2025 Lent Devotional – Day 15

Lent Devotional: Day 15
The Battle Against Temptation
Rev. Dr. Samuel Richmond

Bible Passage: 1 John 2: 15-17
Theme Verse -Vs. 2:16 “For everything in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—comes not from the Father but from the world.”

A hermit once, having renounced the world and lost all things, yet found no peace. It seemed to him in his lonely cell that the Lord was asking something more. “But I have given you everything!” cried the hermit. “All but one thing,” answered the Lord. “What is it, Lord?” “Your sins.” The hermit, though renouncing worldly things, found no peace until he surrendered his sins to the Lord. This story speaks to the soul of a day calling believers to repentance, confession, fasting, and mourning. Many people regard Lenten season to disassociate themselves from the world and to be holy for next 40 days by abstaining from meat, alcohol, addictions and other various activities. Unfortunately, it is sad. The focus of the lent is to “abstain from every form of evil” (1 Thessalonians 5:22) and live a godly life as long as we live.

Sin’s origin traces back to the Garden of Eden, attacking through three avenues: the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life. Adam and Eve fell prey to these, and so did the Israelites in the wilderness. The desire for physical satisfaction, visual appeal, and self-exaltation led to disobedience. Yet, Christ triumphed over these temptations in His 40 days of fasting (Matthew 4:1-10). Where humanity failed, Christ’s victory offers hope and a blueprint. His response—anchored in the Word of God—highlights the power of Scripture as a guide to overcome temptation. Believers are called to prioritize God’s Word over material things, standing steadfast in its truth. The Bible is not merely a moral guide but the foundation of faith and transformation. It helps believers resist sin (Psalm 119:11), leads to repentance and faith (Romans 10:17), and instructs for salvation (2 Timothy 3:15). Moreover, it sanctifies and purifies those who internalize its teachings (John 15:3). In challenging times, Scripture is the rock on which we stand, requiring us to study, believe, and obey. This focus shifts the believer’s attention from worldly pursuits to eternal priorities.

Temptation often lures through visual appeal and promises of power, as seen in Satan’s offer of worldly kingdoms to Christ (Matthew 4:5-8). While Adam, Eve, and the Israelites faltered by fixing their eyes on earthly things, Jesus exemplified unwavering focus on God. Hebrews 12:2 calls believers to fix their eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. The Bible does not teach that matter is inherently evil, as God created the material world and declared it “very good” (Genesis 1:31). However, prioritizing material possessions or earthly desires over God is unbiblical. Jesus warned, “No one can serve two masters… You cannot serve both God and money” (Matthew 6:24). Fixing our eyes on Christ transforms our lives reminding us of our dependence on Him and His sufficiency in all things. Colossians 3:2 urges believers to “set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.” While matter is a gift, it becomes idolatry when it surpasses our devotion to God, leading to spiritual peril.

Jesus’ victory over temptation assures us that He sympathizes with our weaknesses and provides strength in trials (Hebrews 2:18; 4:15). By surrendering every aspect of our lives—including our sins—to God, we embrace His transforming work. Lent is a reminder to seek first His kingdom, trusting Him as Jehovah Jireh, our provider.

Prayer: Dear Lord, as we begin this season of reflection, help us to surrender our sins and desires to You. Strengthen us with Your Word, guide us to live for Your kingdom, and empower us to resist temptation. May our lives honor You in all things. In Jesus’ name, Amen.