Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love Him. Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of GOD: for GOD cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth He any man: 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. (Jas 1:12-15)
Though we are tested often, and GOD allows it and even directs our testing, the temptation to sIn does not come from Him, for He is Holy and without sIn. Our pride, or arrogance, wants to blame GOD for our own faults, instead of repenting and surrendering to Him on His terms. He will chastise and correct His own who disobey that we might be made more like Him, but He cannot tempt us to sIn. In the flesh, the Son of GOD who is GOD the Son, was tempted in all points like we are, yet without sIn, but as GOD He is neither tempted, nor does He tempt any one to sIn.
The lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, lead us to want what we ought not to have, do what we ought not to do, and think that which is in conflict with the Holiness and righteousness of GOD, which we who are in Christ are to have. The death that follows the sins we commit when we respond and give into our lusts and pride: death of relationships, death of our witness, and death of our fellowship with Him, is both figurative, and can lead to a reality of death which cannot be restored apart from GOD who is our life. We cannot lose the great Salvation He has given us, for we who are truly in Christ cannot be lost again, but continuing to sIn demonstrates a life that is not repentant nor living by faith in Him and His finished and perfect work on the Cross of Calvary.
When we rest in Him and endure temptation through His power and Spirit within us, we are blessed, become more like Him, and our testimony, relationships, and fellowship is strengthened. We are empowered and equipped to serve Him as His ambassadors, ministering to those around us who are hurting and in need. We endure what this world offers that is at war with GOD that we might love and serve one another and disciple one another in the Word of GOD, encouraged and edified to endure the temptation that comes against us. We stand strong in His power, armored and protected by our faith and His Word, that we might go with the Gospel of Jesus Christ to this lost and dying world, and as we go, in the power of the Holy Spirit and at His direction, proclaiming His Good News of forgiveness and reconciliation with the Father, not to continue in sIn, but to receive eternal life in His Name.
For GOD is not willing that any should perish, but that all would come to repentance and the knowledge of the Truth. Jesus loves you and wants to establish a covenant relationship with you that is real and personal. Surrender to Him on His terms and He will give you a brand new life of discipleship and fellowship with Him that is abundant and everlasting. GOD calls you to trust Him and what He has already done for you to pay your sIn debt. He has provided the only way of reconciliation with GOD, forgiveness from GOD, and Salvation through Jesus Christ, the Son of GOD who is GOD the Son, to give you a new life in Christ. Turn away from yourself and your sIn and turn to Him alone for eternal Life, now and always.
In Christ,
Jefferson Sweet
The lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, lead us to want what we ought not to have, do what we ought not to do, and think that which is in conflict with the Holiness and righteousness of GOD, which we who are in Christ are to have. The death that follows the sins we commit when we respond and give into our lusts and pride: death of relationships, death of our witness, and death of our fellowship with Him, is both figurative, and can lead to a reality of death which cannot be restored apart from GOD who is our life. We cannot lose the great Salvation He has given us, for we who are truly in Christ cannot be lost again, but continuing to sIn demonstrates a life that is not repentant nor living by faith in Him and His finished and perfect work on the Cross of Calvary.
When we rest in Him and endure temptation through His power and Spirit within us, we are blessed, become more like Him, and our testimony, relationships, and fellowship is strengthened. We are empowered and equipped to serve Him as His ambassadors, ministering to those around us who are hurting and in need. We endure what this world offers that is at war with GOD that we might love and serve one another and disciple one another in the Word of GOD, encouraged and edified to endure the temptation that comes against us. We stand strong in His power, armored and protected by our faith and His Word, that we might go with the Gospel of Jesus Christ to this lost and dying world, and as we go, in the power of the Holy Spirit and at His direction, proclaiming His Good News of forgiveness and reconciliation with the Father, not to continue in sIn, but to receive eternal life in His Name.
For GOD is not willing that any should perish, but that all would come to repentance and the knowledge of the Truth. Jesus loves you and wants to establish a covenant relationship with you that is real and personal. Surrender to Him on His terms and He will give you a brand new life of discipleship and fellowship with Him that is abundant and everlasting. GOD calls you to trust Him and what He has already done for you to pay your sIn debt. He has provided the only way of reconciliation with GOD, forgiveness from GOD, and Salvation through Jesus Christ, the Son of GOD who is GOD the Son, to give you a new life in Christ. Turn away from yourself and your sIn and turn to Him alone for eternal Life, now and always.
In Christ,
Jefferson Sweet
RSS Feed