Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

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 Overcoming Temptations

1 Corinthians 6:9-11

“Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived. Neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor homosexuals, nor sodomites, nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners will inherit the kingdom of God. And such were some of you.  But you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus and by the Spirit of our God.” (1 Corinthians 6: 9-11 NKJV)

 
            An addiction can be anything that we continue to seek for reward despite harmful consequences. Though we often focus on addictive substances such as drugs and alcohol, there are many other addictions we are faced with on a daily basis: social media, food, and entertainment are just a few. In this passage from 1st Corinthians, Paul writes to address some of the concerns in the early Corinthian church. Instead of neglecting the sins corroding the church, Paul addresses these issues candidly. 
Paul’s statements are still relevant to us today. He makes it clear that there are no excuses when it comes to engaging in sinful behaviors. He reminds us to not be deceived by this world of uncertain consequences. In verse 11, Paul states, “And such were some of you.” Paul’s use of past tense reminds us that in Christ, we can be set free from the worst of sins. Even though as humans, we sometimes fail to give God the glory due to Him, we are justified by His grace and mercy. We are given His unmerited favor without regard to what we deserve. How great is our God? 
Overcoming an addiction can be difficult when we solely rely on ourselves. Spiritual battles can only be won when we invite Christ into our lives and firmly rely on Him. 1 Corinthians 10:13 reassures us, “No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and He will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.” It is important for us to understand that God will always provide us with the strength to resist temptation. Even when we give in to temptation, we have the freedom to repent and pray to be mastered by Christ. 

Prayer
Dear Heavenly Father, we humbly ask for your strength to stand up against temptations when we encounter them. Please heal us from our addictions and help us understand that You are greater than any sin in the world. Help us stay alert and give us a way of escape when we are tempted. Thank You for always being faithful to us. In the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, Amen. 

Thought for the Day

Are you aware of any addictions you are dealing with today? Have you brought them before God?

Rainu Thaimuriyil
Mar Thoma Church of Dallas, Farmers Branch, TX

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