Temptation
But each one is tempted when, by his own evil desire, he is dragged away and enticed. James 1:14
Before we give in to temptation we go through certain stages:
a) by neglecting prayer and Bible reading we become callous. Insensitive to danger, we find ourselves drawn like a moth to the flame
b) we begin to rationalize and conclude, 'Nobody knows, what harm will it do?'
c) as our earthly appetites increase, our conscience erodes
d) we surround ourselves with others who do the same, or are willing to look the other way.
'But I would never do such things,' you say. Maybe, but what things would you do? Another question also arises, 'Have you reached your hour of testing yet?' When Jesus told Peter he'd deny his Lord, Peter replied, 'No way!' Yet within hours he had fallen flat on his face. James says, 'Each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own [particular] desires and enticed.' You have vulnerable areas which if not disciplined by commitment and character, have the ability to destroy you.
'What can I do?' you ask. When Jehoshaphat came up against an enemy too big to handle alone, he prayed, '"...we have no power against this great multitude . . . nor do we know what to do, but our eyes are upon You"'
(2 Chronicles 20:12).
Jehoshaphat understood three things:
- he knew that in his own strength he was no match for this enemy
- he was humble enough to acknowledge it and reach for help
- he knew where to turn - '"...our eyes are upon You."'
What's the secret of victory? Lean on Jesus, not yourself!
Pastor Timm