“Temptations are bound to happen when we leave the presence of God.”
Temptations are an inevitable part of the human experience, lurking at every corner and often intensifying when we distance ourselves from the presence of God. The Bible offers profound insights into the nature of temptation and the importance of remaining close to God as a means of overcoming it. Through the lives of biblical figures and the teachings of scripture, we learn that God’s presence serves as a protective shield, guiding us away from the snares of temptation.
The Garden of Eden: The First Temptation.
Genesis 3:1-6 – “Now the serpent was more crafty than any of the wild animals the Lord God had made. He said to the woman, ‘Did God really say, ‘You must not eat from any tree in the garden’?’ The woman said to the serpent, ‘We may eat fruit from the trees in the garden, but God did say, ‘You must not eat fruit from the tree that is in the middle of the garden, and you must not touch it, or you will die.’’ ‘You will not certainly die,’ the serpent said to the woman. ‘For God knows that when you eat from it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.’ When the woman saw that the fruit of the tree was good for food and pleasing to the eye, and also desirable for gaining wisdom, she took some and ate it. She also gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate it.”
The story of Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden is a powerful illustration of the consequences of leaving God’s presence. The serpent’s temptation led to the first act of disobedience, resulting in the expulsion of Adam and Eve from the garden. This separation from God’s presence brought about sin and suffering. Their story teaches us that remaining close to God is essential in resisting temptation.
The Wilderness Temptations: Jesus’ Example.
Matthew 4:1-11 – “Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. After fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry. The tempter came to him and said, ‘If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread.’ Jesus answered, ‘It is written: “Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.”‘ Then the devil took him to the holy city and had him stand on the highest point of the temple. ‘If you are the Son of God,’ he said, ‘throw yourself down. For it is written: “He will command his angels concerning you, and they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.”‘ Jesus answered him, ‘It is also written: “Do not put the Lord your God to the test.”‘ Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor. ‘All this I will give you,’ he said, ‘if you will bow down and worship me.’ Jesus said to him, ‘Away from me, Satan! For it is written: “Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.”‘ Then the devil left him, and angels came and attended him.”
Jesus’ temptation in the wilderness serves as a model for resisting temptation through reliance on God’s presence and Word. Despite the devil’s persistent attempts to lead Him astray, Jesus remained steadfast, drawing strength from His relationship with God. His example teaches us the importance of grounding ourselves in God’s presence to withstand temptation.
The Israelites in the Desert: A Lesson in Faithfulness.
Exodus 32:1-6 – “When the people saw that Moses was so long in coming down from the mountain, they gathered around Aaron and said, ‘Come, make us gods who will go before us. As for this fellow Moses who brought us up out of Egypt, we don’t know what has happened to him.’ Aaron answered them, ‘Take off the gold earrings that your wives, your sons and your daughters are wearing, and bring them to me.’ So all the people took off their earrings and brought them to Aaron. He took what they handed him and made it into an idol cast in the shape of a calf, fashioning it with a tool. Then they said, ‘These are your gods, Israel, who brought you up out of Egypt.’ When Aaron saw this, he built an altar in front of the calf and announced, ‘Tomorrow there will be a festival to the Lord.’ So the next day the people rose early and sacrificed burnt offerings and presented fellowship offerings. Afterward they sat down to eat and drink and got up to indulge in revelry.”
The story of the golden calf is a poignant example of the consequences of leaving God’s presence. The Israelites, in the absence of Moses, turned to idolatry and immorality. Their actions led to God’s anger and punishment. This episode underscores the importance of remaining faithful and close to God, especially in times of uncertainty.
The Psalmist’s Reflection: The Joy of God’s Presence.
Psalm 16:11 – “You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.”
The psalmist beautifully expresses the joy and fulfillment that come from being in God’s presence. The assurance of God’s guidance and eternal pleasures highlights the significance of staying close to Him. This proximity to God serves as a safeguard against the lures of temptation.
Psalm 91:1-2 – “Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, ‘He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.'”
The imagery of dwelling in the shelter of the Most High emphasizes the protection and security found in God’s presence. Trusting in God as our refuge and fortress fortifies us against the attacks of temptation.
The Apostle Peter: A Story of Redemption.
Luke 22:54-62 – “Then seizing him, they led him away and took him into the house of the high priest. Peter followed at a distance. And when some there had kindled a fire in the middle of the courtyard and had sat down together, Peter sat down with them. A servant girl saw him seated there in the firelight. She looked closely at him and said, ‘This man was with him.’ But he denied it. ‘Woman, I don’t know him,’ he said. A little later someone else saw him and said, ‘You also are one of them.’ ‘Man, I am not!’ Peter replied. About an hour later another asserted, ‘Certainly this fellow was with him, for he is a Galilean.’ Peter replied, ‘Man, I don’t know what you’re talking about!’ Just as he was speaking, the rooster crowed. The Lord turned and looked straight at Peter. Then Peter remembered the word the Lord had spoken to him: ‘Before the rooster crows today, you will disown me three times.’ And he went outside and wept bitterly.”
Peter’s denial of Jesus, when he followed at a distance, illustrates how distancing ourselves from God’s presence can lead to succumbing to temptation. However, Peter’s story also highlights the power of redemption. His deep remorse and subsequent restoration by Jesus demonstrate that returning to God’s presence brings forgiveness and renewal.
John 21:15-17 – “When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, ‘Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?’ ‘Yes, Lord,’ he said, ‘you know that I love you.’ Jesus said, ‘Feed my lambs.’ Again Jesus said, ‘Simon son of John, do you love me?’ He answered, ‘Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.’ Jesus said, ‘Take care of my sheep.’ The third time he said to him, ‘Simon son of John, do you love me?’ Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, ‘Do you love me?’ He said, ‘Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you.’ Jesus said, ‘Feed my sheep.'”
Jesus’ restoration of Peter reaffirms his commitment and call to ministry. It teaches us that even when we falter, returning to God’s presence brings restoration and purpose.
The Wisdom of Proverbs: Guarding Against Temptation.
Proverbs 4:23 – “Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.”
The book of Proverbs offers practical wisdom on guarding against temptation. By guarding our hearts and minds, we protect ourselves from the influences that lead us away from God’s presence. This vigilance is essential in maintaining a close relationship with God.
Proverbs 3:5-6 – “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”
Trusting in the Lord and submitting to His guidance keeps us aligned with His will and away from the paths of temptation. This trust is rooted in a deep relationship with God, built through consistent communion with Him.
Trusting in the Lord and submitting to His guidance keeps us aligned with His will and away from the paths of temptation. This trust is rooted in a deep relationship with God, built through consistent communion with Him.
