Yield Not to Temptation

We do not have to yield to temptation. Through faith in Christ we can overcome the world.

As Jesus prepared and went out to the Mount of Olives, He said to His disciples, “Pray that you may not enter into temptation (Luke 22:39-40).” He then went a little farther away from them and prayed earnestly that the cup would pass from Him (Luke 22:42). When the angel from heaven strengthened Him, He rose up and found His disciples sleeping from sorrow (Luke 22:45). He then said to them, “Why do you sleep? Rise and pray, lest you enter into temptation (Luke 22:46).”

Jesus was familiar with temptation. He was tempted in all points and ways as we are, but he faced temptation without sin (Hebrews 4:15; 1 John 2:15-17; Luke 4:1-13). Jesus knows it is difficult to face and resist temptation; He’s been there! Matthew records more words by Jesus to His disciples: “Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak (Matthew 26:41).” Jesus was weak when He was tempted. He had been fasting for 40 days (Luke 4:1-2). He knew, too, that the disciples would be susceptible to temptation in the trials to come.

Jesus overcame temptation! He has made provision for us to overcome as well. He said, “…In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world (John 16:33).” John also, wrote, “For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world – our faith (1 John 5:4).” Through our faith in Christ, we can overcome the world; we do not have to yield to temptation.