Overcoming Temptations To Sin
BRD REFLECTIONS
(Koh Geok Cheng, Asst Treasurer/Steward, LCEC)
READ:
OBSERVE:
In Genesis 3, we see Satan disguised as a serpent, planting seeds of doubt into the minds of Adam and Eve about God’s instructions. Satan asked Eve if God really said, “You must not eat from any tree in the garden?” (Genesis 3:1). Satan even lied to Eve that she would not certainly die (Genesis 3:4) and that when she ate from the tree, her eyes would be opened and she would be like God, knowing good and evil.
Eve doubted God, desired to be like God and disobeyed God’s instructions. She ate the forbidden fruit and gave some to Adam to eat. That was the first sin that marked the fall of man. Adam and Eve didn’t seek God’s forgiveness, nor acknowledge their wrong and even blamed the serpent for tempting them. God had warned them about the consequences of disobedience. Their relationship with God was broken and they were banished from the Garden of Eden.
APPLY:
This passage is a reminder that I am fallen and face Satan’s temptations that are lurking around. Time and again, I doubt God’s goodness, desire for more than what God has given and do what I think is best for me. There are consequences for my actions OR these choice.
God has warned repeatedly throughout the Bible that sin will result in undesirable consequences. Satan is always seeking a way to tempt us to sin. “Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.” (1 Peter 5:8).
I have to be on guard against Satan’s temptations. Jesus used God’s Word to help Him overcome Satan’s temptations in Matthew 4:1-11. Holding on to God’s truth in God’s Word helps to overcome doubt, desire and disobedience.
The first sin of Adam and Eve caused our relationship with God to be broken. We know that God has shown His grace to us by giving Jesus to redeem us from the consequences of our sins. Accepting Jesus as our Lord and Saviour helps us to restore our relationship with God and have a new life in Christ.
DO:
I have to maintain the spiritual discipline of reading God’s Word daily to know His Word, stand firm on His truth and have spiritual wisdom to recognise the doubts and deception that Satan tempts me with.
I have to do daily examen to see where I have sinned and seek God’s forgiveness, repent and change my ways.
I have to be intentional in taking opportunity to share the truth about sin, its consequences and God’s redemption gift through Jesus with others to help them be saved.
PRAY:
Dear Father God, thank You for Your grace that You redeemed us from our sins through Jesus. We face temptations and even rationalise our acts of disobedience. Forgive us, Lord, for our disobedience and sins. Help us to remember that sin has undesirable consequences. Grant us strength not to be tempted to sin but to stand firm on the truth in Your Word to overcome all doubts, deception and disobedience. Give me courage to share the truth about sin, its consequences, Your forgiveness and grace through Jesus to others so that they can be saved too. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.
