1st Sunday in Lent

Dealing with Temptations

Have we trials and temptations? Is there trouble anywhere?
We should never be discouraged; take it to the Lord in prayer.
Can we find a friend so faithful who will all our sorrows share?
Jesus knows our every weakness; take it to the Lord in prayer.

The story is told of four high school boys who couldn't resist the temptation to skip morning classes. Each had been smitten with a bad case of spring fever. After lunch they showed up at school and reported to the teacher that their car had a flat tire. Much to their relief, she smiled and said, 'Well, you missed a quiz this morning, so take your seats and get out a pencil and paper." Still smiling, she waited as they settled down and got ready for her questions. Then she said, 'First question, which tire was flat?"

How do we deal with temptations? What will be our response? This goes beyond just falling into a food craving or spending too much time watching TV or spending time on the internet. When faced with life altering temptations which could bring harm to others, change the lives of others, or cause us to turn from what God would want us to do what will our response be?

We can think of countless leaders who have fallen into temptation. Some of us have been down the road of temptation and now find ourselves on the road to recovery. During this time of Lent we are called to contemplate our sins and seek a God who forgives, renews, and grants new life. A God who gives grace beyond measure to see life past our current temptations and sins.

Applying the Word

Know your enemy

What is temptation?

Temptation happens when the opportunity is presented to do what we know is wrong, whether against God, ourselves, or others. Being tempted is not wrong - it's the decision to do wrong and the corresponding action that follows.

Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.

1 Peter 5:8

“Jesus full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit in the wilderness, where he for forty days was tempted by the devil.”

2. Know the Word.

Confession and believing.

“If you confess with your lips and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead you will be saved.”

“Because you have made the Lord your refuge.”

3. Know the promise.

The Lord acted to bring salvation to the people of Israel.

Covenant with God.

The promise given in the sacraments.