“Because [Jesus] himself suffered when he was tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted.” So says Hebrews 2:18.

But how? How is he able to help those who are being tempted?

Let me make three suggestions.

First, talk to God about it—honestly.

Think of your most painful or frequent temptations. We sometimes try to hide these from God as if we can keep him in the dark about them. As if. Be open and honest. Confess. Ask for help. Commit to holiness.

Second, study the teachings of Jesus.

He was tempted “in every way” but did not sin (Hebrews 4:15). Therefore, he is eminently qualified to lead us from the path of faithlessness back to the path of faithfulness. There isn’t a single temptation for which there isn’t an instructive word from Jesus.

Third, confide in another godly person who is walking a similar path to you. God puts people in our lives to help us pilot our lives. Full disclosure is humility, catharsis and liberation mixed together. Plus, someone trustworthy most likely has something helpful to say.

“Because [Jesus] himself suffered when he was tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted.”

Jesus is our Redeemer not only for the life to come, but for this one.

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Notes:

–My latest podcast is called “The humanity of Jesus and three helps for weary souls.” It is a in-depth Bible study in Hebrews 2:5-18 which expands on the theme in today’s devotional. Click here to listen, or look for ‘The Pulse Podcast with Matthew Ruttan’ wherever you subscribe to podcasts: iTunes (Apple), Spotify, Google Podcasts, Stitcher or TuneIn.

–Bible quotes are from the NIV.