A Strong Defense Against Temptation

[Daily Devotional]

A Strong Defense Against Temptation 

     For in that he himself hath suffered being tempted, he is able to
succour them that are tempted. Heb. 2:18.  

     Our Redeemer perfectly understood the wants of humanity. He who
condescended to take upon Himself man's nature was acquainted with man's
weakness. Christ lived as our example. He was tempted in all points as we
are, that He might know how to succor all who should be tempted. He has
trodden the path of life before us and endured the severest tests in our
behalf. He was a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief. . . .  

     Christ took upon Himself our infirmities, and in the weakness of
humanity He needed to seek strength from His Father. He was often to be
found in earnest prayer, in the grove, by the lakeside, and in the
mountains. He has enjoined upon us to watch and pray. . . . Without a deep
sense of our need of help from God there will be but little earnest,
heartfelt prayer for divine aid. Our hearts are deceitful, our foes many and
vigilant. If we neglect to fortify a single weak point in our character,
Satan will assail us at that point with his temptations. He is constantly
plotting the ruin of the soul, and he will take every advantage of our
careless security.  

     Christ came to our world to engage in singlehanded combat with this
enemy of man, and thus to wrest the race from Satan's grasp. In the
accomplishment of this object He withheld not His own life. And now, in the
strength that Christ will give, man must stand for himself, a faithful
sentinel against the wily, plotting foe. Says the great apostle, "Walk
circumspectly"--guard every avenue of the soul, look constantly to Jesus,
the true and perfect Pattern, and seek to imitate His example, not in one or
two points merely, but in all things. We shall then be prepared for any and
every emergency. . . . He whose mind loves to dwell upon God has a strong
defense. He will be quick to perceive the dangers that threaten his
spiritual life, and a sense of danger will lead him to call upon God for
help and protection.  

>From That I May Know Him - Page 240