SCRIPTURE:
15 For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin. 16 Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.
Hebrews 4:15-16
OBSERVATION:
Tests and temptations. One is sent by God, the other is sent by satan. One is designed to build you up, the other is designed to break you down. One is for your good, the other is for your destruction. In this life, you will face both tests and temptations. When it comes to God-given tests, your response is straightforward––obey God, depend on Jesus, and follow Him. But what about temptations? What should you do when you’re tempted? The exact same thing. Obey God. Depend on Jesus. Follow Him.
In Hebrews 4, the author reminds us that in the midst of a test, we can depend on Jesus. Why? He is not some distant God who has no idea what you’re going through. He knows exactly what you’re going through, and He knows exactly how you feel because He’s been through it Himself. He was “tempted in every way, just as we are” (Hebrews 4:15). You name it. He’s experienced it. Yes, He was fully God, but He was also fully man. Every temptation we face, He has faced. Pride. Greed. Lust. Control. The list goes on and on. However, unlike us who have failed in our temptations, “He did not sin” (Hebrews 4:15). And by relying on Him in your temptations, you, too, have the power to not sin.
APPLICATION:
When you face temptations, “approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that [you] may receive mercy and find grace to help [you] in [your] time of need” (Hebrews 4:16). And how do you do this? How do you overcome temptation? The answer is simple and straightforward no matter how difficult or convoluted the temptation might seem––by obeying God, depending on Jesus, and following Him.
- Obey God.
Joshua 1:8 NIV
“Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.”
When you face any temptation, obey God. Remember what He has spoken and do as He says. Why? Because obedience is the way of victory. God can only be victorious, so His directions to you is a map that will lead you directly to victory. When you obey Him exactly as He says, He will always lead you to safety.
- Depend on Jesus.
Philippians 4:13 NIV
“I can do all this through him who gives me strength.”
We fall to temptation because we rely on our own strength. Choosing to rely on your own strength to overcome temptation is choosing to fail. You will not win because you are human. But when you depend on Jesus––who is able to “empathize with our weaknesses” and “has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet [] did not sin,” He gives you His supernatural strength to overcome any temptation (Hebrews 4:15). As Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 10:13, “God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.” He is the way out, and when You pair all of your strength with His, you will bear temptation successfully.
- Follow Him.
1 Peter 2:21 NIV
“To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps.”
When you are tempted, don’t focus on satan; focus on Jesus. Don’t focus on your weakness; focus on His strength. Whenever you are tempted, Jesus is present with you, and when you focus on Him, He will always lead you out. “Because [Jesus] himself suffered when he was tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted” (Hebrews 2:18). He’s been through what you’re going through, and He knows the way out because He’s conquered it Himself. Follow Jesus’ past experiences to lead you to victory in yours. When you’re tempted, don’t follow your plan. Follow Jesus.
PRAYER:
Jesus,
Thank You for coming to this earth and subjecting yourself to the same trials and temptations as us so that You could empathize us and help us in our time of need. You are good, You are victorious, and You are kind. When I face temptations, help me to remember your word and obey You exactly. Help me to let go of self-reliance and depend on You. And most of all, help me to fix my eyes on You and follow You out. Thank You that I will never face any temptation alone, for You are with me always. You are my strength and You are my victory. I love You, Lord. Thank You for loving me.
In Your name I pray,
Amen
