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Point of Reference
by Fred Price
Sometimes nothing more than making difficult decisions or intelligent choices. Some of you are on your own for the first time in your lives while others have been there for awhile, but we all have to deal with making good decisions and choosing the right path. The prospect of making up your own mind and choosing your own way, while exciting, isn't always as easy as it appears. What's involved here anyway? Anything that will test, try, or entice you to do or want what is wrong, forbidden or hurtful, qualifies as temptation. Anything that provokes or attracts, for not all sin is bad looking or unattractive, making it difficult to discern and decide. Some things are indeed attractive and good; in their proper time. Others just appear to be while hiding their real consequences.
What is it to you? Are you tempted by things others are not? Are you able to easily withstand in areas where others quickly fall? Absolutely! While most temptation is common to all in varying degrees, we are all individuals with our own peculiar weaknesses and strengths. What is really difficult for you to say NO! to? Who is susceptible to temptation? Who has fallen to it? The Bible readily answers these questions. "No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it." 1 Corinthians 10.13
If we are all susceptible to temptation and have been victimized by it, who's fault is that? An honest evaluation of this question will go a long way in helping us stand strong in our faith against temptation. It is important to understand that to be tempted is not sinful; giving in to temptation is where we sin. What control do we have concerning what may tempt us and when temptation arises in our lives? Occasionally we are surprisingly overtaken by temptation in an unguarded moment or circumstance. But much of the time, I would dare say, most of the time we place ourselves in situations we know we will be tempted or are likely to be. That is why it is so important to acknowledge our weaknesses and then guard our minds and bodies in what we expose ourselves to! In knowing our weaknesses and strengths, we should be able to make better decisions about what we involve ourselves in.
"When tempted, no one should say, 'God is tempting me!' For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt any one; but each one is tempted when, by his own evil desire he is dragged away and enticed. Then after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death." James 1:13-15 We usually place ourselves in harm's way, thinking we are strong enough to only go so far and then quit, thinking we an handle it rather than being handled by it or actually being excited by the dangers inherent in that which tempts us. A contest - how far can I go without being hurt - or getting caught. And, if we get hurt or caught, we often blame God!
Jesus instructed his disciples to, "Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation."; warning them that, "The spirit is willing but the body is weak." Matthew 26:41 This really is key. We must realize that we are all tempted to varying degrees by a variety of common allurements and that we are apt to fall prey to these temptations if we expose ourselves to them or are unprepared to stand against those that come to us unexpectedly or naturally. Whether we stand or not depends in large part on our realization of our weakness, how well-grounded in God's word and thus His strength we are, our willingness to work to gain his strength and blessing by preparing our minds and bodies in the reading and disciplining of ourselves in the word. "Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge, but he who hates correction is stupid." Proverbs 12:1 (Pretty blunt, huh?) Our ability to stand and succeed depends in large part on these principles. We are further promised that, "...the Lord knows how to rescue godly men from trials and to hold the unrighteous for the day of judgment." 2 Peter 2:9
He knows it can be difficult, that it takes effort, as he underwent the same and stood strong. As a result He is willing, even eager to assist us, if we are willing to stand firm, fight the good fight, and look to his instruction and help. He's been there, he's overcome the same things. He can show us how it is done! "For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weakness, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are - yet was without sin." Hebrews 4:15 As a result, "Because he himself suffered when he was tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted." Hebrews 2:18 Paul declares that, "...all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." Romans 3:23 But contrary to human nature, God doesn't want to punish us (2 Peter 3:9), although he will if we purposefully choose to live in rebellion or negligently fail to respond to his appeal to us. (Romans 2:6-8) We can find strength, peace, and provision in the righteousness or right-living that, "...comes from faith in Jesus Christ to all who believes." Romans 3:21
Jesus provided the answers by living the life, setting the example. He was led by the spirit - not dragged by the evil one - but led by the Holy Spirit into the desert TO BE TEMPTED; so that in overcoming he could set the example on how it is done. (Matthew 4:1-11) His response must be ours if we are to survive, answering every temptation and all their implications; food, safety, provision, abundant material possessions, fame, power, worship, physical gratification of every form - with the word of God. "Away from me Satan! For it is written:" Matthew 4:10
Get in the word. Read it, study it, understand it on purpose. Discipline yourselves to spend time with Jesus. "Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore, put on the full armor of God so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground,…" Ephesians 6:10-13 What does that armor consist of? The belt of truth and the body-covering of righteousness. The word. Feet covered with readiness that comes from the gospel. The word. The shield of faith, the helmet of salvation and the sword of the spirit. The word. (found in Ephesians 6:14-17)
"I have told you these things so that in me you may have peace.
In this world you will have trouble. But take heart!
I have overcome the world." John 16:33
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Fred Price - married (50 years), father of two grown children, grandfather of six.
Fred retired earlier this year after 42 years as a factory worker. He has always had a heart for young people and the challenges they face today. Over the years Fred has taught Discipleship Groups for High School and college students.
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