Focusing on who Jesus was what he did for you makes THE difference when facing temptation. Consider:
- Jesus was tempted in every way that you are tempted, yet he did not succumb to it. The point is not to be like Jesus, rather it is to reflect on what he did. He never failed. He satisfied Gods command to “Be holy”. This is the basis that his righteousness can be counted toward us.
- Jesus defeated sin and death. Not one time did sin get the best of him. Not once. The result of sin is death. He conquered that too.
- Because you have placed your faith in Jesus as your Lord and Savior, you are united to him. His death was your death. His resurrection is your resurrection.
Once these three facts are deeply sewn in your heart and recognize that God’s grace shows up everyday, your affections will change. Your desire is now to please and honor God. You no longer are driven by your former passions, but driven to please God. This allows his grace to continually train and educate you so that you renounce those things that tempt you. Now, you can confidently say no to temptation and do it with a smile. This is freedom.
God knows that this is a process and not a one-time thing. This is why as we go about life and face ever present temptations, his grace is continually with us. This is why his Spirit dwells in us. This why Jesus is sitting at the right hand of the Father interceding for us.
This aspect of the good news is for the here and now.
As we sing on Sunday mornings:
New found freedom awaits you. Embrace it.
*From Chris Tomlin’s “Amazing Grace (My Chains Are Gone)”
