I tend to depend too much on myself instead of relying on God. I know I need to ask God to help me not to sin. When Adam and Eve fell into sin it was because they relied on their own strength, so they were easily manipulated by satan. Part of the Lord’s prayer is asking the Lord to help us not to sin. Sometimes we say this prayer, but don’t take in the deeper meaning of what it is all about.
The Lord’s Prayer: Our Father in heaven, may your name be kept holy. 10 May your Kingdom come soon. May your will be done on earth, as it is in heaven. 11 Give us today the food we need, 12 and forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us. 13 And don’t let us yield to temptation, but rescue us from the evil one. [1] Matthew 6:9-13.
In our story, the woman caught in adultery was shown mercy and compassion by Jesus. She thought she was going to be stoned until Jesus intervened and then, she had hope. John 8:10Where are your accusers? Didn’t even one of them condemn you?” 11 “No, Lord,” she said. And Jesus said, “Neither do I. Go and sin no more.” [2]
Every Christian faces temptation. Even Jesus was tempted as we read in Matthew 4! So how can you and I resist the urge to give in? How can we stay strong? We just mentioned the Lord’s prayer, but what other things can you and I do?
Think of it this way: Did you ever play with a couple of magnets when you were a child? If you did, you’ll remember that the closer they got to each other, the harder it was to pull them apart. Temptation is similar to that. The more you dwell on it and the closer you let it get to you, the stronger its attraction will be. The first step you need to take is to flee from whatever is tempting you. Get as far from it as possible. The Apostle Paul gave this advice to his young friend, Timothy. 2 Timothy 2:22 Run from anything that stimulates youthful lusts. Instead, pursue righteous living, faithfulness, love, and peace. Enjoy the companionship of those who call on the Lord with pure hearts. [3]
Also remember that the battle starts in our minds because our actions start with our thoughts. The Bible says, Matthew 15:19 For from the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, all sexual immorality, theft, lying, and slander.[4] In Paul’s day, the heart was considered to be the center like we consider our minds today.
Ask the Lord to help you fill your mind with good things by studying God’s Word and praying for His guidance. Most of all, you and I need God’s help to fight this battle. 1 Corinthians 10: 13 The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure.[5] Ask Him to show you the way out and then take it.
To hear more about the woman caught in adultery, listen here: https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/hope-in-my-sin
[1-5] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation (Mt 6:9–13). Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Publishers.