Mark 14:38a - Secret for Power over Temptation!
Mark 14:38a; Secret for Power over Temptation!
Mark 14:38a (NLT) Keep alert and pray. Otherwise temptation will
overpower you.
Pray (Gr., keep praying) in order that they might not enter into
temptation. [Wycliffe Bible Commentary]
If you do not watch and pray, and use the means of perseverance,
you may be overcome. (Matthew Henry's Commentary)
Watching (keeping alert) and prayer (remaining constantly
dependent on the Lord) are imperative for us too, if we are to overcome
our temptations. [Victor Bible Background Commentary]
The way to overcome temptation is to keep watch and pray.
Watching means being aware of the possibilities of temptation, sensitive
to the subtleties, and spiritually equipped to fight it. Because
temptation strikes where we are most vulnerable, we can't resist it alone.
Prayer is essential because God's strength can shore up our defenses
and defeat Satan's power. [Life Application SB]
"Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he
will flee from you. Draw nigh to God, and He will draw nigh to
you."[1 James 4:7, 8.] We cannot save ourselves from the tempter's
power; he has conquered humanity, and when we try to stand in our own
strength, we shall become a prey to his devices; but "the name of the Lord
is a strong tower; the righteous runneth into it, and is safe."[2
Prov. 18:10.] Satan trembles and flees before the weakest soul who
finds refuge in that mighty name. DA131
We may close every door to impure imaginings and unholy thoughts
by lifting the soul into the presence of God through sincere
prayer. SC99
It is only through the strength and grace gained from heaven
that we can hope to meet the temptations and perform the duties
before us. GW257,8
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