Slaves to Righteousness or Sin?

Dealing with Temptation

Tempted much? The lust of the flesh, lust of the eyes, and pride of life can crouch at the door of all of us at times. Though in 1 Corinthians 10:13, Paul says, “God will not tempt us above what we are able to bear… and with the temptation, he will provide a way of escape.”

Some believe this means God will not give them more than they can handle. Actually, God can test a man far more than that. While in Asia, Paul claims that his trials took him to the point of desperation of even life itself. Though at the same time, he shares the antidote to dealing with our struggles: “But this happened that we might not rely on ourselves but on God…” 2 Corinthians 1:9.

Once saved, we have been set free from sin and are now slaves to righteousness according to Romans 6:18. Once we come to Christ through repentance and receive forgiveness for sin, we are empowered by the Holy Spirit. It is through His power that we are able to resist sin.

While some temptations loom beyond our control, that’s the time we need to yield and ask, How do I approach this trial, Lord? Please give me your strength to respond as you would… out of my love for you, I choose your way and not my own to be delivered.