Temptation Cave

In preparing a talk about temptation this Sunday at Southbrook Church, I realized a few things....

- Temptation hits everyone in different ways
- Temptation always leads to destruction
- Temptation is easy to rationalize

Have you found these to be true for you as well?

Good thing we have the story of David in the books of First and Second Samuel.  David's life is a powerful exploration of both the victory that comes from rejecting temptation as well as the desolation that follows sucumbing to it.

3000 years ago the soon-to-be king, David was hiding deep within the bowels of a nearby cave.  King Saul roamed the land, looking to kill David.  One night, after eating some Hot-Pockets he found the need to relieve himself.

David's men urge him to go and Kill Saul; and David refuses.

David comes face to face with temptation and stands firm.  To kill the King would be an offense to God, he reasoned; since God put Saul on the throne it stands that God would remove Saul from the throne.

David was tempted by power, convenience and safety.  These aren't bad things, in fact had David killed Saul it could have made things a lot easier for David.  By refusing to give in to temptation, David stands as a role model for the rest of us.

Talking about temptation is difficult, for everyone of us is tempted in some way by someone or something.

There is good news, which is that God's power is stronger than our weakness.  Religion offers rules, whereas God offers true, internal life-change.

I have found great comfort in this verse from First Corinthians 10.13
  'No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to all.  And God is faithful; he will not let
  you be tempted beyond what you can bear.  But when you are tempted he will also provide a way out   so you can endure it.'