THE ACT OF TEMPTATION PART 2
HOW TO WEATHER THE STORM OF TEMPTATION
Earlier this week, we were made to understand the concept of temptation and the forms with which it could take. Temptation as a divine procurement for our blessings and as satanic manipulation to see God’s children in his captivity. But today, we will see how to weather the storm of temptation. The bible says if we say we have not sinned; then we lie, we deceive ourselves (1 John 1:8). If we say we do not fall into temptation we only lie. Thus, how we can we weather the storm in our tempting times?.
1. Know your Temptation: Looking at Paul’s declaration in Romans 7:19 (For the good that I would I do not; but the evil which I would not, that I do.); we see here that he had an understanding of what his temptation was. So many times we call out to God once we find ourselves in certain tempting situations but have we even stopped to know that these and these are the things I do, the things that lead me into this temptation, committing this sin. The bible says in Job 3:25-“For the things which I greatly feared is come upon me, and that which I was afraid of is come unto me”. What are the things you fear, these are the things the devil uses against us in his manipulation and temptation. “2 Corinthians 2:11-Lest Satan should get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices.” Be ye knowledgeable of his adversaries. When you know the weakness and strength of an enemy, then it is easier for you to defeat such enemies.
2. Know your God and Have Faith in Him: “Romans 7:24-O wretched man that I am! Who shall deliver me from the body of this death?” The only one with power to deliver his own from the affliction of the devil is Christ himself. John 8:32 paraphrased says “The truth you know shall set you free”. Who is the truth? Jesus is the truth. If we have an understanding of whom we have inside of us (1 John 4:4), He who is able to make all grace abound for us (2 Corinthians 9:8). If we are to be in control, there is one thing we need to have understanding of; that is the Word Himself, GOD (John 1). Temptation is darkness and we need light to overcome darkness. In Christ is our light (John 1:4). Taking the shield of faith… (Ephesians 6:16) We should always have Faith in God that He is able to shield us from all works of the flesh.
3. Seek God: it is not only important for you to know God and believe in Him. You should also continue to find his face over every affair of your life. Continue to fellowship daily with him. He is the Omnipotent God (The All Knowing God), HE knows all things. HE sees the temptation before hand; thus seek him that we will not fall. Engage on the altar of prayer; seek His face by studying his word. He said the truth you know shall set you free. The truth is Jesus and He is the word of God.
4. Do not forsake the gathering of your fellow believers: The hands cannot say to the eyes we need you not; for who will lead the hand if not the eyes and who will lead the eyes if not the legs (1Corinthians 12 paraphrased). We all need strength if we want to overcome the temptations of this life. One way is never to forsake the gathering of the brethren (1 Thessalonians 5:11-Wherfore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do). We draw strength from one another (1Corinthians 12:12). If one is weak, then he that has strength will come to his aid. This is why we should never leave the gathering of like minds.
5. Flee from all appearances of evil: Shall we continue in sin and pray that grace may abound (Romans 6:1). What do you think you possess that draws you away from Christ and makes you a vulnerable target to the devil-is it a way of life, is it a lifestyle, is it even friends you keep. The bible says in 1Corinthians 15:33b “evil communications corrupt good manners”. Try to fill your mind with all, good, acceptable and perfect things of God (Romans 12:2). LET your mind be renewed at all time. Never give room to the devil. There is a saying, “if you give one room to the devil, soon he will take over the apartment”. Please let us beware as the Bible admonishes us in 1Peter 5:8. Thus, let’s flee from all things that appear not of God. My prayer is as we take steps to heeding to all these, His face shall shine upon us and His mercy will deliver us from every pit of life (Job 33:24 …deliver him for I have found a ransom). AMEN
0 Comments:
Post a Comment