Temptation Will Come

Matthew 26:40-41

Isn’t it interesting that even in the Garden, with Jesus in close proximity, the threat of temptation was alive and well in the disciples. Jesus used Peter’s drowsiness to warn him about the kinds of temptation he would soon face. The way to overcome temptation is to keep watch and pray, just as Jesus had commanded. Watching means being aware of the possibilities of temptation, sensitive to the subtleties, and spiritually equipped to fight it. Because temptation strikes where we are most vulnerable, we can’t resist alone. Prayer is essential because God’s strength can shore up our defenses and defeat satan’s power. 

Questions for further thought:
1. In what area of life do you find yourself most vulnerable to temptation? 
2. What steps are you taking to prepare yourself for the next time that temptation arises?

Challenge: Consider this… Like the disciples, we cannot put our hope in our faithfulness to Christ. Our security comes from the faithfulness of God to us, despite our fickleness. Prayerfully consider whether you are basing your confidence on your abilities to serve God, or on Christ’s ability to help you.