Surviving temptation’s traps

June 16, 2006

By William Richardson

“Blessed is the man who endures temptation” (James 1:12, NKJV).

The devil knows our weakest areas. He uses them to try to trap us. Just like you bait a mousetrap with cheese or peanut butter, the devil baits temptation traps to catch us.

Adam and Eve failed to resist the trap in the Garden of Eden. Since that day, the old snake has both succeeded and failed with his traps. At times, his best attempts have failed because someone recognized the bait for what it really was. Let’s look at three methods used by individuals in the Bible to resist temptation’s traps.

The Joseph method: Potiphar’s wife tried day after day to lure Joseph into a wrongful relationship (Genesis 39). Day after day, he refused. Finally, one day when voicing her desires, she grabbed his garment. Joseph pulled away. She clutched so tightly that his clothes ripped. He ran, leaving her holding the piece of torn cloth. The devil had carefully baited the trap, but it didn’t catch Joseph. The Joseph method for resisting temptation: Go in the opposite direction. The New Testament commands us to follow this method with the words, “Flee also youthful lusts” (2 Timothy 2:22).

The Daniel method: As a captive of Babylon, Daniel was expected to eat the king’s food, a violation of Jewish law (Daniel 1). A tray of the king’s prescribed food may have smelled and looked incredibly delicious. Nevertheless, Daniel knew he shouldn’t take the bait. He prayed for wisdom. When he did, God showed him a way to resist. Daniel tactfully suggested an alternate food plan. God honored Daniel; the king’s official agreed to test Daniel’s diet plan against the king’s plan. After 10 days, Daniel’s diet had proved better. When Daniel prayed, God helped him to not violate his conscience. The Daniel method for resisting temptation: Ask God for an alternate plan.

The Job method: One problem after another rushed upon Job. Thieves, natural disaster and disease all pushed Job into a corner. His friends turned against him. His wife dealt the final blow. She told Job to curse God for his mountain of problems. What a temptation after all he’d faced! Instead of sulking in his sorrows, Job dwelt on God’s blessings and his relationship with God. God rewarded Job’s steadfastness in the midst of misery. The Job method for resisting temptation: Turn your mind away from the temptation by turning to God. Job trusted God regardless of his circumstances. “Though He slay me,” Job could say in faith, “yet will I trust Him” (Job 13:15).

These three methods provided power for the people who used them during their strongest temptations. The devil set big traps, but Joseph, Daniel and Job survived them. We can survive temptation too ...

Like Joseph, who ran.

Like Daniel, with a plan.

Like Job, who dwelt on God, not man.

William Richardson is senior pastor of Afton (Iowa) Assembly of God.