Taming Temptation: Nothing New Under the “Son!”
Self-controlled

Scripture: 1 Peter 5:6-11

Key Verse: 1 Peter 5:8

Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.

I am going to ask that you read the same scripture passages over the next few days.  They are rich with helpful instruction on overcoming the schemes of the evil one!  Each day, read them slowly, mining the truths that will strengthen your walk with God!   

            The first truth is: Be self-controlled.  It is good to remember at this point that God never “guides where He does not provide!”  When God tells us to be something, it means it’s possible to accomplish.  We can be self-controlled.  We have probably all said: I just don’t have any self-control.  But for Christ followers that is a lie and a cop out!  The Apostle Paul writes in Galatians 5:23 that self-control is a fruit of God’s Spirit.  In other words, we who have the Spirit of God in us have self-control available to us!  If you have Jesus in your heart, you have the Spirit!  And, with the Spirit comes self-control.

            The problem we face is using what we have!  For example, many of us have exercise equipment setting idle in our basements.  We have it, we just don’t avail ourselves of it.  As Christ followers we own all we need for godliness, but we often don’t avail ourselves of it.  When tempted, we must quickly say, in faith: “I can overcome this!  I have the strength thanks to Jesus!”  That statement reminds the devil (and us) that we have the power of Christ working for our victory!

“Father, please remind me, during my hour of temptation, to tap into your power that is available to me.  Thank you for your strength.  In Jesus’ Name, Amen.”