Monday, September 16, 2013

Temptation; Facing the Dark Side

Monday – September 16, 2013

The theme of Jesus’ temptation[1] will be our focus this week. 

Temptation is everyone’s problem.  Enough said?

In one of the Star Wars trilogy videos from the 1970’s, Luke Skywalker finally comes face-to-face with his arch enemy from the evil empire, Darth Vader.  Vader, who in the movie represents Satan and evil, attempts to convince Skywalker that it is his destiny to come over to the darkness of his side.  (Doesn’t Satan always?)

Luke is locked in mortal combat with Vader, and he must face his own connection with the dark side.  He stays true – he fights.  And even though he suffers a terrible defeat, learning that he is actually Vader’s son, a child of the dark side – he returns to overcome the darkness. 

That works just fine in the movies – but there is one difference in real life.  None of us can defeat the dark side under our own strength. 

Paul advised Timothy:
But you, Timothy, are a man of God; so run from all these evil things.  Pursue righteousness and a godly life, along with faith, love, perseverance, and gentleness.  Fight the good fight for the true faith.  Hold tightly to the eternal life to which God has called you, which you have confessed so well before many witnesses.   1 Timothy 6:11 - 12 (NLT)

Couple that with Paul’s understanding that you never fight alone; there is always God, on your side, enabling you to overcome evil and temptation through His grace…
The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience.  And God is faithful.  He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand.  When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure.  1 Corinthians 10:13 (NLT)

Today

No matter the temptation, the grace of God is able.  Today!  Right Now!
You don’t need any more than that.  Sufficient is sufficient!



[1] Read Matthew 4:1-11 for the whole story

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