Confronting Temptation with Jesus

Recently, I sat at my kitchen table with friends visiting from another country. One of them spoke no English. It is always interesting when you need a translator to converse. Talking slowly, while using the right words and illustrations, is key to understanding each other.

We talked about the temptation of sin and how we, as believers, are not immune to it. I pointed to a large picture of my family hanging on the wall behind them.

I said, “In that picture, we look like the perfect family. We are cleaned up, dressed up, and the children are behaving nicely. We all seem to get along fabulously. The picture does not tell the story of our pain, loss, bad decisions, or our sin.”

Could you say the same about a picture or two in your house, on your phone, or posted on social media? It may appear all is good in the photo, but the camera does not portray what is going on in the deepest part of us.

No matter how long we have been a Christian, that sinful nature is still at the core of our being. The enemy knows this. Do not fool yourself into thinking you are immune to his plan to draw you away from God.

Here’s the good news, though.

Whatever you are struggling with—anger, gossip, infidelity, or whatever—when you come to Jesus and confess your sin with a repentant heart, He immediately pleads your case before God.

“My dear children, I am writing this to you so that you will not sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate who pleads our case before the Father. He is Jesus Christ, the one who is truly righteous. He himself is the sacrifice that atones for our sins—and not only our sins but the sins of all the world.” (1 John 2.1-2 (NLT))

I have never been on trial or had need of legal counsel to represent me in a court of law, but I have surely needed someone to beg my case before heaven’s throne. Receiving salvation does not remove our human, sinful nature. How much easier would that be? We would never learn to depend on God, nor would we strive to become more like Him if it were that easy.

Yes, we rejoice in what our salvation brings.

It is the immediate cleansing of our past sins. Then, we must give ourselves over to the process of sanctification—the process of living a life pleasing to God. This is possible only because Jesus, God’s Son, became both the atoning sacrifice for our sins and our advocate (our representative and legal counsel) before God in heaven.

We have no power to save ourselves, nor the power to overcome temptation to sin or sin itself.

We can rest assured, though, that Jesus Christ is on the job. As you face the many challenges, lessons, and temptations of this life on earth, He pleads your case, reminding God of the benefits He has promised you as His child.

What is hiding behind the picture that appears so perfect? There is not one of us immune to temptation, but we do have a way out. You can bring your not so perfect to Jesus today. 

He is waiting to plead your case before the Father.

Friend, the odds are in your favor. Restoration and healing are yours. The Judge of heaven promises a second chance and the opportunity to begin again.