JUN 14

Hebrews 4:15-16
Memorise Hebrews 13:6
“…for the LORD will not forsake his people.”

Many temptations that we face can actually be avoided. We can actively try to stay away from places that create temptation, be careful to avoid friends who by their behaviour may influence us to sin and shun things and situations that may cause us to sin. However, there are times when we cannot avoid certain situations. It could be for example when in the course of fulfilling a rightful duty, we are challenged by difficult situations that can cause us to sin. In such situations, a temptation cannot be avoided, but must instead be confronted and resisted. However, today’s Bible passage shares a fact that is very comforting and helpful. The “high priest” referred to is none other than Christ. Christ while He was on earth was fully man and fully God. He experienced temptations like any other person would but did not sin. As such, this High Priest is not someone who is so far removed from us and cannot relate to our experiences as frail and fallible creatures, but is one who understands our human condition. Christ continues to pray for believers. He intercedes with God the Father on our behalf and as we ourselves approach God for help, Christ is ever there to be our advocate. Hence, the writer of Hebrews says we can boldly or bravely approach God for help whenever we are in need and this is especially so when we undergo temptation.

When faced with temptation, we must not imagine that we can successfully overcome it by our own strength. To try to resist any temptation without God’s help is an endeavour that is certainly doomed to fail. While the temptations may come to test us, God has also prepared for us sufficient strength to successfully resist a temptation. However, we need to ask God for that strength. When you are tempted, do not hesitate to ask God to enable you to overcome that temptation. You will then see how God is there to help you do His will in obedience to Him.

Thought: We cannot successfully resist temptation without God’s help.
Prayer: Lord, give me the strength to overcome sin and also the desire to be holy.