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 an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like we are, yet without sin.
2 Being forty days tempted of the devil. And in those days he did eat nothing: and when they were ended, he afterward hungered.
13 Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempts he any man:
3 Knowing this, that the trying of your faith works 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 There has no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that all of you are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that all of you may be able to bear it.
9 The Lord knows how to deliver the godly out of temptations, and to reserve the unjust unto the day of judgment to be punished:
13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For yours is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.
9 Lord, all my desire is before you; and my groaning is not hid from you.
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 and pray, that all of you enter not into temptation: the spirit (o. pneuma) indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.
22 He also that received seed among the thorns is he that hears the word; (o. logos) and the care of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, choke the word, (o. logos) and he becomes unfruitful.
20 And he said, That which comes out of the man, that defiles the 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 the man.
1 Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, all of you which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit (o. pneuma) of meekness; considering yourself, lest you also be tempted.
28 Can one go upon hot coals, and his feet not be burned?
12 Blessed is the man that endures temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord has promised to them that love him.