by Dennis and Barbara Rainey

1 Peter 5:8
Be of sober spirit, be on the alert. Your adversary, the devil, prowls about like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.

I've found a widespread misconception about Satan's efforts to devour us by presenting us with temptations. Many people think that it's a sin just to be tempted. The fact is, being tempted is normal for a Christian-especially one who is growing.

Even Christ, we recall, was tempted in that classic confrontation with the devil at the beginning of His ministry. Giving in to temptation is the problem.

So how can we resist the roaring lion? First, know your weaknesses. If temptation occurs when you are alone, build in some safeguards. Ask your spouse to keep you honest and accountable by asking the hard questions that you don't want anyone to ask you. (Example: Did you watch any provocative movies in your hotel room on your recent business trip?) Keep your mind at work; prepare for times when you are alone by setting some objectives. Or the next time you are tempted, call your mate and ask him or her to pray with you and for you.

Second, draw upon His power to stand firm. As Paul says, "God will not allow us to be tempted beyond what we can withstand, if we rely on His strength to deliver us" (see 1 Cor. 10:13).

Third, if you are toying with a temptation realize that you might as well be handling a serpent. Some people stand as close to the edge of sin as they can, thinking they are above it, when they may actually be toying with the death of their marriages, their family relationships and their ministries. In the same passage, Paul counsels, "If you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don't fall!" (see v. 12).

As I was writing this, I received a phone call from a man who was about to lose his marriage and job because he crossed the line in his job. I wish you could have listened to the agony that was in his life because of his compromise. Let me encourage and exhort you to live a holy life and resist the temptations that are set before you.

Prayer:

Ask God to teach you how to stand firm in the spiritual battle. Call on the Holy Spirit and His indwelling power to give you the strength to stand firm.

Discuss: Are you crossing the line or standing anywhere near a danger point right now? If so, confess your sins so that you may be free.

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