Temptation

Scripture Text: Genesis 3:17-24
All of us have been close to temptation that we lost our perspective. It may have involved something as small as a rumor that we knew shouldn't be passed along, but the urge to gossip blocked out our sense of love an good judgement.
Adam and Eve faced a similar problem long ago. They became so preoccupied with one plant in their garden paradise that they couldn't see the forest for the tree.
Just look at what it cost them. The garden of Eden had been created especially for them. In it they knew no evil, no trials, no sickness, no death. They enjoyed the company of the Creator Himself. Yet they gave up all they had just to just to eat of the fruit of the one forbidden tree.
Their mistake still plagues us. How often do we miss the whole forest of God's goodness for a single tree of testing? The moment of temptation seems so overwhelming, the idea so irresistible, our twisted logic so justifiable.
Today, think about all Adam and Eve left behind in the garden. Fill your mind with truths of God's Word and rely on the Holy Spirit's moment-by-moment guidance and strength. Then you will experience the joy of God's blessing rather than temporary pleasure
How to handle Temptation

1. Seek God with your whole heart (Psalms 119: 9-16)
2. Listen to Wisdom (Proverbs 8: 1-11)
3. Resist the devil; draw near to God (James 4: 7-8)

"Blessed is the man who endures temptation " James 1:12

"The way you respond to temptation will make you or break you"