"OVERCOMING TEMPTATION"
Overcoming Temptation – 2025 1 Corinthians 10:12-13; Luke 4:1-13 03/09/2025
Life is full of choices, and the decisions we make today shape our lives tomorrow. God desires us to choose what is good, both for God and for us. God didn’t create us to be like robots; God gave us free will to choose between good and evil. The consequences of our choices are ours to bear. As Christians, we should pray for guidance in our decisions. God respects our choices and helps us, especially when we face challenges, if we seek God’s peace. We need not worry—just pray and do our best.
Temptation is a part of life. It often begins with selfishness and dishonesty in small matters, as we avoid doing the right thing. But when we choose honesty and integrity, temptation loses its power. Along with the challenges we face, God promises to provide a way out of temptation, allowing us to escape or overcome it.
God will never let us be tempted beyond what we can bear. The Bible says that no testing has overtaken us that is not common to everyone. God is faithful, and God will not let us be tested beyond our strength. But with the testing, God will also provide the way out so that we may be able to endure it (1 Corinthians 10:13). The key is to be honest with ourselves and with God in those small moments before temptation grows into something bigger.
Temptation doesn’t usually start with big choices; it begins with small decisions. No one plans to become addicted or fall into sin, but it often starts with just one small step. Overcoming temptation often means standing alone, making choices that go against the crowd. But remember, when we choose God’s way, we are never truly alone—God is with us. The way to overcome temptation is by staying close to God and remaining rooted in God’s Word.
In today’s Gospel, after fasting for 40 days, Jesus faced three temptations from the devil, but He resisted each one by relying on God's Word. In the first temptation, when He was very hungry, Satan told Jesus to turn stones into bread, appealing to His physical hunger. But Jesus replied, "One does not live by bread alone," showing that our spiritual needs are more important than our physical ones.
In the second temptation, Satan offered Jesus all the kingdoms of the world in exchange for worshiping Satan. Many people exchange God for material wealth or worldly success. Jesus refused, saying, "Worship the Lord your God, and serve only Him." Jesus knew that achieving good ends does not justify using wrong means.
The third temptation was for Jesus to throw Himself off the temple to prove His identity. Some people use God for fame or recognition. But Jesus responded, “Do not put the Lord your God to the test.” Jesus chose to trust God’s plan, not seek instant fame or recognition.
Temptation is real for Christians, and Satan seeks to lead us away from God. But as Jesus showed, we can overcome temptation with the Word of God by making decisions based on God’s will, not our own desires. As we draw closer to God, the devil may try harder to pull us away, but with strong faith, we can resist. Remember, if we feel weak, ask God for help. God wants to help us and strengthen us.
In 1 Peter 5:8-9, we are reminded: “Discipline yourselves, keep alert. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion. Resist him, steadfast in your faith.” Overcoming temptation is part of growing into strong, mature Christians.
As we enter this season of Lent, a time for self-examination and repentance, let us remember the example of Jesus and resist temptation with faith in God and the Word of God.
Today, we also celebrate the ordination and installation of our ruling elders in the church. The Presbyterian Church is a representative democracy, governed by elders who are elected by and from the congregation. Authority rests with the duly elected representatives of the congregation, who serve on the appointed church governing bodies. The local church governing body is called the Session.
This year, we will ordain a new elder, Linda Rohde, who was elected by our congregation at the last annual meeting. A ruling elder’s term lasts for three years, and they can serve up to two consecutive terms. After serving six years, an elder automatically takes a one-year break before being eligible for re-election.
Five elders are being ordained or installed today. They have chosen to commit their lives to serving our church more deeply than before. As they take on this responsibility, they may face many temptations, hardships, and fatigue, both physically and spiritually. Therefore, we must pray for our ruling elders, as well as for me as your pastor, so that we can work together efficiently and faithfully in ministry, serving God’s Kingdom.
These leaders are committed to serving God’s people, and they, too, will face temptations and challenges in their work. Let us pray for them and for our church, that we may all remain strong in our faith and service to God’s Kingdom.
I call you today to seek spiritual strength to overcome temptation. As we grow in faith, let us pray for ourselves and for our leaders, that we may become more like Christ and stand firm in our faith. May God strengthen us all. Amen.
