Monthly Archives: September 2014

Weekly Devotional 9-29-14 T o Have Victory Over Temptation

Weekly Devotional 9-29-14 To Have Victory Over Temptation

Commenting on the devotional “Repentance That is of Saving Faith” posted on 9-15-14 a friend claimed that it is possible for a person to be repentant each time of a sin that he or she commits repeatedly. His claim, while it may not be applicable to him, led me to think that there are many who use such a consideration as a license to continue in their sin. No such license however is granted by God. In truth, God through the apostle Paul wrote, “For the wages of sin is death” (Romans 6:23a). Paul was led to write in another letter that sin separates one from God. He wrote; “there is no fellowship between righteousness and unrighteousness; between spiritual light and spiritual darkness. Separate yourselves from such practices (from such sin) And I will be a Father unto you and ye shall be my sons and daughters” (See 1st Corinthians 6:18). While not stated, the implication is, God is not the Father of those who live in unrighteousness (continue in sin), they do not qualify as being His sons and daughters.

The apostle John, by inspiration of the Holy Spirit wrote; 4He who says, “I know Him,” and does not keep His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. 5But whoever keeps His word, truly the love of God is perfected in him. By this we know that we are in Him. 6He who says he abides in Him ought himself also to walk just as He walked” (1 John 2:4-6 NKJV).

While it may be difficult to keep His commandments and not continue in sin, it is possible. Paul wrote, “No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it” (1st Corinthians 10:13 NKJV).

The Apostle John added, “A person who is born again will readily recognize sin in his (or her) life, will agree with God about it, will turn from it, and will seek God’s forgiveness for it” (see 1st John 1:9). “Everyone who lives righteously and does not practice sin is born of God” (see 1st John 2:29; 3:9). “A person who is born again will keep His commandments” (see 1st John 2:3). “The love of God exists in the person who does not continue to love the things of the unregenerate world” (see 1st John 2:15).

The only way to have victory over sin is to make sure that we (that you) have been born again. And, being born again we (you) are too; “13 Take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. 14Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; 16above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. 17And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God” (Ephesians 6:13-17 NKJV). Another way of looking at this is; “16Walk in the Spirit, and you (we) shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh. 17For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary to one another, so that you do not do the things that you wish”(Galatians 5:16-17).

While we all struggle with sin, victory is possible. True repentance produces a change of heart and mind. We are to put off the old man (our old way of life) which alienates us toward God producing corruption and are to put on the new man, created by God in true righteousness and holiness. (See Ephesians 4:17-24). We are to saturate ourselves with the word of God; and are to commit ourselves to knowing and obeying His commands.

stevelampman@comcast.net stevelampman.com
Transforming Power; The Work of God on Behalf of Man

www.gbchurch.us

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