*knock knock* "Jesus, can you get that?"

Every day we face trials and temptations of many kind. Our past sins try creeping up on us to snare us and drag us into the pit. They lie and wait for their chance to strike.

Unfortunately when we strike at the sin we tend to get snared somehow. Aren't we supposed to be able to fight this head on? Are our bodies not the temple of the Most High God? Can't we do all things through Him who strengthens us? Then why are we getting snared when we take on these temptations head to head?

First and foremost we need to go to Scripture, 1 Corinthians 10:12-14(NIV) and see what the Lord has said about sin.

12 So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don't fall!

In verse 12 we read about how someone believes they are standing firm and is warned about falling. When I think of standing firm I think of being strong in faith in Jesus Christ. I've known people of strong faith slip. So why is that?

"13 No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it."

In verse 13 we read that these temptations are common to man. "Common to man" goes to a personal level. I think this here is talking about sins that a Christian has fallen prey to in the past many times that it was common due the frequency of indulgence. The scripture goes on to say that God has provided a way out. Okay, so this means we fight this head on, right? Not quite...

14 Therefore, my dear friends, flee from idolatry.

In verse 14 we are told to flee. This is very interesting. No where in the scriptures are we told to fight these temptations. And this is where the title of this post plays it's role.

When sin comes knocking on our door and we open the door. We are inviting it into our life. We think we can fight sin. But Jesus Christ was the one who was victorious over sin. If we try to take it head on by ourselves we fall victim to it. We are told to flee 4 times in the New Testament. 2 Timothy 2:22, 1 Timothy 6:11, 1 Corinthians 10:14, 1 Corinthians 6:18. The reasoning I think is because we can never be strong enough or far enough in our walk with God to try standing on our own against what we've fallen to in our past.

In Matthew 26:41: "Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the body is weak." we read that the spirit is willing but our bodies are weak.

So when temptation comes knocking on the door. Do not answer the door and invite it in to fight. Simply ask Jesus, who stood victorious against Satan's temptations, "Jesus, can you get that?" And as the Lord promises in 1 Cor 10:13, he provides the way out.

My dear brothers and sisters. I pray that you will call upon Jesus in the time of temptation. Do not think you can fight this on your own. Flee from it and have Jesus get the door when temptation knocks.