Yet Without Sin
Hebrews 4:14-16
"Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession. For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need."
In our society, it is common for people to blame others for their failures and wrongdoing. Some years ago the popular saying went, “The devil made me do it.” We like to use such excuses because it lets us off the hook and absolves us of responsibility for sin. God sees it differently. He sent the prophet Nathan to confront David directly over his sin. “And Nathan said to David, Thou art the man. Thus saith the LORD God of Israel, I anointed thee king over Israel, and I delivered thee out of the hand of Saul” (2 Samuel 12:7).
Jesus was tempted just as we are. The devil came to Him at a time when He was tired and hungry, physically weak and vulnerable. As God, Jesus could have simply dismissed Satan from His presence. But that would not have provided a pattern and example we could follow. Instead Jesus responded to each temptation with a quotation from Scripture, using the power of the Word of God, which is available to us as well.
When we are tempted to sin, we always have a choice. Because we still live in a fallen world and fight our flesh, we will never be sinless, but we can have victory in each temptation. The question is not whether a temptation is overwhelming and irresistible. The question is whether we will follow in the steps of Jesus in our response. Each time we do, we will be victorious.
Growth Principle:
The devil cannot make us sin. He only conquers us with our consent.