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Crossroads Community Church Pastor Don's lesson, “Don't let temptation get the best of you, trust God to give you a way out,” he then made a point by tempting the crowd with “Timbits”…. On this crisp morning we felt the Lord's presence in worship, and Bob read James 1:17, Psalm 47:6,7, Zechariah 13:9, Revelation 4:8, Deuteronomy 30:1-3, and Ecclesiastes 3: 1-3. Pastor Don then opened with prayer then said, ”Someone once said “I wouldn't be tempted if temptation wasn't so tempting.” Today we will look at how we can overcome the struggle with temptation. The dictionary defines temptation as “the act of enticement to do wrong through the promise of pleasure and gain. Temptation is nothing new, from the beginning, Satan was successful in getting Eve to sin by tempting her convincing her that God was withholding something from her,(Genesis 3:5). Since then he has been tempting people into sin. He even tried to tempt Jesus, (Matthew 4:1), but thank God that Jesus did not sin or else we would all be lost in sin. By resisting Jesus was able to fulfill his mission of saving us by dying on the cross for our forgiveness of sin and obtain eternal life. Temptation is inevitable regardless of who we are, where we live or our social status, temptation is a tool the devil uses against us and no temptation comes from God; (James 1:13). So then we can conclude that because Satan is against God he is also against us, it is a reality of life. Hard circumstances in life can leave us more vulnerable to the devil's schemes; that is when he attacks even harder, but we should remember that enduring it is a trial, a faith builder. Just as Job was tested, the devil gave it his best shot, he tried everything you can imagine against Job to make him sin but because Job was faithful to God he resisted the devil's temptations (Job 1:12, Job 1:22). This doesn't mean Job didn't suffer, it doesn't mean He wasn't filled with grief and sorrow when he lost everything he had and everyone he loved, but he trusted God and his love for God was for who God is not for what he gives. What if we give in to temptation and sin, how do we respond? Do we accept responsibility or do we play the same blame game as in the Garden? (Genesis 3:11-12). Today much sinful behaviour is excused or rationalized and that it isn't a person's fault, they are a product of their environment but it isn't, temptation is an individual matter. God allows it but never directs it, and because He has given us free will he doesn't force us into anything, it still remains our choice whether we give into temptation or not. Notice that both Adam and Eve were held accountable and even the serpent, (Genesis 3:14-19). The phrase “the devil made me do it “ doesn't hold water, the devil tempts yes and God deals with him, but when we sin, we are also held accountable by God. It stands to say that sin is inherent from Adam and Eve, we all have the Adam nature because we are his descendants. So where does temptation come from? “Temptation comes from our own desires, (James 1:14-15). Satan knows this so he looks at our desires and tries to tempt us into sin to fulfill them, but he has no power to make us sin, all he does is make an offer he hopes we won't resist, he doesn't make us sin, we make ourselves sin by taking Satan's offer. Satan uses temptation to trip us up, to lure us and catch us like fish on a hook. So how do we react when we are tempted, do we give in as easily as Eve or do we resist like Job and Jesus? Do we ignore it and in our own strength try to avoid it? Do we think that just because we say we are a good Christian and come to church every Sunday that we won't give into temptation? (Proverbs 16:18). Just as a boxer in a ring even if he is in the lead, must keep strong and alert, we too must stay spiritually strong and alert, when we come to Christ we need to continue our training so we can resist the devil. Just an hour on Sunday I am afraid is not enough, we need to daily spend time with God, read our Bibles, praise and worship him and pray. Just as a champion boxer never underestimates his opponent we should not underestimate the devil's schemes. Jesus faced temptation from Satan and he was victorious and he knows his schemes well. We should heed the warnings of Jesus as he warned Peter, (1 Peter 5:8-9). Satan is always watching us like prey, and he has had many years of experience so no temptation is unfamiliar. Satan will constantly bring temptations and he sees our desires and deceives us like a hook hidden by a worm. Just as fish bite into the hook and meet death so does our sin lead to death, (Romans 6:23). Promised pleasure from sin is temporary but the resulting pain is a lifelong consequence. However we can avoid this deception by staying close to God and listening to Him, God will provide a way out for us, (1 Corinthians 10:13). To resist we need God's help, we need His power, and put on His full armor, (Ephesians 6:13-17). Beloved let us remain strong, pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in our prayers for all believers everywhere, let us not put down our guard, let us keep on meeting together, praising God thanking Him that Jesus who defeated death is sure to guard us against the enemy of our souls, Asherey Shalom! To learn more visit http://www.shelburnecrossroadschurch.ca Come meet us at the fair this weekend and see what Crossroads is all about …see you then! |
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