Tempted, Yet Without Sin- Hebrews 4:15 ESV

15 For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin.

Christian, have you been tempted today? When tempted, do you feel that Jesus does not understand what you are going through? The truth is, He does. Jesus understands our temptations. He knows our weaknesses.

Being tempted does not make you a sinner. Being tempted is not a sin. Jesus was tempted, yet was without sin. Being tempted is an indication that you are redeemed. Satan and the world do not tempt the unredeemed. They have no need to. Paul wrote in Ephesians Chapter 2 that the unredeemed follow the course of this world and the prince of the power of the air.

Before you became a Christian you were not tempted to sin. You most likely had no knowledge or concept of sin. After becoming a Christian, you have knowledge of the concept of sin. No longer do you just do what is natural (to your sin nature). Satan, the world and your flesh tempt you to sin. When tempted, you have a decision to make. Do you submit to the temptation, or do you submit to God?

If you submit to God, Jesus will help you in your time of need. He is able to sympathize with you. We read in Matthew Chapter 4 about the temptations of Jesus. He was tempted in every respect as we are, yet He was without sin. How was He able to overcome temptation? The Bible tells us. We see in Matthew Chapter 4 that He overcame temptations with Scripture. When tempted with sin, Jesus responded to the devil’s temptations with Scripture, quoting from the book of Deuteronomy.

As Christians, we have the same power over temptation that Jesus had. Jesus was filled with the Spirit of God. We also have the indwelling Holy Spirit within us to help us to recall Scripture when faced with temptation. Like Jesus, we too can fight temptation. We do not need to submit to it. When tempted do as James suggests. Submit to God, resist the devil, and he will flee from you. You can overcome temptation with Scripture.

Remember, being tempted is not a sin. Submitting to the temptation is. If you have not yet received Christ as your Savior, receive him today. Then when you are tempted to sin, you will have Jesus to help you to resist.