The Devil Can’t Make You Do It

If you are 50 years old or over you probably remember a comedy routine by Flip Wilson centered around the phrase “the devil made me do it”. There is probably a good reason that comedians are not theologians. For the follower of Jesus, the devil can NEVER make you do it. In my view, one of the greatest promises in the Bible is found in 1 Corinthians 10:13: 13 No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.

For the follower of Jesus, God promises that whenever we are tempted, it is a temptation that someone else has faced…Satan has no new weaponry.   He might have some new packaging such as the internet or tumblr (yes, I realize these are not “new” today but…) but the same base feelings of lust and pride have been around since the fall of man. Even more importantly, God has promised that He has the power to give us to escape that temptation, to have victory over it and to not sin. Unfortunately, none of us takes advantage of this power to its fullest all of the time, thus we do sin. But it is comforting to know that in every situation the follower of Jesus brings more than he/she needs into the temptation battle.

However, if you don’t rely on the power of God you will continue to be defeated by temptation. If I can help, please message me. Also, if you are not a follower of Jesus, but are interested in knowing more about Jesus, contact me. I’d like to help you to know this God who can give you victory over the temptations that you face.