Tackling Temptation

Using the right Filters on your Computer by Jim Cole-Rous © 2010

1Cor 10:13 There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.

My work these last few years has been in Computer and Internet technology. Because of Hackers, and the privacy needs of one's documentation, as well as the prevalence of Pornography, it is vital that we install filters on our computers. There are Christian filters you can place on your computer like this one. http://www.wisechoice.net/forchristians

On the 'Webopedia.com' site I found three definitions for filters. I like them all; the second one is the easiest for newcomers to comprehend. It says: " A pattern through which data is passed. Only data that matches the pattern is allowed to pass through the filter". God has given you a 'Filter' through which to pass the 'data' of temptation: His Word, the Bible is still relevant.

Temptations will come, how you handle them is what makes you a winner or loser. The first thing you need to know about your temptation is that it is not unique. The Devil uses the same temptations on you that he uses on everyone else. The next thing to note is that God will never leave you, and will not permit any temptation to tempt you above your ability to resist. The key is your willingness to resist, for you are able.

Finally the bible says that God will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that you may be able to bear it. Interestingly the original Greek says "make the way to escape". God is not hitting a panic button in heaven and looking how He can get you out of this mess! He already has "the way" for you.

You may have to endure temptation for a time, James in chapter 1:3 says 'the trying of your faith produces patience'. He also makes it clear that sometimes we have to 'endure temptation'. (vs. 12) Be assured that when the Devil attacks you with temptation, God will use that time of testing to grow your character, and give you a chance to see you can be a winner.

Prayer:

Think about this before you pray these words:

"Lord Jesus, I thank you that you are more concerned with my spiritual growth than my comfort. You said You are the Way, the Truth and the Life. I commit myself to you afresh, and trust you, even when I cannot feel you. I am going through a trial of temptation now; but I will resist and endure, and trust you to show me the way out in your time".

[Daily devotional delivered from TheWay.co.uk]

You have no idea how timely these words are. Thank you.

Well, praise the Lord!

The sentence which particularly struck me, was

He also makes it clear that sometimes we have to 'endure temptation'.

He also makes it clear that sometimes we have to 'endure temptation'.

Praise the Lord.

Here is a companion verse in 1 Peter for "enduring temptation".

1Pe 1:6 Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations:
1Pe 1:7 That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ:

The Holy Spirit always speaks in complete unity through more than one of God's servants. And knows that battling temptations, often brings a heaviness with it and may last for a season. Season can be a different length of time for each person.

We love Him more than our flesh.
1Pe 1:8 Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory:

The end game of fighting this war:
1Pe 1:9 Receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls.

This verse lends new meaning to the phrase that "we are in a war".

1Pe 2:11 Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul;

I am adding today's word from TheWay, and possibly tomorrow's, then, I think those who find it helpful could consider signing up for themselves.

Have you heard; the war has been won! by Jim Cole-Rous © 2010

Jas 1:14-15 "But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death".

General Wainwright was the highest ranking officer in the Japanese P.O.W. concentration camp. He was abused by the Japanese guard, but on being informed that Victory had been won by the Americans, he took authority over the guards, and they obeyed him. Temptation is like that.

Tests, Trials, and Temptations are basically the same words in both the Old and New Testaments. Originally the words were of neutral content or meaning. It becomes clearer when we understand that God tests, we go through trials, but the Devil tempts us.

What you concentrate on is what you come to desire. If you keep looking at something, you will sooner or later begin to want that thing. When the 'want' becomes uncontrollable it is called 'lust'. James makes it clear that when lust has developed, it brings to birth 'sin'. When our desire is translated into action, only then have we 'sinned'.

We are particularly looking at the things that will draw us away from the presence of God. God is a loving Person, but He is grieved by our doing what is contrary to His plan for our lives. God declares that His thoughts towards us are for good and not for evil.

Jesus obtained the victory over the Devil on the Cross. Satan no longer has the power to hold you if you belong to Jesus. You can take authority over the voices you hear in your inner being that tell you to do wrong; to have your own way. Just tell the Devil he has been defeated and turn away from what he is trying to get you to do.