How To Deal With Temptation
May 24, 2026Pastor Patrick presented today's message, "How To Deal With Temptation." A video of today's message is here on YouTube. It may help to be familiar with the message but that is not required to enjoy the thoughts below.
Here's a previous essay on this part of the Lord's Prayer: Deliver Us from Evil (2021).
BTW, Patrick mentioned today that there's A Family Guide to the Lord's Prayer on the church app.
Interesting read: 6 Bible Characters Who Fell into Temptation (And Lessons to Learn from Their Stories), includes Adam and Eve, Cain, David, Samson, Judas Iscariot, and Peter.
Can a man walk on hot coals without his feet being scorched? (Proverbs 6:28)
Whoever conceals their sins does not prosper, but the one who confesses and renounces them finds mercy. (Proverbs 28:13)
I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you. (Psalm 119:11)
How can a young man keep his way pure? By guarding it according to your word. (Psalm 119:9)
Do not let your heart turn to her ways or stray into her paths. Many are the victims she has brought down; her slain are a mighty throng. (Proverbs 7:25-26) "Her/She" is a harlot in this chapter, but could also be understood as a metaphor of temptation.
Do not enter the path of the wicked, and do not walk in the way of the evil. Avoid it; do not go on it; turn away from it and pass on. (Proverbs 4:14-15)
In Psalm 141, David asks similarly not to be tempted: "Do not let my heart incline to any evil, to busy myself with wicked deeds in company with men who work iniquity, and let me not eat of their delicacies!"
Here are some thoughts from BibleHub.com: The Role of Temptation.
Lastly, here are some thoughts about testing versus tempting from What Is the Difference Between Testing and Temptation in the Bible?:
When God Tests You:
- The source is divine love seeking your growth
- The purpose is to strengthen your character and faith
- The outcome is designed for your spiritual benefit
- The goal is to prove your faithfulness and bring glory to God
- Success draws you closer to Him
- The source is demonic hatred seeking your destruction
- The purpose is to weaken your faith and character
- The outcome is designed for your spiritual harm
- The goal is to prove your weakness and bring shame to God's name
- Failure separates you from God
Bonus
Air Force Thunderbirds at Academy Graduation Thursday
The U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds will do a demonstration display at the Air Force Academy's Graduation Exercises this coming Thursday, May 28, 2026.
Actually, there will be two opportunities to watch the show:
Wednesday (5/27), 12:30pm - 5pm (window), Practice Show
Thursday (5/28), 11:25am, actual Graduation Show
I'll be flying the Thunderbirds' Flag this Wednesday and Thursday.
Immediately below is a photo I took in 2018 of this show from the parking lot of the Colorado Mountain Brewery (1110 Interquest Parkway). It's a popular viewing location among several.
