Wednesday, June 20, 2012

Succeeding Temptation


James 1:13-15 Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am tempted by God”; for God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He Himself tempt anyone. But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed. Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death.

The other day, I was reading an article about the fallen sin nature of mankind. The author made the argument that “one sin, just like any other sin, all that is needed is the will to do so. You and I both know that being a sinner has nothing to do with power or means or opportunity. Absolutely nothing. Desire is all that is required. Period.”  His point is that the body, mind and will are weak and easily tempted by our own fleshly desires, the influences of the ungodly world system and the lures of the evil one (the devil and his demons). Who provides and meets our needs really, and who causes and what us to sin in all actuality? Power, means & opportunity for sin seem to always be present, so it is the truly strong in faith, that having the power, means and opportunity, choose to examine their feelings and emotions to do what is right in the eyes of the Lord, because they desire not to sin against God. Their central and inner-most heart’s desire is to walk with the Holy Spirit in truth, and please the Lord always. Genesis 39:9bHow then can I do this great wickedness, and sin against God?”

The author went on to say; “You see, anything that is based primarily on feelings and emotion will often times blind you to the truth.” God is light and anything that is done in thought word or deed that is against the will of God is done blindly in the darkness of sin and unbelief of the truth. I remember my old Pastor Dave saying that we need to view the world that we live and operate in, through the window of Christ, our Lord & Savior. This simple process of gives us a perspective with proper light and clarity. The Holy Spirit’s guidance helps calm the feelings and emotions that says “ready, fire, aim”. Walk in the Spirit - Galatians 5:16 & 25.

The author comes to the conclusion that when it comes to succeeding in life, “it’s not because of ourselves, but in spite of us. My personal success is not and has never been predicated upon others, but on the Lord God Himself who watches over my every step in life. My personal success is not and has never been predicated upon who somebody taking care of me, but on the Lord God Himself who watches over my every step in life.”

Hebrews 2:17-18 “For this reason he (Jesus) had to be made like his brothers in every way, in order that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in service to God, and that he might make atonement for the sins of the people. Because he himself suffered when he was tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted.Keep the main thing, the main thing. The main thing is Jesus.
Success in Christ, Brian

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