AVOIDING THE TRAPS OF TEMPTATION

 AVOIDING THE TRAPS OF TEMPTATION

February 02, 2024

   

By Rev. Michael Benson Ajayi 

"Do not enter the path of the wicked, And do not walk in the way of evil. Avoid it, do not travel on it; Turn away from it and pass on."Proverbs 4:14‭-‬15 NKJVBible

“Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it.  Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it." Matthew 7:13‭-‬14 NKJVBible

   Temptations are part of life ,we encounter them on a daily basis . They stem from the devil's plot to destroy humanity .The Bible says ' And the Lord said, “Simon, Simon! Indeed, Satan has asked for you, that he may sift you as wheat."Luke 22:31 NKJVBible  temptations also emanate from our own lusts ( cravings ) , the scriptures says " And remember, when you are being tempted, do not say, “God is tempting me.” God is never tempted to do wrong, and he never tempts anyone else. Temptation comes from our own desires, which entice us and drag us away. These desires give birth to sinful actions. And when sin is allowed to grow, it gives birth to death."James 1:13‭-‬15 NLTBible    The devil sets traps everyday against God's people and traps are set based on two principles 1) repeated possible pathway of target  2) hunger or thirst of prey . To catch  a prey simply study its movement and discover a pattern or study its dietary habits . It is for this reason that the Lord directs the steps of the righteous who pray to him . Jesus Christ taught is disciples to pray that the lord leads us not into temptations  

We should also pray for a righteous appetite , habits are created through regular tasting. Eating a food regularly eventually results in an appetite. The scriptures says " Do not love this world nor the things it offers you, for when you love the world, you do not have the love of the Father in you. For the world offers only a craving for physical pleasure, a craving for everything we see, and pride in our achievements and possessions. These are not from the Father, but are from this world." 1 John 2:15‭-‬16 NLTBible

    We are enjoined to avoid the path to the wicked ( Pro.4:14) and if  sinners entice you   do not consent  (Prov.1:10) avoid religious persons who twist the scriptures to justify their selfish sinful acts ( 2Pet3:17) . 

    The devil knows our weaknesses and capitalizes on it , therefore , we should not be overconfident of our abilities , we should know our weaknesses and be well guarded against them  ( Gal.6:1, Rom13:14 ) . This involves not subscribing to entertainment that makes sin look appealing and rewarding . Words and visuals are seeds with the capacity to replicate in an unacceptable behavior . Do not bring an abominable thing into your house ( Deut7:25-26)  The scriptures says " I will refuse to look at anything vile and vulgar. I hate all who deal crookedly; I will have nothing to do with them." Psalms 101:3 NLT   Many marriages have be destroyed by being part of unhealthy groups on social media that celebrates infidelity and  lawlessness( Psalm106:35,26) .

 Prayer : Heavenly father forgive me of my sins against you I believe Jesus Christ died and was raised again for my salvation I receive him as Lord and saviour and receive the Holy Ghost and power to overcome temptations.

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