Temptations

Re:Verse passage – Matthew 18:5-14 (day seven)

For it is inevitable that stumbling blocks come. vs 7

When initially reading this passage, it really makes you stop and think. Why would Jesus want me to cut off my foot and gouge out my eye? After a period of trying to figure out if you could survive like a pirate with an eye patch and a peg leg, you then begin to think about the root of what Jesus was really saying. He was saying that:

1. Temptation will come.
   • • It is a part of human nature that we will be tempted. Even Jesus Himself endured temptation. There is nothing new about the temptations of today. The vessels may change, but the fight remains the same.  1 Corinthians 10:13 
2. Temptation is necessary.
   • • Just as Jesus was able to overcome temptation, so can we. Not only can we overcome it, but when we do, it will make us stronger. Romans 5:3-5
3. Temptation needs to be removed.
   • • In order to fight these battles effectively, we need to cast aside the sins and weights that are holding us back and fix our eyes on Jesus, and He will help (perfect) our fight. Hebrews 12:1-2

Author: Rick Henderson

Rick Henderson is the Associate Pastor for Students. View all posts by Rick Henderson