James 1:13-15
“Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am being tempted by God,” for God cannot be tempted with evil, and he himself tempts no one. But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death.”
Our tempter is not God. My own flesh tempts me. “My own desire…”
Too many times I find myself blaming Satan, other people or my circumstances for my sin when in truth it is simply my own sinful desires that have tempted me and led me into sin. But we have been freed from its power. When Jesus said “It is finished” the flesh was crucified, and its life was snuffed out. We still live with the lingering effects and will until we leave this earth. But all its power to enslave me to sin is gone. The only way it can tempt us is if we give it an opportunity to be conceived and then it gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death.
So do not give in when temptation comes. Immediately take it to Jesus and let him deal with it. By His grace he will take care of it. His grace is sufficient for any trial or temptation that may come.
My own desire is my enemy. My flesh insatiable, never satisfied. Do not give it anything. Starve it to death. Let it wither and die. Don’t give it an inch because it will want a mile.
Prayer: Father help me today to keep my flesh from leading me into sin. When its temptation comes, I will run to you, Jesus, and let you deal with it. My desire is to follow only You and not my own desires. Thank you for your Spirit who enables me daily to keep my body under control. Praise you! Amen