Introductory Thoughts
The context of today’s passage confirms that it involves the temptation to do evil. This shows that the author of the temptation is not God, nor can it ever be Him in this context. The death of the one being tempted is the end result. This is why it is so very important for every believer to achieve a scriptural understanding of the source of his temptation. According to James 1:14, “every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed.” The first step of any temptation is a drawing away. If a man refuses to be drawn away, he simply cannot be tempted to do wrong. If a man allows himself to be drawn away, the Devil’s next step involves enticement. It is often at this point that the Devil captures his prey leading him into sin.
Devotional Thoughts
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(For smaller children) Eve did not know that the serpent was the Devil, but she did know Gods command. She allowed herself to be drawn away from the truth and enticed by the Devil (Genesis 3:1-6, 13; 2 Corinthians 11:3). Compare Genesis 3:6 with 1 John 2:16.
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What does it mean to be drawn away? What does it mean to be enticed? At what point does a temptation become sin? How can this understanding help to ensure the believers ability to get victory?
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What kind of things does the Devil use to draw you away from walking with the Lord? What can you do to make sure that you do not fall prey to his devices?
Prayer Thoughts
- Ask the Lord to guard you from the attacks of Satan.
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Ask God to help you walk circumspectly in this world.
Song
YIELD NOT TO TEMPTATION
