Temptation

The Bible says temptation comes from lusts within us. 

"Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man: but every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed." - James 1:13-14 

When we have repented of our sins, have been baptized in Jesus name for the remission of our sins, and have received the gift of the Holy Ghost, we have the power of the blood of Jesus and of His Spirit, and the authority of Jesus name to help us when we are tempted. 

"Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost." - Acts 2:38 

"But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth." - Acts 1:8  

Through prayer and calling on Jesus, we have access to His strength so we can make it through all situations life presents us with. 

"I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me." - Philippians 4:13 

"Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God." - Philippians 4:6  

"There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it." - 1 Corinthians 10:13 

Trials perfect us. We grow in Jesus. We become stronger. We have a testimony that can encourage others that they too can make it through Christ. 

"Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God." - 2 Corinthians 7:1 

Because temptations and trials make us a stronger child of God, they can lead to joy, knowing we are becoming a better person in Jesus. 

"My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing." - James 1:1-4 

"That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ: whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory:" - 1 Peter 1:7-8  

"Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: but rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy." - 1 Peter 4:12-13 

It is our love for Jesus that drives us to overcome our lusts. We are blessed when we endure temptation, for when we have been tried, we will receive the crown of life, which the Lord has promised to them that love him. 

“Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him." - James 1:12