“A Help In Temptation”

A: Hebrews 2:17-18 “Therefore he had to be made like his brothers in every respect, so that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in the service of God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people. 18 For because he himself has suffered when tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted.” 

O: Once again, the writer of Hebrews reminds us that Jesus came for a very specific purpose!  And His purpose was to enter into our suffering.  Do you ever think of temptation as a form of “suffering”?  Well, if you’ve ever been tempted and tried to resist, you know how difficult it can be!  If you’ve ever wanted to resist but didn’t and then know the pain of failure, defeat and weakness, well…you can related to this text!  But the good news of this text is that Jesus also suffered under temptations that HE can bring you HELP in your temptation!

So how does Jesus help us in our temptation?  Well, certainly there is the gift of His Word, which can be a “lamp to our feet and a light to our path” (Psalm 119:105).  His Word can help us address the issues of temptation specifically as well as generally by giving examples of people who also faced what you’re going through.  And it’s through God’s Word that we find some really practical advice!

“No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. 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.” - 1 Corinthians 10:13 

“Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. ⁸ Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.”- James 4:7-8. 

“Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working.” - James 5:16

So, “a way of escape”, “submission” and “resistance” and “confession to one another” and “prayer”!

My guess is, if you employed any or all of these practical approaches, you would find VICTORY over the evil one and over your temptations!

A:  So, HOW can you apply these strategies and approaches as you consider the temptations you face?

P:  Heavenly Father, THANK YOU for all the ways you have given us to resist and to have victory over our sin.  But MOSTLY thank you for Jesus, my “High Priest” who through His suffering and death on the cross made propitiation for my sins.  Help me trust in Him and by His grace and strength, resist, be healed, and not fall into any temptation.  In Jesus Name.  Amen!

Pastor Tim