Have you ever been constantly amazed by the arrogance of which you’re capable, daring to think you have the power within yourself to intimidate Satan or thwart his efforts? When or if that thought ever comes to mind, remember you(I) have no power apart from God! ( 1 Chronicles 29:11; Psalm 62:11).

We are weak without His strength (Isaiah 40:29-31), vulnerable to sin and a prime target for temptation (Matthew 26:41). It’s easy to get caught up in human affirmation, our own sense of self-importance or the flattery of others. The result is always spiritual arrogance and the solution is always Godly discipline.

Godly discipline is not only a hedge of protection in our lives; it’s a catalyst for spiritual growth and necessary to win the war with temptation. I know the very word, “discipline,” evokes distasteful images of pain, deprivation, sacrifice and surrender when, in fact, biblical discipline is simply a wholehearted “yes” to God.

Discipline is not usually a pleasant experience, but it has great rewards. Hebrews tells us that if we submit to the loving discipline of God, we will experience right living and peace as a result.

“For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it” ( Hebrews 12:11 ESV).

Godly discipline is the basis for trust and is found at the feet of Jesus where we will come to know Him better, love Him more, and find the discipline we so desperately crave.  

Discipline is obedience, a lifetime process that brings us to a state of God-ordained order by training and controlling our behavior (Proverbs 12:1; 25:28;). Discipline is not self-improvement but rather, placing oneself under God’s orders. Discipline is not the result of legalism but the reward of grace. Discipline is not rigidity but flexibility, always free to respond to the plan of God the Father. Discipline is focusing and eliminating, zeroing in on what’s important. What’s important is living a life that’s pleasing to God where He gets all the glory.

We must resolve to walk in an “godly” way. We must choose the biblical habits over worldly habits (Philippians 2:13; Romans 12:2; 1 Corinthians 6:12). When we do, we will win the war with temptation.

Jesus….He broke the power of sin and death (Romans 8:2). His death on the cross didn’t just pay for our sins granting us a pardon, it purchased our freedom. The chains are gone. Sin holds no power in our lives as children of God. The Bible tells us that when we abide in Him and live by the Holy Spirit, we can experience victory and overcome sin (2 Corinthians 5:21).

Prayer: Father God, please forgive me when I give in to temptation. I know You have given me everything I need to make the right choices. I don’t want to believe the lies of Satan. I choose Your truth instead. Give me a hunger for Your Word so I can use it to win the war with temptation. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

PEARLStoPONDER: Jesus used Scripture to combat the lies of the enemy. The best way to come against a lie is to declare the truth. So, the next time you find yourself struggling with temptation, start declaring the truth. You are forgiven, redeemed, set free, and a new creation in Christ Jesus. As a child of God, all you have to do is resist the enemy, and he has no choice but to flee.

James 4:7--Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.

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.

Galatians 5:16--But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.

Ephesians 6:11-- Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil.