Try Not To: Be Consumed by Temptation

“You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall not commit adultery.’ But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart. If your right eye causes you to stumble, gouge it out and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to be thrown into hell. And if your right hand causes you to stumble, cut it off and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to go into hell.”
‭‭(Matthew‬ ‭5‬:‭27‬-‭30‬ ‭NIV‬‬)

Jesus talks about adultry and says that it is not just an action, it is the thought or the intent as well. We need to be careful not to fall prey to the enemie’s lies. God knows our hears, our thoughts, and our REAL intentions. “The Lord knows all human plans; he knows that they are futile.” (Psalms 94:11 NIV). We need to be cautious of our desires and where we let our minds wander.

Do Not Listen to Desires

“When tempted, no one should say, “God is tempting me.” For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; but each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed. Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death.” (James 1:13-15 NIV). James says God does not tempt us because temptation (if not avoided or ignored) can lead to sin. Sin equals death. In Matthew, Jesus tells us to cut off any part of you that causes you to sin. He says it is better to cut off that part than to be thrown into hell.

Avoid ALL Temptation

Paul says very similar things multiple times. First in Romans, “For if you live according to the flesh, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live.” (Romans 8:13 NIV). Again in Colossians, “Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry. Because of these, the wrath of God is coming.” (Colossians 3:5-6 NIV). Finally Paul says it again in Galatians, “Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.” (Galatians 5:24 NIV).

I am sure it is mentioned way more than this but you get the idea. Clearly God is saying to avoid ALL temptations from the flesh that the enemy puts in our thoughts. Try not to be consumed by temptations, instead be consumed by the Holy Spirit that allows you to defeat temptation.
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