PURPOSE DRIVEN LIFE

"HOW TEMPTATION WORKS

It helps to know that Satan is entirely predictable. He has used the same strategy and old tricks since Creation. All temptations follow the same pattern. That's why Paul said, "We are very familiar with his evil schemes." From the Bible, we learn that temptation follows a 4-step process, which Satan used both on Adam & Eve and on Jesus.

STEP 1:

Satan identifies a desire inside of you. It may be a sinful desire, like the desire to get revenge or to control others, or it may be a legitimate, normal desire, like the desire to be loved and valued or to feel pleasure. Temptation starts when Satan suggests (with a thought) that you give in to to an evil desire, or that you fulfill a legitimate desire in a wrong way or at the wrong time. Always beware or shortcuts. They are often temptations! Satan whispers, "You deserve it! You should have it now! It will be exciting.... comforting.... or make you feel better."

We think temptation lies around us, but God says it begins within us. If you didn't have the internal desire, the temptation could not attract you. Temptation always starts in your mind, not in circumstances. Jesus said, "For from within, out of a person's heart, come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, greed, wickedness, deceit, eagerness for lustful pleasure, envy, slander, pride and foolishness. All these vile things come from within. James tells us that there is a "whole army of evil desires within you."

STEP 2

is DOUBT. Satan tries to get you to doubt what God has said about the sin: Is it really wrong? did God really say not to do it? Didn't God mean this prohibition for someone else or some other time? Doesn't God want me to be happy? The Bible warns, "Watch out! Don't let evil thoughts or doubts make any of you turn from the living God."

STEP 3

is DECEPTION. Satan is incapable of telling the truth and is called "the Father of lies". Anything he tells you will be untrue or just half-true. Satan offers his lie to replace what God has already said in His word. Satan says, "You will not die. You'll be wiser like God. You can get away with it. No one will ever know. It will solve your problem. Besides, everyone else is doing it. It is only a little sin." But a little sin is like being a little pregnant: It will eventually show itself.

STEP 4

is DISOBEDIENCE. You finally act on the thought you've been toying with in your mind. What began as an idea gets birthed into behaviour. You give in to whatever got your attention. You believe Satan's lies and fall into the trap that James warns about: "We are tempted when we are drawn away and trapped by our own evil desires. Then our evil desires conceive and give birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death. Do not be deceived, my dear friends!"

- The Purpose Driven Life, Chapter 26, pp. 203-204

This is the best part in this book.

I knew this while I was studying way back during my primary years.

I admit that reading it again gives more impact to my heart

as the words ring out differently considering

the experiences I've had and have encountered.

Back then, it was just about gaining knowledge,

getting informed or mainly for guidance.

Now, all I could feel is it's worth sharing once again to be kept reminded

on my own and for all of you.

Related posts:

1. LET'S TALK ABOUT DYING - it is actually an inevitable event in all of our lives. There's no exemption so why is it still a taboo to so many people?

2. FOR OUR OWN GOOD - IGNORANCE is never an excuse

3. SOMETHING TO PONDER ON, EVEN ME - talks about the differences between Religious Maturity and Spiritual Maturity