Tentação
A tentação faz parte da jornada cristã, mas Deus é fiel e não permite que sejamos tentados além do que podemos suportar. Em Cristo, temos poder para resistir e vencer.
A realidade da tentação
Jesus foi tentado em tudo como nós e compreende nossas lutas. A Bíblia nos ensina que a tentação não é pecado — o pecado está em ceder a ela.
15 For we have not a high priest, who can not have compassion on our infirmities: but one tempted in all things like as we are, without sin.
2 For the space of forty days; and was tempted by the devil. And he ate nothing in those days; and when they were ended, he was hungry.
13 Let no man, when he is tempted, say that he is tempted by God. For God is not a tempter of evils, and he tempteth no man.
3 Knowing that the trying of your faith worketh patience.
O escape providenciado
Deus sempre providencia uma saída. Não precisamos cair, pois Ele nos dá forças para resistir e promete nos livrar da provação.
13 Let no temptation take hold on you, but such as is human. And God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that which you are able: but will make also with temptation issue, that you may be able to bear it.
9 The Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly from temptation, but to reserve the unjust unto the day of judgment to be tormented.
13 And lead us not into temptation. But deliver us from evil. Amen.
9 I am afflicted and humbled exceedingly : I roared with the groaning of my heart.
Vigilância e resistência
A Palavra de Deus, a oração e a vigilância são nossas armas contra a tentação. Vigiar e orar é o conselho do próprio Jesus.
41 Watch ye, and pray that ye enter not into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh weak.
22 And he that received the seed among thorns, is he that heareth the word, and the care of this world and the deceitfulness of riches choketh up the word, and he becometh fruitless.
20 But he said that the things which come out from a man, they defile a man.21 For from within out of the heart of men proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders,22 Thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lasciviousness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness.23 All these evil things come from within, and defile a man.
1 Brethren, and if a man be overtaken in any fault, you, who are spiritual, instruct such a one in the spirit of meekness, considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.
28 Or can he walk upon hot coals, and his feet not be burnt?
12 Blessed is the man that endureth temptation; for when he hath been proved, he shall receive a crown of life, which God hath promised to them that love him.