God's Design for Passion & IntimacySample

A Strategy When You Are Tempted

Notice the title for today’s devotional…. “A strategy when you are tempted.” Not if but when. Many married men and women are surprised when they are sexually tempted. They falsely assume that marriage will solve the “purity” problem. Because they are allowed and encouraged to have sex, porn won’t be an issue any more, nor will the attention of another man. Wrong!

Almost every married person will at some point be tempted. Maybe that temptation will come in the form of an attractive co-worker or rekindling a friendly relationship with an old lover online. Or maybe you will simply be tempted to fantasize about “what if I had married… instead of my husband/wife?”

Paul challenged us that we are “not unaware of Satan’s schemes”, so let’s not be outwitted by him. Whether you are currently facing temptation or not, be prepared. Today’s verse reminds us of three important things:

1) It is normal to be tempted. Everyone, even Jesus, faces temptation. To be tempted is NOT a sin.
2) God is faithful to provide you the strength to stand and a way of escape.
3) It is up to you to choose the way of escape!

In Psalm 101, David records a list of choices he made to be prepared for temptation. Each one begins with the words, “I will.” Here are a few of his declarations:

I will be careful to live a blameless life.
I will lead a life of integrity in my own home.
I will refuse to look at anything vile and vulgar.
I will have nothing to do with those who deal crookedly.
I will reject perverse ideas and stay away from every evil.

Action step:
Using Psalm 101 as a guide, write your own list of “I will’s” addressing how you choose NOW to guard against sin and respond to temptation when it comes.