Beyond Temptation
Jesus came to experience all that we pass through so that He can lead us beyond temptation to a life that is zealous for the Lord.
“While Israel was staying in Shittim, the men began to indulge in sexual immorality with Moabite women, So Israel yoked themselves to the Baal of Peor. And the Lord’s anger burned against them. Then an Israelite man brought into the camp a Midianite woman right before the eyes of Moses...When Phinehas son of Eleazar, the son of Aaron, the priest, saw this, he left the assembly, took a spear in his hand and followed the Israelite into the tent. He drove the spear into both of them, right through the Israelite man and into the woman’s stomach. Then the plague against the Israelites was stopped; but those who died in the plague numbered 24,000...Phinehas...the priest, has turned my anger away from the Israelites. Since he was as zealous for my honor among them as I am...he was zealous for the honor of his God and made atonement for the Israelites.”
Numbers 25:1, 3, 5-9, 11-13
Have you ever been tempted to do something that you knew you should not do but you did it anyway? What temptations in your life are the hardest to resist? For some it can be food, fantasies, reckless fun, or other desires of the flesh. We could judge the foolishness of the people in following their passions for pleasure or we could see that we all experience the traps of temptation.
Phinehas stands out as the hero in the story for standing firm. His desire to see God's name honored was greater than anything he was tempted by. It can be hard to stop doing something that is not godly even when you know it is not what is best for you. What helps? Focusing on what you want more than what you want to give up. Does your passion for God exceed your desires for passions of the flesh? You are not alone. God sent us the Holy Spirit to help ensure you are not tempted beyond what you can handle. If you need help, call on the Holy Spirit today.
“In the path where I walk people have hidden a snare for me. I cry to you, Lord; I say, “You are my refuge, my portion in the land of the living.” Set me free from my prison, that I may praise your name. Then the righteous will gather about me because of your goodness to me.”
Psalms 142:3, 5, 7
David describes a snare in his path. We all have snares or traps that we can walk into intentionally or unintentionally. David doesn't try to avoid the traps in his own strength. He calls on the Lord. He doesn't allow the voice of the enemy to turn him away. The enemy wants to add a heavy dose of shame, guilt, and remorse to the times you fall short so that you will separate yourself from the One who redeems your soul from the pit.
David doesn't let the enemy get him. He stands firm and turns to God rather than running from him. He declares that God is his safe place even when he falls short. He chooses to pursue freedom over the traps of the flesh. Do you need freedom anywhere in your life? Is there anything that is holding you captive? Listen to David and call on the Lord.
"All share a common destiny—the righteous and the wicked, the good and the bad, ...The hearts of people, moreover, are full of evil and there is madness in their hearts while they live...Always be clothed in white, and always anoint your head with oil. Enjoy life with your wife, whom you love...Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might...Moreover, no one knows when their hour will come: As fish are caught in a cruel net, or birds are taken in a snare, so people are trapped by evil times that fall unexpectedly upon them."
Ecclesiastes 9:2-3, 7-10, 12, 18
Solomon spent a lot of time observing human nature. He sees people who suffer through addiction, temptation, and poor choices that destroy their lives. He calls them wicked or people who twist the truth heading off the heavenly path. What does he share about what he sees? He says we all share a common destiny in that our physical bodies will die. The difference is we do not all share a same eternal destiny. In Christ, we have an assurance of eternal salvation because we have overcome the common. Do you have the assurance of life after death with Jesus?
Solomon says always be clothed in white and anoint your head with oil. He says it is better to be faithful and do your best than to get caught in the traps of sin that so easily ensnares. How is your walk? Are you free and full of the peace of Christ? Where would you like to experience greater freedom?
“Take up a lament concerning the princes of Israel and say: “ ‘What a lioness was your mother among the lions!...she took another of her cubs and made him a strong lion. He prowled among the lions, for he was now a strong lion. He learned to tear the prey and he became a man-eater. Then the nations came against him, those from regions round about. They spread their net for him, and he was trapped in their pit. With hooks they pulled him into a cage and brought him to the king of Babylon. They put him in prison, so his roar was heard no longer on the mountains of Israel.”
Ezekiel 19:1-6, 8-9
Ezekiel uses the analogy of the lion for the people of God. You might have heard the term the lion of Judah referencing our Savior Jesus Christ. Ezekiel contrasts God's divine design and man's destructive tendencies. God designed the people of God to be strong and courageous like a lion, but they chose to get trapped in by the world around them.
Why? Why would that happen to them and why does it happen to us? Paul wrestled with this question in Romans 7 as to why he does what he does not want to do and why he does not to do what he wants to do. The truth is we were never meant to do life alone or in our own strength. God designed us for community and connection with our spirit's leading our lives. Is there anything you could do to draw closer to God today? Ask God to reveal how you could elevate the Holy Spirit in your life ahead of the areas where you physically need help. Allow the Holy Spirit to cleanse body and give courage to your soul.
“We should not commit sexual immorality, as some of them did—and in one day twenty-three thousand of them died. So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don’t fall! No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. 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 endure it...“I have the right to do anything,” you say—but not everything is beneficial. “I have the right to do anything”—but not everything is constructive. No one should seek their own good, but the good of others. So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.
1 Corinthians 10:1-8, 12-14, 16, 21-24, 31-33
The connections in scripture are so incredible. Exactly 141 days into studying the Bible going forward one chapter a day the text in Numbers aligns perfectly with a reference to Numbers in 1 Corinthians 10. Only God could align His word so beautifully.
What word does God want to give you today? You are not alone. He is with you, He is for you, and the Holy Spirit is within you. You do not have to overcome temptation on your own. He promises you that he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear with Him. On your own you can be tempted to do every evil under the sun. In Christ, you will never be tempted beyond what you can bear. So, how do you stay in Christ? How to you keep your mind fixed on the author and perfecter of your life?
Paul says learn to discern. Listen to Jesus voice as He whispers to you what is good or what is not good for you. We live in a world that often advocates for ethics or individual rights ahead of morality, which recognizes what is best not just what is allowable. Paul is simply saying just because you can doesn't mean you should. Ask yourself with each thought, word, or action if it will draw you closer to God or away from God. Ask if you are making the decision out of guilt, shame, anxiety, worry, or fear. Or if it is based on faith that brings joy, peace, patience, gentleness, kindness, and self-control. Paul says learn to discern what will help you best live out the great commandments of loving God and loving others. Stand on God's promises and you will see that there is no temptation that you cannot overcome in Christ.