Temptation is everywhere, and it doesn't take much to lure the heart into sin and disobedience. However, God promises that He can provide us with the grace to say no to temptations and to choose a life that honors God through Jesus Christ.
If you've tried to change sinful patterns in your life and have fallen short, you're not alone. We've all battled or still continue to battle with a sin issue or a weak area of temptation. Most of the time, we try to defeat these sinful patterns in our lives by our own strength, and while yes, we do have a role to play in beating sin in our lives, we will only find ourselves losing the battle over and over if we do not have the power of the Holy Spirit.
Romans 12:1 tells us, "I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship." It is only through the mercies and grace of God made available that we can be free of both the consequence and occurrence of sinful patterns.
Jesus did not just die so that you will be washed of your sin, but so that you will also receive freedom to say no to sin as you please. Here are eight scriptures that speak of God's promise of His power over temptation and struggles.
Psalm 19:9-10. "The fear of the Lord is clean, enduring forever; the rules of the Lord are true, and righteous altogether. More to be desired are they than gold, even much fine gold; sweeter also than honey and drippings of the honeycomb."
Psalm 51:10. "Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me."
Proverbs 1:7. "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction."
Matthew 6:12-13. "and forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil."
1 Corinthians 10:13. "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."
Galatians 5:1. "For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery."
Galatians 5:13. "For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another."
Titus 2:11-12. "For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self- controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age."
