DIGGING DEEP NO.1071 February 18, 2025 WATCH AND PRAY LEST YOU FALL INTO TEMPTATION MATT 26:41

Everyone is open to the temptations of the devil because that is Satan’s design to cause us to fall away from the grace of God. No one is exempted from this trap as long as we live in the flesh. Since this is Satan’s strategy which he has used in the past and is still using today, it would be wise for the believers to understand what to do in order not to fall into the devil’s temptations. David understood this when he prayed in psalm 25:1-2. To you, O Lord I lift up my soul. O my God, I trust in You; let me not be ashamed; let not my enemies triumph over me. The Bible tells us to flee from temptation. 1 Corinthians 10:13 – “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.” James 4:7 – “Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” Matthew 26:41 – “Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” 1 Timothy 6:11 – “But you, O man of God, flee these things and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, gentleness.” Psalm 34:17 – “When the righteous cry for help, the Lord hears and delivers them out of all their troubles.”

Rededicating ourselves to God everyday: I believe we need to rededicate our lives to God every day. Unto you O Lord I give my life. When we do that, we are saying today Lord help me, uphold me, lead me and guide me. Use my hands, feet, eyes mouth, intellect, and abilities, and use my money because there are lots of situations that may cause us to fall. 2 Chronicles 30:8, 2 Corinthians 8:5. When we rededicate ourselves to God every day, the grace comes upon us to walk in God’s ways. 2 Chronicles 30:12. It helps us to give freely to God all that He has given us. 1Sam 1:28

Rising up early to pray: One of the most effective ways not to fall into temptation and sin against God is to rise up early and seek His help in prayers. If we pray regularly about our weaknesses, God will strengthen us to overcome those temptations. Jesus told His disciples to pray so that they would not enter into temptation. Matt 26:41 Peter did not heed this advice and ultimately fell into the devil’s trap. When Satan attacked Job and Job was bitter against God, The Lord asked Job a very profound question in Job 38:12-13? This is an indication that we have a responsibility to rise up early and seek God’s help in prayers. Abraham rose up early. Gen 19:27, Moses rose up early to confront his enemy pharaoh. Exodus 8:20, Joshua rose up early. Joshua 3:1, Joshua and the children of Israel rose up early to march around the walls of Jericho. Joshua 6:15. Jesus rose up early to seek guidance from His Father. Mark 1:35

Get dressed spiritually and stop walking around naked: Rev 3:17. In Ephesians 6:10-18, we are instructed to put on our spiritual armor which is a symbol of our spiritual clothing in order not to go around naked and exposed to the devil’s attack. Failure to wear our spiritual armor will lead to catastrophe. Start showing yourself faithful by getting dressed spiritually. Not once in a while as some people are in the habit of doing and they wonder when they fall into the devil’s trap. Jesus prayed regularly as was His custom. Luke 22:39-41, 21:37. Jesus demonstrated to us that being dressed spiritually helps us to submit to the will of God and to receive the strength of the Holy Spirit. Luke 22:42-44

Daily giving thanks to God: A grateful heart offers continual thanksgiving unto God and does not allow themselves to be influenced by negative circumstances or situations. A heart of gratitude is no place for the enemy to tread. Throughout scriptures, we are reminded to give thanks to God. psalm 107:1, Jeremiah 33:11. When we are grateful for little things as being able to walk on our own two feet, see with our own eyes, hear with our own ears, eat with our own mouth, breathe with our own nose and so on and so forth, we will not fall into the trap of discontent and self-pity. A grateful heart is a merry heart and can see God in all things.

CONCLUSION: Father lead me not into temptation but deliver me from all evil and grant me the grace to be victorious in every circumstance and situation. This should be a daily prayer for all believers.