Ask Jesus To Get The Door

Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. (Galatians 5:24)

There is a great little story that speaks to conquering sin in our lives. A young boy was struggling with a variety of temptations, so his parents asked their pastor to come and speak with him. After the young boy described some of the devil’s temptations, the pastor responded, “The next time the devil comes knocking, just ask Jesus to get the door.”

Here is what we must remember when it comes to sin. Sin still remains in the life of the child of God. Just read through the seventh chapter of Romans if you have any doubts that sin smears the life of even the most godly believer after salvation. Yes, sin still remains in the life of the believer, but sin no longer reigns in that life. The power of sin was broken on the cross when Jesus paid the penalty for our sins — all our sins, past, present, and future.

Before Jesus came into our lives, all we could do was sin. Even our best actions sprang from sinful, selfish motivations. But after Jesus raises us from death to life and gives us the indwelling power of the Holy Spirit, we have the ability, for the very first time, not to sin. Here is how Paul explained this powerful truth.

No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it. (1 Corinthians 10:13).   

Here are a few truths to encourage you from Paul’s words to the Corinthians. First, everyone is tempted and temptation is not a sin. Scripture tells us that Jesus Christ was “tempted in every way, just as we are — yet was without sin” (Hebrews 4:15). Second, never feel like you have been singled out when wrong desires rear their ugly heads in your life. Others have resisted temptation, and you can too; we all have been given the same Spirit and the same power to fight against the slings and arrows of the devil. God has promised that he will always make a way out for all of us, if we are willing to walk in it.

Is there any particular struggle you are facing in your life right now? Something in your personal life . . . your professional life . . . your family life? Just remember, when the devil comes knocking with his many and varied temptations, just ask Jesus to get the door. I promise you that He will make sure that particular temptation will not overtake you.

Let me close with a word of caution for all of us. We should never try and answer the door ourselves. None of us are strong enough! We simply need to ask Jesus to answer the door of temptation, and we will receive our deliverance.

This is the Gospel. This is grace for your race. NEVER FORGET THAT . . . AMEN!