Man vs. Temptation: A Men's DevotionalSample

The Way of Escape

Every man experiences temptation, and you are not alone in your struggles.

It’s important to understand that temptation arises primarily from two sources: it can be created internally through our own desires or thoughts, or externally through an invitation from someone else or another source.

Speaking about external temptations, I have to highlight a dessert shop called “Just Temptations”—what clever marketing!

The Bible tells us that we cannot be tempted beyond our ability to resist and that God will provide the way of escape. It’s also important to remember that temptation itself is not a sin; it only becomes sin when we yield to it.

So how can men resist temptations?

While we could search for answers online, the Bible is the most reliable source of truth. This week, we will explore five heroes from Scripture and how they overcame their temptations.

We will remember Jesus Christ, our Savior and ultimate role model. After fasting for forty days, He was weak and hungry, yet He successfully resisted the temptations presented by the evil one.

We will also consider Joseph, who fled from Potiphar's wife's sexual advances.

Next, we will examine Daniel, who faced the temptation to conform to his new surroundings and disregard his faith in God.

Additionally, we will examine Job, whose wife urged him to abandon his faith in God during his time of suffering.

Lastly, we will reflect on Paul the Apostle, who, despite living with a persistent thorn in his side, remained faithful to God until the very end.

Men, we need to ask ourselves: what do Jesus and these faith pioneers have in common?

Aside from resisting temptation, I would argue that they were all obedient to God and fully trusted His path. Their success over temptation did not always lead to immediate comfort or an easy life; for some, that victory only came through death.

This week, we will learn from them.

Prayer: Father, we ask for strength to resist temptation. We understand it begins with complete trust in You and obedience until the very end. Amen.

Reflection: Reflect on a time when you faced temptation and chose either to resist it or give in. How did that decision impact you? Would you consider the outcome to be positive or negative?