No One is Temptation-Proof
Solomon’s reign as king started great: “And Solomon loved the LORD, walking in the statutes of David his father:” (1 Kings 3:3) Yet look at what happened later!
“But king Solomon loved many strange women, together with the daughter of Pharaoh, women of the Moabites, Ammonites, Edomites, Zidonians, and Hittites;
Of the nations concerning which the LORD said unto the children of Israel, Ye shall not go in to them, neither shall they come in unto you: for surely they will turn away your heart after their gods: Solomon clave unto these in love.
And he had seven hundred wives, princesses, and three hundred concubines: and his wives turned away his heart.
For it came to pass, when Solomon was old, that his wives turned away his heart after other gods: and his heart was not perfect with the LORD his God, as was the heart of David his father.” (1 Kings 11:10-4)
Disobedience caused Solomon’s downhill slide. It’s that simple. God told Israel not to make friendships with heathen people or they would turn the hearts of His people away from Him. Yet Solomon acquainted himself with them. Over time, relationships formed, then marriages, and the very thing God had warned His people would happen DID happen to Solomon. If it happened to Solomon, it can happen to us. As our verse says, “Wherefore let him that THINKETH HE STANDETH [capitals added] take heed lest he fall.”
Like Solomon, we will be tempted to disregard God’s word at home, at our jobs, and in our relationships. Temptation also comes quickly: “…sin lieth at the door.” (Genesis 4:7) Yet God’s word promises help: “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) Whatever the temptation we face, God can help.
One help against temptation is to obey God in areas you know you should. Faithfully attending a Bible-believing church, for instance, is critical. Hebrews 10:25 tells us to be “Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together,” That means church. Not to attend church faithfully is to disobey. Yet there’s more to it than that. A Bible-preaching church is also a place where we can gather spiritual strength for our daily struggles: “Honour and majesty are before him: strength and beauty are in his sanctuary.” (Psalm 96:6)
Another sure help against temptation is Scripture. God’s word is “…quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword,” (Hebrews 4:12) Jesus used Scripture when the devil tempted him. Memorize and meditate on verses that deal with areas of temptation you face. The more Scripture you know and can turn to when temptation comes, the stronger you will be: “…I have written unto you, young men, because ye are strong, and the word of God abideth in you, and ye have overcome the wicked one.” (1 John 2:14)
Finally, when you sin, which we all do sometimes, confess it to God immediately. Don’t hang onto it and let it cause you to become cold toward God, as Solomon did. “He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy.” (Proverbs 28:13) If you are saved but lack joy in your Christian life, pray and ask God if you’re harboring sin: “Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: And see if there be any wicked way in me,” (Psalm 139:23-24)