Gospel

Temptation Lingers

by Roland Crim
05/30/17
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Jesus went out as usual to the Mount of Olives, and his disciples followed him. On reaching the place, he said to them, “Pray that you will not fall into temptation.” “Why are you sleeping?” he asked them. “Get up and pray so that you will not fall into temptation.” Luke 22:39-40, 46 NIV

Notice in the above that Christ says twice to pray that we may not fall into temptation. In most cases both the words falling and temptation connote something which is bad. So, to fall into temptation is double jeopardy.

Although we belong to Christ, and wear His armor, this does not exclude us from being tempted. We must remember that we are not just fighting against people who do not believe in God. We are also fighting against evil principalities. We need all the protection which we can be given against temptation. We must make a conscientious effort to pray that we not be lead into situations in which we can be tempted. Around every corner, all too often right before us, lie earthly desires, desires that speak of self, rather than of others. Instant gratification is much too prevalent in this world.

Christ knows of the importance of prayer for not being lead into temptation. Why do you think it is included as part of the Lord’s Prayer? We must rely on the Lord for our well-being, and for doing as He asks of us. What a better way is there for us to show our dependence on the Lord than to seek Him in prayer? He can provide for us that which we cannot provide for ourselves. Pray often that you do not fall into temptation.