James 1:13-15 "When tempted, no
one should say, “God is tempting me.” For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor
does he tempt anyone; but
each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed. Then, after desire has conceived, it gives
birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown,
gives birth to death."
So, ok then. God doesn't to sin. He may give
us a test or quiz now and then (what good teacher) wouldn't? During those
times, He just wants to make sure not only that we have been through training
(by reading the Bible, praying, listening to Him), but that we understand and
are effectively competent to put into practice what we've learned. Part of my
work responsibilites is training/teaching, so I not only want the people to sit
through my training and take a little quiz and then forget everything I've said,
I want to know if they really 'get it'. In training there are three type of
participants, the captives (who have to be there), the vacationer (who just
wants to get out of a few hours or a days work), and the absorber (the one who
wants to understand and learn a certain skill or idea). God wants absorbers -
that we would take His Word - His Presence in like a sponge and apply to our own
lives, then give it away to others.
How are we tempted to sin? THAT would be
satan's job. But that's not exactly correct.... we have a part to play in it.
See, if I didn't like ice cream (not saying I don't like ice cream), but if I
didn't like ice cream, satan couldn't tempt me with eating too much ice cream.
He can only tempt us in the areas of our weaknesses. I'm saying we haven't
overcome them or that the Lord can't or hasn't freed us from certain sins, so
they are no longer a temptation.... for now. He tries to trip us up in areas
that we are in process of overcoming or have already overcome. Take for
example.... ok, me... I quit smoking 6 years ago in a couple months. Every once
in a while, I'll smell a unlit cigarette (because they smell the best) - and no
one will be around me smoking. I will have this little twinge inside that says,
'Go ahead, have one.' Now, also be an aspiring long-distance runner. I'm not
going to do it no matter how mad, glad, sad or afraid (or hungry, angry, lonely
or tired) I am. I know I don't want a cigarette, but he still tries to tempt
me... to coin a term 'silly rabbit'.
Remember, though what I said a couple days
ago... it's only sin, if the Lord is convicting us not the enemy condemning us
(or I said something like that.
We're tempted when we dwell just a little too
long on the enemy suggestion to sin (yep, starts in the mind - which can be
satan's playground). We are enticed, which means that our eyes are taken off of
Jesus and onto (usually) a former idol and dragged away by it. After that
desire takes over, the enemy takes the sin and implants it into our souls - like
a spade thrust into the ground. We go through with that desire (aka. sin). If
we continue in that sin, it brings the death and darkenss of satan's clan to a
part of us that once held the Life and Light of Jesus by the power of His Holy
Spirit.
I Corinthians 10:13 (Italics mine) "No temptation has overtaken you except
what is common to mankind (ie. you're not alone).
And God is faithful; he will not let you be
tempted beyond what you can
bear (just a little catch here, it's what He knows you can bear).
But when you are tempted, He will also provide a way out so that you can endure it."
That way out may be calling someone, praying, reading the Word, putting on
some praise and worship music, running down the street screaming like a wild
person (ok, maybe not the last one - but I have felt like that many times). But
if I do want to scream, I can get mad at the enemy and yell at him all I
want.... telling it exactly where to go and exactly where I'm NOT going - with
him. I already have a Master, thank you very much!
I know sometimes the pull is really, really strong - but we are overcomers
- we are born of God - we don't have to be slaves to sin any longer - we bow
down to one Master as Lord and King of our Lives - Jesus, the King of Kings and
Lord of Lords.
Stand Your Ground - Joe King (IMHO Really Cool Singer ;)
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