FAITH: How To Overcome Temptation

Martin Luther said, “You cannot stop the birds from flying over your head but you can keep them from making a nest in your hair!” Every single one of us faces temptation. Temptation is difficult! We must overcome temptation. In the Garden of Gethsemane Jesus faced His greatest temptation. In Matthew 27:36-46 Jesus taught us and modeled for us two steps for overcoming temptation.

Three times Jesus prayed, “My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as You will” (Matthew 26:39). Jesus was greatly amazed (Mark 14:33). He was literally stunned with astonishment. He was under very heavy pressure. This sorrow was even unto death (Mark 14:33). The pressure was so great there was the danger of a total collapse of His physical system.

Jesus did not want to drink the cup of the Father’s wrath. He did not want to be separated from His Father. Jesus faced the temptation to not die on the cross for our sins. Nevertheless, Jesus overcame and triumphed. How did Jesus overcome this temptation? How can we overcome temptation?

The first step is to watch. Jesus told Peter, James and John, “Remain here and watch” (Matthew 26:34). The first step is to be spiritually alert. Sometimes you and I face great spiritual danger. We must be alert during those times.

Walking on an icy, slippery parking lot in Alaska is a time of physical danger. We must be alert during those times. Lately, my sons and I have been cutting firewood. Felling a large, beetle killed spruce tree is a time of danger. While cutting that tree and waiting for it to fall, I am alert!

We also face times of great spiritual danger. Unmet expectations often lead to times of great spiritual danger. Elijah in 1 Kings 18 expected the nation of Israel to repent and return to Jehovah. His unmet expectations led to a time of great spiritual crisis. He fled at the threat of Jezebel.

Times of rest and refreshment are also dangerous. David remained at his palace instead of fighting with his army. He saw a woman named Bathsheba and the rest is history. Peer pressure also brings times of great danger. A deployment in the military or working away from home for an extended time can bring great peer pressure.

Jesus was spiritually alert in the garden. The disciples slept. Three times Jesus found them sleeping. Matthew 26:37 records, “And Jesus came and found them sleeping, and He said to Peter, ‘Simon, are you asleep? Could you not watch one hour? Watch and pray that you do not enter into temptation’.”

The second step to overcome temptation is to pray. We must be spiritually alert and we must pray. Jesus prayed, “Abba, Father, all things are possible for You” (Matthew 27:36). Jesus prayed very specifically. He remembered His Father’s love. Jesus prayed, “Abba, Father!” Abba is an Aramaic word that means Papa. Jesus used the Greek word for Father.

Always remember God’s love for you when you face temptation. How much does God love you? He sent His Son Jesus to die for you. How much does Jesus love you? He went to the cross and suffered in our place for our sins. During times of temptation Satan tries to convince us that God does not love us.

Jesus also remembered the Father’s power. Jesus prayed, “All things are possible for You.” God has all power. He could remove the temptation. He may allow the temptation to remain and give you the strength to overcome it. 1 Corinthians 10:13 says, “No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man.” We are all tempted! “God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation He will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.”

Peter slept and Peter failed to pray. He forgot the Father’s love. He panicked and forgot the Father’s power. That night he denied Jesus three times. Peter, however, learned from this experience. Later, Jesus predicted Peter would die by crucifixion (John 21:18-19).

When Peter later faced his greatest test- death by crucifixion- he did not fail. Peter told his tormentors he was not worthy to die as Jesus died so they crucified him upside down. Tradition says that Peter first watched his wife be crucified. He stood at the foot of her cross and said, “Remember the Lord! Remember the Lord Jesus!” He was then crucified upside down.

We must follow the example of Jesus. First, we must be spiritually alert especially in times of great danger. Second, we must pray. We must remember the Father’s love and the Father’s power.

Pastor Ethan Hansen

Faith Bible Fellowship

Big Lake, AK