Resisting Temptation

A month or so ago I bought the newest Newsboys CD “Born Again.” With all the time I’ve spent in the car traveling for work lately I’ve had an opportunity to listen to it quite a bit and have really been enjoying it. One song in particular got me thinking about resisting temptation.

“Escape” by Newsboys

Don’t believe the hype

The “hype” the band is talking about is the idea that sin is fun and will bring happiness and satisfaction.

You’re being tempted by the same ol’
You say it’s under control
Just remind me how you see so clearly
Face down in a hole

If we want to resist the hype, then we need to not hide our head in the sand (or down in a hole) and deny that temptation and sin can overwhelm us if we aren’t careful. In Ephesians Paul warns us to put on the whole armor of God so that we can resist temptation. Ephesians 6:10-18.

Press toward the light
And the light will ground you
Go with the flow
And the flow will drown you
Hey now, there’s always an out

If we focus on Jesus, the Light of the world, He will ground us in the truth and help us resist temptation. But if we go with the flow of what the world says is okay, we will drown in our own sin.

But if you get up, get up, get up
You can breakaway
And if you get out, get out, get out
Nothing can overtake
Don’t wait, escape

Resisting temptation is possible. “No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.” 1 Corinthians 10:13. But we must be diligent and keep our focus on Jesus.

We get beaten by the same sticks
Until we start to crack
We get deceived by the same tricks
That’s why the devil’s bringing ’em back
(He’s bringing ’em back)

This last verse is my favorite verse of the song. It does seem that we are tempted over and over by the same sin, though it is different for each of us. It is as if the devil knows each of our hot buttons. He’s seen where we have fallen down before, and so he figures that is where we are most likely to fall again. We need to be honest with ourselves about those areas of temptations and pray for strength to resist them if we are to stand firm.

Don’t believe the hype
It’s such a letdown

But if you get up, get up, get up
You can breakaway
And if you get out, get out, get out
Nothing can overtake
Don’t wait, escape

 This song is a great reminder to me that we can overcome temptation, we can escape the trap of the devil. Temptation is inevitable day after day. But whereas temptation is a frequent occurrence, Jesus is a constant companion. Press toward the Light that never dims and He will ground you, providing the perfect escape route.