The more mature one becomes in faith, the more Kingdom-minded he or she responds when trials come along.
I’ve seen this principle increasingly demonstrated in my life over the years and perhaps you have seen it in your life, too.
Hebrews 2:18, I believe, calls us to resist not only immorality temptations but any temptations to take the easy way out, whether it be by submitting to peer pressures, by stealing to reduce our financial pressures or even by attacking an abuser rather than forgiving the abuser.
“Because He Himself suffered when He was tempted, He is able to help those who are being tempted.”
Satan fired machine guns of temptation at Jesus during His ministry. The wilderness temptations were the first rounds from that gun but countless temptations followed, including the never-ending temptations to zap the evil-hearted religious leaders who were causing so much trouble for the ministry plan.
In fact, scripture says that Jesus was tempted in every human way possible, yet never sinned.
He resisted the temptation, even when it meant He had to endure suffering.
Because He resisted, we can resist.
Because He pleased God with His obedience, we can please God with our obedience.
The same Word and power from God that helped Him endure is offered to us through faith.
Remember, Satan’s objective in tempting us — no matter how he does it — is to see us walk away from obedience to God and into rebellion of our pride.
It’s not easy to live in accordance with this verse. Some people are really good at pushing our hot buttons or at taking from us the things that we don’t want to give up.
But if we endure the hassles because of an enduring faith, we’ll be able to demonstrate for others that it’s possible for them to do the same.
At your workplace, in your home, at your school, perhaps even in your church, commit yourself to resisting temptation of all sorts, even the subtle ones that are intended to erode your compassion for others, your mercy toward others or your generosity toward others.
Whatever cheek you have to turn — whether financial, emotional or your peer group status — realize that your suffering will bond you with the One who suffered on the cross in your place.
As always, I love you
Martin
