptation to Sin: Friend or Foe? see God’s Mercy in Judgment Makes Us Glad.