Old habits are hard to break. This is especially true when it comes to bad ones. The same can be said for our sin. We often repeat the same sins over and over again and really don’t have a clue how to break the cycle. Very few people possess the willpower to stop. Peter shows us another way to be rescued from temptation.
2 Peter 2:9
“then the Lord knows how to rescue the godly from temptation, and to keep the unrighteous under punishment for the day of judgment,”
A History of Rescues
In the previous verses leading up to this one, Peter states how God brought judgment on through the flood and on Sodom and Gomorrah, yet he rescued both Noah and Lot. If the Lord rescued them, then He knows how to rescue you from temptation. This is good news for those who struggle with daily temptation. Jesus can preserve you through the trial and strengthen you through the process. The real question then is, “Are you crying out to Jesus in your time of need?”
Facing Your Temptation
Everyone faces temptation. It is no respecter of people. Jesus faced temptation, and so will you. It won’t stop until Jesus returns on the clouds for His bride, the church. Since you know it will be constant in your life, it is best to learn how to deal with it when it comes. Temptation often starts with the eyes and the mind. The Bible tells us to take every thought captive. Recognize it is a path to sin and ask God to grant you the strength to overcome. When you are presented with an opportunity to sin with your body, you need to ask God for the strength to resist. You’ll be amazed at the power these simple steps can make.
Rescued from Temptation
It is time for your to live in freedom from sin. Don’t live your life in the pit of despair. You can break free from the chains of sin and the cycle of giving in to temptation. Go to Jesus, repent of your ways, and then ask for the Holy Spirit to fill you with the power and discernment to overcome. Start fresh today and if you stumble, get back up and keep going in the right direction.