312. Help the Tempted
Hebrews 2:18 For in that he himself hath suffered being tempted, he is able to succour them that are tempted.
Jesus is able to help those who are tempted. “The tempted” includes you, me, and everybody else. Jesus Himself was tempted just like all people are, with the difference being that He never gave in to the temptation. No one can say to God, “Yes, but you don’t know what it’s like for me.” Jesus knows. He’s been there. And He can help. He knows how to help, because He knows what it’s like to be tempted and He knows what it’s like to overcome all the temptations that are common to all men. It is one thing to have a fellow human being understand because he or she has been through the same experience, but it is quite another thing to have this human being understand because He, too, has been through the same temptation; but He has defeated the temptation and He is more that willing to help us overcome as well.
He knows we are weak, and He knows we don’t have the strength to resist the temptation on our own; therefore, He is there to help and give succor. We just need to ask: “Lead us not into temptation.” But often we don’t have because we do not ask. “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.” [James 1:5]. Sometimes we don’t ask because we like the temptation, and we don’t really want help. So we can’t blame God; we can simply repent, believe, and ask for help. He promises to give it; He promises to help those who are tempted, especially if one asks for it. Asking for help simply means admitting that my flesh is weak, no matter how willing my spirit might be. Trust in God: believe Him and confess, “I need help.” You know that Jesus is there, willing and able to help. Use the promise.