QKAG: Issue # 82

PAST ISSUE # 82
Questions Kids Ask About God

Question: How do I resist temptation?

Answer: Humans were first tempted when Satan tempted Eve and Adam into eating the forbidden fruit (Genesis 3:1-13). Since the fall of humankind, we have been subjected to Satan's ploys and temptations to severe our relationship with God by sinning against Him. It is tough to resist temptation because Satan knows our weaknesses. For example, if we have a tendency to lie, Satan will put us in situations whereby we might be tempted to lie and sin against God. However, God also knows our weaknesses (Hebrews 4:15). As such, God has given us the power to resist Satan's temptation. When we are being tempted, one of the most powerful weapon is prayer. Ask God to give us the strength to overcome the temptation (Luke 22:46). Another weapon is praise. We can praise God so that our focus will not be on our temptation and weakness but on God who delivers us from sin and temptation (Psalm 22:3-4). The third weapon is God's Word. Like Jesus who used God's Word against the temptations of Satan, we can also use God's Word to rebuke Satan's temptations (Matthew 4:1-11). Eventhough, these spiritual weapons are powerful, we need to be wise and discerning so as to know when to retreat. Like Joseph who fleed when seduced and tempted by Potiphar's wife, we should know our weaknesses and walk away when the temptation is too strong for us to resist (Genesis 39:7-12). We should also learn to avoid situations whereby we know we will be tempted. For example, if we are on a diet and have a weakness for chocolate cakes, we need to avoid places where they serve chocolate cake so that we will not succumb to the temptation. Or, if our friend passes a slice of chocolate cake to us, we need to learn to say NO and walk away. Related topic is Issue # 17, 60.

Key Bible verses:
Matthew 4:1-11, 16:23; 1 Corinthians 10:13; Ephesians 6:13; Hebrews 2:18; James 1:13-15; 2 Peter 2:9

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, you know my weaknesses. Please send Your Holy Spirit to strengthen me so that I will not fall into temptation. Please help me to guard my eyes, ears, mouths mind and heart so that I will not be tempted. When I am in temptation, please remind me to focus my mind and heart on You so that I will not sin against You. I thank You for the victory on the cross against Satan and death (1 John 5:4-5). Amen.

Last words...
"Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you." (James 4:7)
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