Happy is the mane who doesn't give in and do wrong when tempted, for afterwards he will get as his reward the crown of life that God has promised those who love Him.
JAMES 1:12 (LB)
My temptations have been my masters in divinity.
Martin Luther
"Every temptation is an opportunity to do good." p201
"...temptation is satan's primary weapon to destroy you." p201
"Satan tries to get you to doubt what God has said about the sin: Is is really wrong? Did God really say not to do it? Didn't God mean this prohibition for someone else or other time? The Bible warns, 'Watch out ! Don't let evil thoughts or doubts make any of you turn from the living God.'" p204
"James warns: 'We are tempted when we are drawn away and trapped by our own evil desires. Then our evil desires conceive and give birth to sin; and sin, when it is fill-grown, gives birth to death. Do not be deceived, my dear friends." p204
"You can't keep the devil from suggesting thoughts, but you can choose not to dwell or act on them." p205
"...we're embarrassed to ask God for help because we keep giving in to the same temptation over and over. But God never gets irritated, bored, or impatient when we keep coming back to Him. The Bible says, 'Let us have confidence, then, and approach God's throne, where there is grace. There we will receive mercy and find grace to help us when we need it.'" p207
"God's love is everlasting, and His patience endures forever. If you have to cry our for God's help two hundred times a day to defeat a particular temptation, he will still be eager to give mercy and grace, so come boldly. Ask Him for the power to do the right thing and then expect Him to provide it.
Temptations keep us dependant upon God. Just as the roots grow stronger when wind blows against a tree, so every time you stand up to temptation you become more like Jesus. When you stumble - which you will - it is not fatal. Instead of giving in or giving up, look up to God, expect Him to help you, and remember the reward that is waiting for you: 'When people are tempted and still continue strong, they should be happy. After they have proved their faith, God will reward them with life forever.'" p 208
Point to Ponder:
Every temptation is an opportunity to do good.
Verses to Remember:
"God blesses the people who patiently endure testing. Afterward they will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love Him." JAMES 1:12 (NLT)
Question to Consider:
What Christlike character quality can I develop by defeating the most common temptation I face?
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