Temptation

We recently looked at temptation in our Sunday service, as we have been studying the Lord's Prayer and got to "Lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil". We saw that "temptation" could be seen as testing - and the object of a test is to pass it. Similarly, the object of a temptation is to not yield to it, and so come out stronger as a Christian.

We sung a hymn which has all but disappeared from recent song and hymn books, Yield not to temptation. When I re-read the words, I was struck afresh by their practical common sense and their constant reminder to look to Jesus to help us in testing times.

I got eight copies of the words laminated, so if people wanted to keep a copy, they could. I have only one copy left, so there were those who did appreciate the words!

If don't know the hymn and I have sparked an interest, here are the words:

Yield not to temptation, for yielding is sin;
Each victory will help you some other to win;
Fight manfully onward, dark passions subdue;
Look ever to Jesus, He will carry you through.

Chorus:

Ask the Saviour to help you,

Comfort, strengthen, and keep you;
He is willing to aid you,
He will carry you through

Shun evil companions, bad language disdain,
God’s name hold in reverence, nor take it in vain;
Be thoughtful and earnest, kind-hearted and true;
Look ever to Jesus, He will carry you through

All who overcome now, God will give a crown,
Through faith we will conquer, though often cast down;
He who is our Saviour, our strength will renew;
Look ever to Jesus, He will carry you through.

Horatio R. Palmer, 1868

If you want to hear it sung, there are a number of versions on YouTube