The World's Oldest Problem

August 14th, 2023

by Dr. Gene Wolfenbarger
08/14/2023

The problem can be traced all the way back to paradise. Eve was the first to be confronted with this issue. Genesis 3:6 says, “And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make one wise, she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and gave also unto her husband with her; and he did eat.” She decided that the fruit of the forbidden tree looked good, tasted good, and would be good for her. Thus, the oldest problem known to man is TEMPTATION.

When Eve, the mother of us all, faced temptation, she failed the test. Thus, herein lies the problem that each of us faces today. THE TEMPTER IS STILL ALIVE AND WELL TODAY. He is very aware of the areas in our lives that are most vulnerable.

There are areas of our lives we need help to control. They may be physical temptations such as eating, sleeping, serving, and even restraining. They may be emotions that are misplaced, misdirected, or scarred. The temptation we face may be spiritual, such as fatigue, apathy, neglect, or even familiarity. It could be domestic neglect, ignorance, abuse, or parenting.

NOTE: Good News! Help is just a prayer away. Jesus said, “After this manner therefore pray ye:... And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil:” (Matt 6:9-13).

We need deliverance from where we are and protection for where we are going. The great Apostle Paul gave the child of God hope of being an overcomer when he pinned 1 Cor.10:13, “There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.”

There are four great truths mentioned in this verse:
1. Everyone is tempted

2. Every temptation is common

3. Every temptation can be overcome

4. God will help us to overcome
Romans 12:21 - “Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.”
2 Pet. 2:9 - “The Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptations…”

Remember, life begins in struggle, growth demands struggle, and death ends in struggle. REFUSE TO GIVE IN. DON’T ALLOW SATAN TO BULLY YOU!