Overcoming temptations – Dr. Paul Dhinakaran

“Stand fast therefore in the liberty by which Christ has made us free, and do not be entangled again with a yoke of bondage.” (Galatians 5:1)
My friend, the world is tempting people to live a sinful life. Be it at home, at your workplace or when you are alone, sin follows you like a shadow. That is why Jesus has taught us to pray every day saying, ‘lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one’ (Matthew 6:13). The devil is a fallen angel and he wants us to fall into sin like him so that he can torment us with guilt. God also says, “Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour” (1 Peter 5:8).  So stay away from things that cause you to sin. It might be your company of friends or your own habits, whatever it is you can be delivered from it if you ask God to help you by praying according to the prayer the Lord has taught us. When we seek God’s help we will surely be strong and not give in to our temptation.

Several years ago, there was an alcoholic. His mother loved him very much and he too loved his mother. One day, when his mother was on her death bed, she asked him to promise that he would not drink alcohol until he gets a god-fearing life partner. He agreed to it and promised his mother. Then his mother died. On the day of his marriage, his friends asked him to host a party. So he made the arrangements, and his friends asked him to pour drinks for them. But when he started pouring the alcohol, he started trembling and broke the bottle. Do you know why it happened? It was because he saw his mother on her death bed and remembered his promise to her. That was why he immediately broke the bottle of alcohol and walked away

My friend, whenever you are in a similar situation, remember the cross. Look at your Saviour on the cross. Instantly, the devil will flee away from you. Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you (James 4:7). When you turn to God, God makes you overcome the wrong desires. Yes, God is faithful and He will make a way for you to escape from every temptation (1 Corinthians 10:13). Can you please God and the devil at the same time? You cannot. So if you desire to please God, just look to Him for help and He will surely rescue you and present you blameless before God (Colossians 1:22). Rely on God’s strength and you will not fail. You are more than a conqueror through Him who has loved you (Romans 8:37).

Prayer:
Father God,

Thank You for the suffering Your Son bore on the cross for my sins. I commit my ways in Your hands. Give me the grace to shun evil and flee from wrong doings. Cover me with the blood of Your Son Jesus Christ. Help me to live a life that pleases You and brings glory to You. Let Your ways and Your thoughts be my ways and thoughts. Lead me by Your Holy Spirit.

Amen!