Hebrews 5:8-10 Although he was a son, he learned obedience from what he suffered and, once made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey him and was designated by God to be high priest in the order of Melchizedek.

We have trouble grasping just what, and all, that Jesus went through in becoming a fully human being so that He could bear the penalty for our sins. He didn’t sin Himself, but He still had to “learn obedience,” because our flesh tends toward rebellion, and He shared our flesh. As it points out repeatedly in Hebrews, Jesus knows where we’re coming from because He’s been there. He didn’t sin, but He knows from experience that can be a real struggle. This is also proof that temptation itself isn’t sin. Often the devil tries to convince us that it is, and since we’ve “sinned” by being tempted, we might as well go all the way and do whatever it is. That’s a lie from the pit of hell! We need to understand that “We do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are – yet was without sin.” (Hebrews 4:15) It would be hard to overstate the importance of that fact. Temptation itself is not sin, and Jesus understands fully what it’s like to be tempted. When we really get that through our minds and hearts, we are freed from false accusations and able to receive Jesus’ help in resisting those temptations. James hit the nail on the head when he specified that we are first to submit to God and then resist the devil. (James 4:7) If we try to do it any other way, the devil will laugh at us because we are defeated before we start. God wants us to walk in victory, over temptation and everything else, but we need to understand that it won’t necessarily be easy. We too need to learn obedience!

This is as applicable to me as it is to anyone, and that’s saying a lot! I’ve certainly had my failures, and when I am tempted to do those same things again, the devil tries to tell me that the temptation itself is sin, when it isn’t. Running it over in my mind, savoring it, if you will, is extremely dangerous. Rather, I need to recognize temptation but then dismiss it immediately, choosing to submit to God as an act of my will. As a pastor, I need to teach this to the believers, doing more than just dumping information on them but training them, helping them walk through the process, so that they may learn to recognize the devil’s lies for what they are and stand firm against them, for their own blessing and for the glory of God.

Father, this is really important. There is so much I want to teach the flock! I ask for Your wisdom as to what to teach when and how, so that Your words through me may meet hearing ears and hearts, to accomplish in and through us all that You desire and intend, for Your glory. Thank You. Praise God!