How did Jesus live a sinless life? He was fully God, but He was also fully man. It was as a human that He resisted temptation. The temptation He faced was the same as the temptations we face today. Jesus “was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin” (Hebrews 4:15).

So how can we resist the human desire to sin? The answer is found in the next verse, “Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need” (Hebrews 4:16). It was at the feet of His Father that Jesus found the ability to resist temptation. God’s grace helps us overcome temptation. By the way, what is the difference between grace and mercy? Grace is receiving from God that which we do not deserve (reward), Mercy is not receiving from God that which we do deserve (punishment).

Grace does not permit sin, but it does stand ready to forgive it. Even if you make a mistake, God still loves you. However, grace is far more than a way to “cover up” sin. Grace actually gives us the power to resist sin. Grace is not an excuse to “get away” with sinning. Grace is the ability to run away from sin. It is not our ability that enables us to resist temptation; it is His ability working in us.