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In Times of Temptation

Jan 25, 2013
Many people mistake temptation for the actual act of sin, yet these two things are not the same. If we are to achieve victory in the Christian life, we must learn to distinguish between them.
For example, it is important to understand that the enticement to sin does not necessarily mean that the act of sin must follow. Rather, temptation involves a process through which our hearts, minds, and bodies are preparing for the sinful behavior to take place. Interrupting this process can stop the growing temptation dead in its tracks.
Let me describe the progression for you. It begins with something as simple as a glance. Isn’t this how David’s sin with Bathsheba all started in 2 Samuel 11:1-5? The enticement entered his thinking by way of the eyes, and then he began to nurse his desire.
Once the image is set in our mind, we make a choice: Am I going to continue with this desire or not? As these thoughts tumble through our minds, we begin to fantasize and then develop a great desire for the object.
After that come decision and pursuit, through which we do whatever is necessary to achieve our goal. Finally, this process culminates with the sinful action.
Sin doesn’t happen immediately; it’s the result of a process. What this means is, you have ability to stop the momentum at any time. Ask the Lord for the awareness to perceive these steps as they happen, so that you might put an end to the sinful chain of events before it’s too late.
God bless you!
Amen

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