September 22nd
“His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature and escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires.” 2 Peter 1:3-4 NIV
When we’re in bondage to a sin such as sexual addiction, we may feel powerless to resist the temptations associated with it. We may have repeatedly tried to break free of the bondage, only to soon fall back into the habits we hate. The evil one loves to condemn us just after he finishes tempting us to the point that we yield. He tells us, “You are dirty and worthless and God will never accept you.” This is a lie. We are highly valued by God. When we approach God believing in Jesus, God will accept us. Though our sins corrupt us, the blood of Jesus Christ washes us clean from sin. By his blood we are forgiven and freed to live in righteousness.
How do we start breaking the sinful habits that have seemed invincible? The above passage describes the power source we must tap into. God’s divine power gives us everything we need to break sin’s slavery and live in righteousness. By standing on God’s promises, we are able to experience God’s divine nature and escape the corruption of world (porn, lust, etc..)! Here are some example promises that help us overcome temptations:
- We have Jesus’ authority over evil (Romans 8:17, John 1:12-13)
- We no longer are slaves to sin, but free to live in righteousness through Christ (Romans 6:16-18)
- If we submit to God and resist the devil, the devil must flee from us (James 4:6-7)
- Because we trust in Christ, we have eternal life with God (John 3:16,36)
- God will protect us and deliver us from evil (1 John 5:18)
- God will help us find the way out of temptations (1 Corinthians 10:13)
- The Holy Spirit helps us put the sinful desires of our flesh to death (Romans 8:11-13)
In order to internalize such promises, getting them into the deepest parts of our hearts, we’ll need to invest time each day studying God’s word. As we learn his promises through Bible study and scripture meditation, our spiritual strength will increase and our “Godly reflexes” to temptation will improve. Our knowledge of God – his character and his ways – will increase, and that becomes the conduit for living as new creations and escaping sin’s corruption. Paul’s words to Timothy are a helpful reminder concerning the scriptures: “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.” (2 Timothy 3:16-17 NKJV)
Questions for further thought:
According to the above passage from 2 Peter, how much has God supplied for us to live in godliness?
How does faith in God’s promises open the floodgates for God’s power to work in and through us? (Mark 9:23, Matthew 17:20)
What are some godly responses or reflexes to temptation? (Matthew 26:41, Genesis 39:6-13, 1 Corinthians 10:13, Isaiah 33:15-16, 2 Corinthians 10:4-5, Colossians 3:1-2)
Prayer:
“Lord God, Thank you for your great and precious promises! Thank you for providing them so that I can stand on them in faith and walk to freedom from every sin that may hold me. I reckon myself with you today, Lord Jesus, alive to God and dead to sin. Please forgive me for allowing any sin a place in my life. I repent from that sin and recommit myself to living for you. Holy Spirit, please guide me in truth and convict me of sin, righteousness and judgment. I desire to participate in the divine nature and escape all corruption of sin. Thank you, Lord! I praise you now and forever, Amen.”