| Temptation isn't just from Satan. |
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One of the hardest things facing teens, or a person of any age for that matter, today is temptation. It's so hard to be a righteous Christian in today's world with the peer pressures of everything around us. Most people think temptation is only an attack from Satan, and while this is the most prominent of temptation, it is not the only kind. Temptation can be tests, trials, or sufferings, or they can also be a way of discipline from the Lord.
While doing my devotional last night, God really laid it on my heart that I need to read on temptation. Personally coming off of a great weekend spent worshipping the Lord with fellow teens, I'm already being hit tremendously with temptation. It hits hardest whenever you're faith is getting stronger. I found a few helpful verses to get through those times of temptation.
James 1:13-14 1:13 Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God; for God cannot be tempted with evil, and he himself tempteth no man: 1:14 but each man is tempted, when he is drawn away by his own lust, and enticed.
2 Timothy 4:18
4:18 The Lord will deliver me from every evil work, and will save me unto his heavenly kingdom: to whom `be' the glory forever and ever. Amen. 2 Timothy 4:18
Ephesians 6: 10-13
6:10 Finally, be strong in the Lord, and in the strength of his might. 6:11 Put on the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 6:12 For our wrestling is not against flesh and blood, but against the principalities, against the powers, against the world-rulers of this darkness, against the spiritual `hosts' of wickedness in the heavenly `places'. 6:13 Wherefore take up the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and, having done all, to stand.
Remember this, when the temptation is from the Lord it is our discipline due to our disobedience and we must repent. Do not make light of the situation, and you will gain a fear of the Lord.
When temptation is a test or a trial it can be coming from God, the World, or Satan as a result of simply being a follower of Christ. These temptations prove our faith and we must persevere through them. If we do not shrink back we will obtain glory, not for ourselves, but for God. And finally, when the temptation is from the devil it is a result of pride or exposure, and can often lead us astray. Resist these temptations and do not fall into them, as our flesh is weak. If conquered, these temptations can end in victory, or if fallen into, sin.
This is one of the most helpful verses I refer to on temptation:
1 Corinthians 10:13
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