Spiritual Growth Eph.4:11-16. Continuation
The question often asked is, How should we face Temptation?
There is only one example to follow in Scripture, that of the Lord Jesus, the way He faced the Devil and his temptation. We need to note the strategy of the Devil and how the Lord dealt with it.
The Lord did not face temptation in His own strength but with the Word of God. That is the weapon God placed in our hands and we must use it-Luke 4:3-4. The Devil has no authority against the Word of God, only lies and more lies.
Many believers are not wise enough and get into an argument with the Devil. Never do such a thing. He knows his job better than we do, but it is vital to discern where temptation comes from. Apart from the Devil it can come or originate from our own carnal desires. Temptation can usually start in our own minds as thoughts and if we allow them to take hold of our will they will lead to sin. A thought is not necessarily sin, provided we deal with it there and then in the Name of Jesus. If the thought persists in coming back in an uncanny way beware! It is probably from the Devil. The Devil will work closely with our flesh but Jesus said, 'If your eye offends you....'-Matt.18:9.
Do not let temptation overcome you but overcome temptation with God's Word. The Devil will do his best to control your mind with sinful thoughts. Keep your mind under the Power of the Blood. Every day plead the blood upon you to protect you from the devil's fiery darts. You cannot stop a bird flying round your head but you can stop it making a nest in your hair.
We have to face temptation but sometimes run away from the agent of temptation (c.f. Joseph's action against Potipher's wife.)
How does Temptation affect our spiritual Growth? Usually, by making the person feel continually that sin has been committed or there is failure in the Christian life, but it is written 'Walk in the Spirit and you shall not fulfill the lusts of the flesh...'-Gal.5:16. To be continued
The question often asked is, How should we face Temptation?
There is only one example to follow in Scripture, that of the Lord Jesus, the way He faced the Devil and his temptation. We need to note the strategy of the Devil and how the Lord dealt with it.
The Lord did not face temptation in His own strength but with the Word of God. That is the weapon God placed in our hands and we must use it-Luke 4:3-4. The Devil has no authority against the Word of God, only lies and more lies.
Many believers are not wise enough and get into an argument with the Devil. Never do such a thing. He knows his job better than we do, but it is vital to discern where temptation comes from. Apart from the Devil it can come or originate from our own carnal desires. Temptation can usually start in our own minds as thoughts and if we allow them to take hold of our will they will lead to sin. A thought is not necessarily sin, provided we deal with it there and then in the Name of Jesus. If the thought persists in coming back in an uncanny way beware! It is probably from the Devil. The Devil will work closely with our flesh but Jesus said, 'If your eye offends you....'-Matt.18:9.
Do not let temptation overcome you but overcome temptation with God's Word. The Devil will do his best to control your mind with sinful thoughts. Keep your mind under the Power of the Blood. Every day plead the blood upon you to protect you from the devil's fiery darts. You cannot stop a bird flying round your head but you can stop it making a nest in your hair.
We have to face temptation but sometimes run away from the agent of temptation (c.f. Joseph's action against Potipher's wife.)
How does Temptation affect our spiritual Growth? Usually, by making the person feel continually that sin has been committed or there is failure in the Christian life, but it is written 'Walk in the Spirit and you shall not fulfill the lusts of the flesh...'-Gal.5:16. To be continued
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