Therefore, He had to be like His brothers in every way, so that He could become a merciful and faithful high priest in service to God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people. For since He Himself was tempted and has suffered, He is able to help those who are tested.
Hebrews 2:17-18 HCSB
Yesterday a dear friend mentioned two areas in her life that she is currently working on and said, “I’m working those things out with Jesus.”
While I often harp about letting go of sin, my friend’s statement made me realize that the reason it is so hard to let go of sin is that sin fulfills some purpose for us. We get something out of it. Maybe it’s just pleasure. Maybe it’s approval of others. Maybe it’s financial. We can’t envision our life without this sin. Our pastor calls these sins pet sins. We pet them and love them and don’t want to let them go, much like a beloved family pet.
I understand this because I’ve been there, done that and got the t-shirt. As our Scripture passage explains, I’m not the only one who understands temptation or the desire to sin. Jesus also understands because He’s been there. We often tend to forget that Jesus was fully man and fully God, meaning he felt pain, suffered the humiliation, experienced intense anger. He understands what we are going through. Please don’t take that to mean He’s going to just let it go. He clearly explained in Matthew 12:36-37 that we will be judged for every idle word we have spoken. Ecclesiastes 12:14 says God will bring every act to judgment including every hidden thing, whether good or evil.
We are all works in progress, none of us will reach perfection until we are united with our heavenly Father in heaven. So, while we are here on earth, we must strive to do the best we can do. And sometimes this means working it out with Jesus’ help.
If you are not saved, begin by pulling away from the devil and resisting him and drawing near to God (James 4:7-8). The first step is admitting there is a problem. We must admit we are a sinner. Then we must believe in Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior. And then we must confess our sins with a desire to turn away from them. If we confess our sins to Him, He is faithful to forgive us (1 John 1:9).
If you are saved but struggling with sin, you need to understand it’s normal. Even Jesus was tempted by the devil in the wilderness. 1 Corinthians 10:13 says, “No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may endure it.”
Jesus countered the devil with Scripture each time He was tempted. Psalm 119:11 says, “I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you.” Get to know and understand God’s word. Don’t just read it, study it. A good prayer life is also important to keep a good, flowing conversation with Jesus. He said in Matthew 26:41, “Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation. The spirit is indeed willing, but the flesh is weak.”
We know trials and testing will come. We are told in James 1:2-3, “Consider it great joy, my brothers, whenever you experience various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance.” In 1 Peter 5:8 we are told that the devil prowls around like a roaring lion seeking someone to devour. Don’t be surprised when you face trials and tribulations.
As Christians, we do not face these struggles alone. In Isaiah 41:10 we are told that we need not fear because God will strengthen us and uphold us by His righteous right hand.
My friend if you are struggling with sin, Jesus wants to help. Pray to Him. Study God’s word. Pray for wisdom and strength to resist temptation. He’s got you and He will be happy to work it out with you. Just ask.
Have a great day!