It is no secret. One of the greatest challenges of living the Christian life is dealing with "temptations." This is especially true for new Christians. We are well aware of how frustrating it is to know that your sins have been forgiven ...only to immediately find yourself bombarded by temptations to continue in your sins!
So what is one supposed to do? In James 1:12-18, we find helpful words for the Christian in the form of:
a. A promise to those who endure temptations;
b. A caution not to wrongfully impugn the source of those temptations;
c. An understanding of how sin develops.
Beginning with James 1:12, we notice the promise. This tells us that "the man who endures temptation will be blessed." The Greek word for "blessed" is "makarios," which means "happy, blessed." The nature of the happiness enjoyed is described as the verse continues... "for after he has been 'proved' he will receive the crown of life."
This is the promise of "eternal life." It is the promise given by Him Who cannot lie (cf. Titus 1:2). The promise is given to those who "demonstrate" (prove) their love for God by their endurance of the temptations. This is encouraging to Christians facing temptations.
As we read on, though, we notice a word of caution. The caution is stated in a couple of places (James 1:13, 16-18). Verse 13 tells us, "let no one say they are tempted by God," that is, to blame God for their temptations. This is impossible for a couple of reasons. 1) God is so holy that he cannot be tempted by evil; 2) Nor does He tempt anyone to do evil!
Verses 16-18 say, "so don't be deceived into such thinking." How can we? God is the source of good, not evil. Every good and perfect gift comes from Him! As an example, it was of His Own Will that He brought us forth. He did this by the "word of truth" (the gospel) -cf. 1 Peter 1:22-23. This is certainly true because we know that God would not tempt us with evil!
In fact, through the words of James God gives us insight into the development of sin which can help us to overcome sin. In verses 14-15 we are given an understanding of how sin develops. Sin develops in stages. The first stage is temptation. This stage involves two things: 1) lust (desires, NKJV) - a strong desire for something, and; 2) enticement - an opportunity and encouragement to satisfy the desire.
Think of it this way: Temptation = Desire + Opportunity. But keep in mind , it is not a sin to be tempted - cf. the example of Jesus, Hebrews 4:15. During the second stage in the development of sin is sin itself (James 1:15). Temptation leads to sin only when you yield and act upon it. Sin therefore requires the added step of action. Using our little formula again: Sin = Desire + Opportunity + Action.
The final stage is the consequence of unforgiven sin: death (James 1:15). This refers to spiritual separation from God, which is the"wages of sin" spoken about in Romans 6:23. Ultimately such "death" involves eternal punishment (Revelation 21:8). Putting it once more in the form of an equation: Desire + Opportunity + Action + No Forgiveness = Punishment!
With this understanding of how sin develops, we are now in a better position to overcome sin. First, we have to change our desires. It is a part of Christian growth to change our desires (Romans 12:1-2; Galatians 5:24). How do we change our desires? We need to read the Word of God to see how it can change our desires.The more we study God's Word, the less likely we will have the DESIRE to sin, thereby beginning to overcome sin by "nipping it in the bud!"
Now changing our desires will take some time. What else can we do in the meanwhile? This leads us to our next understanding of how sin develops. We can limit our "opportunities." Remember, we are tempted only when there is both desire and opportunity. Therefore, we should limit the opportunities to fulfill wrongful desires.
This can be done by asking for God's providential help, as Jesus taught. (Matthew 6:13; 26:41). We can cooperate with God by: a) purposely avoiding situations that might excite wrongful desires (c.f. Psalm 101:3-4; Job 31:1) , and; b) avoiding those whose evil behavior encourages us to sin with them (c.f. Psalm 101:6-7; 1 Corinthians 15:33).
Additionally, we can exercise "self-control." Remember, it becomes sin when we yield to action in fulfilling our sinful desires. But, if we can control ourselves so as to not yield through the strength of the Spirit, then we can overcome sin! However, there may be times when we don't take advantage of the strength God provides through His Spirit, and we sin; what then?
In this case, we can obtain "forgiveness" through the blood of Christ. Remember that sin is victorious when it results in punishment. But if we obtain forgiveness through the blood of Christ, we can avoid that punishment and thereby still overcome sin (1 John 2:1-2). Yes, Christ is truly the "propitiation" for our sins!
By His blood, we were forgiven of past sins when united with Him in baptism (Acts 2:38; 22:16; Revelation 1:5). And by His blood, we can be forgiven of present sins when we repent, pray, and confess our sins to God (Acts 8:22; 1 John 1:9). At any time the Christian can overcome sins that were committed, by repenting and confessing them to God!
In conclusion, we can overcome sin by stopping its development at any one of the stages leading to the final punishment. If you noticed carefully, you should have seen that at each of the points in the development of sin, God is able and willing to help us overcome sin!
Prayer: Almighty and most Merciful God, graciously hear our prayers; and free our hearts from the temptations of evil thoughts; that we may worthily become a fit habitation for Thy Holy Spirit. Amen
Have a blessed day!
Kortney
No comments:
Post a Comment
Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.