RCCG Open Heavens 30 July 2026 Daily Devotional by Pastor E.A. Adeboye – AVOIDING TEMPTATION
Topic: AVOIDING TEMPTATION
Memorise:
Abstain from all appearance of evil.
— 1 Thessalonians 5:22 (KJV)
Read: James 1:12-16 (KJV)
12 Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him.
13 Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man:
14 But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed.
15 Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.
16 Do not err, my beloved brethren.
RCCG Open Heavens 30 July 2026 Today Message by Pastor E.A. Adeboye
All human beings will face temptations at different points in their lives. Even the Lord Jesus Christ was tempted in all points while He was on the earth (Hebrews 4:15). If the devil could tempt Jesus, then no one is above temptation. Despite this, however, certain temptations can be avoided.
James 1:13-15 says, "Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man: But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death." This means that if there is any lust in your life, you must confront and overcome it; otherwise, it can be used to draw you into sin, and sin brings death. To choose life, you must mortify the works of the flesh by the help of the Holy Spirit (Colossians 3:5).
However, even as you're mortifying your flesh through the help of the Holy Spirit, you must avoid people, places, and things that may tempt you. For example, if a man knows that he struggles to be faithful with money, he should not accept responsibilities that would put him in charge of other people's money until he has successfully mortified the lust for money through the help of the Holy Spirit.
Beloved, temptation is like a bird; it can fly over your head, and you may be unable to stop it from doing so. However, you can prevent it from building a nest on your head. If you let it build a nest on your head, then it is only a matter of time before your head is filled with its poop. This is why it is better to walk away from situations or things that can tempt you, because when you give in to temptation, you might soon realise that it has taken over your life. At a time when some pastors under my watch had motorcycles, I forbade them from carrying ladies on their bikes. This is because the close physical contact that occurs during such motorcycle rides might sow a seed in both of their hearts that may germinate into something dangerous in the future.
Today's memory verse instructs us to flee every appearance of evil. Child of God, immediately you sense any form of temptation around you, flee!
Key Point:
Flee every appearance of evil!
Bible in One Year:
Isaiah 53-56
Hymn 34: Yield Not to Temptation
Verse 1:
Yield not to temptation, for yielding is sin;
Each victory will help you some other to win;
Fight manfully onward, dark passions subdue;
Look ever to Jesus, He'll carry you through.
Chorus:
Ask the Savior to help you,
Comfort, strengthen, and keep you;
He is willing to aid you,
He will carry you through.
Verse 2:
Shun evil companions, bad language disdain;
God's name hold in reverence, nor take it in vain;
Be thoughtful and earnest, kindhearted and true;
Look ever to Jesus, He'll carry you through.
(Chorus)
Verse 3:
To him that o'ercometh, God giveth a crown;
Through faith we shall conquer, though often cast down;
He who is our Savior, our strength will renew;
Look ever to Jesus, He'll carry you through.
(Chorus)
Open Heavens Devotional 30 July 2026 Commentary
Theme: The Burden Bearer calls you to avoiding temptation by mortifying lust, avoiding triggers, and fleeing the appearance of evil before sin takes root and brings death.
Major Keywords: Avoiding temptation, fleeing evil, lust, mortify the flesh, the bird and the nest, appearance of evil, preventative holiness.
Commentary Summary:
Temptation Is Universal: Even Jesus was tempted (Hebrews 4:15). You cannot stop every temptation from coming, but you can stop it from settling and growing.
The Progression of Sin: James 1:13-15 reveals the cycle: lust draws you, enticement pulls you, conception agrees with the thought, sin commits the act, and death follows. Mortify lust at the first stage.
The Bird and the Nest: Temptation flies over your head like a bird. You cannot always stop it from appearing, but you can prevent it from building a nest (habitual sin). Once it nests, it will defile you.
Practical Avoidance: Avoid people, places, and things that trigger your weaknesses. If you struggle with money, do not handle others' finances. If you struggle with lust, avoid close physical contact and tempting situations.
Key Truth: The command is not to fight temptation but to flee it (1 Thessalonians 5:22). Joseph fled Potiphar's wife; Samson stayed and fell. Run from the appearance of evil.
Reference to Theme: This message emphasizes that avoiding temptation is a proactive, daily discipline. You must know your weaknesses, set boundaries, and flee immediately when temptation approaches. Do not let the bird build a nest on your head.
Action Steps:
The Weakness Audit: Write down your top three areas of temptation. Be honest. Do not hide them. Acknowledge them before God.
The Boundary Setting: For each weakness, create a specific rule to prevent temptation. (Example: "If I struggle with lust online, I will install accountability software and not use my phone after 10 PM.")
The Flight Plan: The next time you feel tempted, do not pause. Do not argue. Flee immediately. Leave the room. Turn off the screen. End the conversation. Run.
0 Comments
Please drop a comment. God bless you!