The weather has been unseasonably warm across the USA this winter. Just this week, over 500 cities had record breaking high temperatures. With rising temperatures also comes a decrease in clothing, revealing more skin, flesh and temptation.
As a male, I can testify that being married, saved and satisfied does not cause a decrease in sexual arousal. Men suffer from PMS; but our diagnosis is different than women. We are most tempted by power, money and sex. On the other hand, women (can be tempted by these as well) but are more tempted in areas related to food, beauty and control.
God gave mankind a sex-drive and intended for it to only to be satisfied in a one man-one woman marriage covenant. Males are naturally sex oriented. God does not want to cramp our style or dismiss our fun. Instead, He intends to maximize satisfaction and minimize pain. That is why He set higher standards than the world lives does. When the Bible declares that sex outside of marriage is wrong, God is trying to protect us from pain.
Satan, on the other hand, is a deceiver and is intent upon presenting temptations in every area. 2 Corinthians 11:3-4, 14-15 reveals Satan as one who deceives and masquerades as an angel of light. Angels are messengers of God and agents of God’s good will. Satan presents himself and his temptations as good things, but behind the mask, they really will draw us away from God and bring death and destruction. Satan does not present himself to us in a red suit, with a pitchfork and long tail but he comes in beautiful forms. He is a master salesman and know just what each of us likes.
Warren Wiersbe (the late preacher from Back to the Bible radio) is quoted as defining temptation as “an opportunity to accomplish a good thing in a bad way”. Temptation is not sin. It is not wrong to want to score a high grade on a test but it is wrong to cheat on the test. Sexual desire is a good thing and a gift from God but adultery is wrong.
Satan is the Neon Angel who presents his temptations in bright neon lights. Proverbs chapters 5, 6, and 7 all warn us to stay away from sexual relations outside of marriage. If we don’t we will end like a deer paralyzed by oncoming headlights. Destruction and damage are certain.
Here are some ways that we can minimize temptations and finish the race strong.
Know that temptation is coming. It is not a matter of “If” it will come but “When” it comes. The devil tempted Jesus and then left Him alone until a more opportune time came again later in the garden of Gethsemane.
Watch out for temptation, especially after a great spiritual victory. After His water baptism and the Dove of the Holy Spirit rested upon Jesus, the devil attacked Him. Don’t lay your weapons down but watch yourself and pray even more after a victory.
Stand upon the strong word of God. Jesus rebuked the devil with the word. “It is written Satan”. Memorize scriptures that are specific to your most frequent areas of temptation and stand upon them, read them quote them and pray them.
Be patient and listen carefully. The enemy speaks to us but most often, he speaks through people. Don’t be too quick to trust and embrace people, especially in romantic relationships. Take the time to prayerfully listen to what they are saying and what the Lord is telling you. Listen for consistency, confirmation of the word of the God and integrity.
Don’t believe the enemy’s lies but believe God’s word. The devil and the world falsely claim that your sins will remain a secret – “What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas”. That is a lie. Instead, you will reap what you sow.
Know that you will be chained to your choices. You must learn to make healthy decisions, because our decisions make will make you.
Decide now, before the temptation comes. If you wait until it knocks on your door, it is already too late. Daniel purposed in his heart before he ever ate from the Babylonian king’s table, that he would not defile himself. Decide right now that you will not play with temptation nor flirt with sin. Instead, surround yourself with “LIGHT” – prayer partners who will hold you accountable and help you stand before God with a clean conscience