~
Prolog To The Temptation Series ~
Expect
Temptation ~ “Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery
trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you;
but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ’s sufferings, that when
His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy. If you are reproached for the name of Christ,
blessed are you, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. On their part He is blasphemed, but on your
part He is glorified. But let none of
you suffer as a murderer, a thief, an evildoer, or as a busybody in other
people’s matters. Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him
not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in this matter. For the time has come for judgment to begin
at the house of God; and if it begins with us first, what will be the end of
those who do not obey the gospel of God?
Now ‘If the righteous one is scarcely saved, where will the ungodly and
the sinner appear?’ Therefore let those
who suffer according to the will of God commit their souls to Him in doing
good, as to a faithful Creator” (1 Peter 4:12-19).
The
Source of Temptation
~ “Blessed
is the man who endures temptation; for when he has been approved, he will
receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love
Him. Let
no one say when he is tempted, ‘I am tempted by God’; for God cannot be
tempted by evil, nor does He Himself tempt anyone. But each
one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed. Then, when desire has conceived, it gives
birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death. Do not be deceived, my beloved brethren. Every good gift and every perfect gift is
from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no
variation or shadow of turning. Of His
own will He brought us forth by the word of truth, that we might be a kind of
firstfruits of His creatures. So then,
my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to
wrath; for the wrath of man does not produce the righteousness of God. Therefore lay aside all filthiness and
overflow of wickedness, and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is
able to save your souls. But be doers of
the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves” (James 1:12-22).
On
Your Guard ~ The source of temptation is from within—from
our sinful nature which all mankind inherited from Adam. Satan deceived Adam and Eve and he continues
to deceive all of us today. “Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God,
that He may exalt you in due time, casting all your care upon Him, for He cares
for you. Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a
roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.
Resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings
are experienced by your brotherhood in the world. But may the God of all grace, who called us
to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a while, perfect,
establish, strengthen, and settle you.
To Him be the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen” (1 Peter 5:6-11).
~
Robert Lloyd Russell, ABUNDANT
LIFE NOW
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