Tempted...

"For we do not have a high priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but One who has been tempted in all things as we are, yet without sin."--Hebrews 4:15.  The Hebrew writer describing that our high priest, Jesus, is able to sympathize with our weaknesses because He was tempted in the same way we are but without sin.  Like us, Jesus was tempted.

Tempted.  The image above will usually trigger a recollection of Genesis 3 when man fell to temptation.  Of course, the text tells us it was a fruit so we don't know for sure if it was an apple.  But the bottom line is that whatever, the fruit Adam and Eve were tempted.

Tempted.  This word sympathize found in Hebrews 4:15 can also mean to suffer with.  It's an interesting thought to know that Christ knows what we are going through when we are tempted by sin.

Tempted.  We should all find encouragement in the fact that Christ was tempted.  Christ was 100% God but He was also 100% man.  Christ felt the pain we feel in EVERY way, even the pain of the battle that comes when we are tempted.  

Tempted.  Was Christ not tempted to call down ten thousand angels to destroy those who were crucifying Him? Instead, he said "Father forgive them for they know not what they do." (Luke 23:34)

Tempted.  Was Christ not tempted to try to find a way around the pain of the crucifixion? Instead, He said "Father...not my will but Yours be done." (Luke 22:42)

Tempted.  Was Christ not tempted to turn the stones to bread being starved from hunger after 40 days without food? Instead he says "Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that proceeds from the mouth of God." (Matthew 4:4).

Tempted.  Christ has suffered in every way.  Just in case you didn't get it the first time, Christ has suffered in EVERY way.  Yet He was without sin.

Tempted.  So my encouragement to you is this.  We all have our weaknesses and temptations when it comes to sin and altogether ignoring the will of God.

Tempted.  Next time you are tempted to ignore God's will in any given situation, take some time to remember that Christ dealt with that temptation as well and repeat to yourself His statement from the Garden of Gethsemane, not My will but Yours be done.  If it is a desire of the flesh, remember Jesus' statement, "Man shall not live on bread alone but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.  Or if it is something of the lust of the eyes such as dishonest gain, remember Jesus' statement in Matthew 4:10, "You shall worship the Lord your God and serve Him only."  Christ is right there with you, take His hand and He will lead you out of temptation.

DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT! PRAY ABOUT IT! LOVE Y'ALL! GOD BLESS!