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'Christ in You...'
by Dale Krebbs
Someone, attempting to be humorous said “I can resist anything…except temptation”.
It has been my experience that this statement could not be any more true.
It is a universal truth that is almost universally proven by the human race. Short, pithy sayings are often humorous, and also illustrate a more important principle or truth.
The implication of this saying being that the temptation itself is not the factor in a person’s mind that is sin. Rather, the temptation that is given in to, becomes the sin. The temptation of itself is not sin. Jesus was driven into the wilderness where He was tempted by Satin for forty days and nights, but He never sinned.
Many Christians feel that to be tempted is sin. Granted, if the Christian deliberately places his or herself in a position where they know they will be tempted beyond that which they can resist, it becomes a deliberate opening for that sin. At the first urging and inclination, and one does not resist the desire and impulse quickly enough, a unholy desire can become sin. However, if the temptation they experience is resisted, the inclination is not sin. It is the surrender that becomes sin in God’s sight. If one has the Holy Spirit, He will strengthen the person, and Satan will flee from him.
An important truth in point is something Jesus said regarding temptation. Men, being of the opposite sex from women, are often burdened with lustful thoughts. Jesus was tempted in every way, yet without sin. We can only imagine the struggle He had while in the wilderness, and when promised power by Satan who could lead Him to rule the world Satan’s way. But being God in the flesh, His Father strengthen Him. He never entertained a thought that Satan put into His mind. By the Holy Spirits power, Jesus never dwelled upon a temptation to sin.
Understanding that Jesus was tempted in every way that we are tempted, but before sin could conquer, He resisted successfully. He never sinned.
Jesus was God’s Son. And had been for eternity past. But He was human with all the temptations that you and I struggle with. By never giving into sin, He qualified to be our substitute for sin’s penalty. Upon repentance, we therefore, are considered as though we had never sinned.
One of the early failures of humans occurred when Cain killed Able. Long ago God warned that generation and every generation since when He said:
“And the Lord said to Cain, “Why are you so angry? And why do you look annoyed? If you do well [believing Me and doing what is acceptable and pleasing to Me], will you not be accepted? And if you do not do well [but ignore My instruction], sin crouches at your door; its desire is for you [to overpower you], but you must master it.” Cain talked with Abel his brother [about what God had said]. And when they were [alone, working] in the field, Cain attacked Abel his brother and killed him.” - Genesis 4:6-8 (AMP)
When you are tempted by sin, resist instantly or Satan will take advantage of your situation.
Sin is ALWAYS at our door!
in is always at our door.
When you are tempted by evil, resist instantly!
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