2 Tim 2:15 "Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth."
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WHEN IS MAN TEMPTED?
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 14
James 1:14
Proverbs 4:23
“Keep thy heart with all diligence;
for out of it are the issues of life.”
WHEN IS MAN TEMPTED?
From yesterday’s devotion, we know that the temptation to sin is not of God, but of the Devil. This is the true and proper understanding of the cause of sin. Although we acknowledge God’s decrees over all the events in this universe, God’s Permissive Will does not suggest that He is the origin of sin (Job 1:12; 2:6).
When he is drawn away by his own lust: James points to man’s lust which draws him away from God. It is man’s sinful flesh that is particularly inclined towards sin. Man’s lust is like a magnet – it is always attracted to sin. The devil also cannot do anything without man’s participation and cooperation. There is no more significant influence to sin than man’s nature, as David admits, “Behold, I was shapen in iniquity; and in sin did my mother conceive me” (Ps 51:5). Man is bent on sinning because of the lust of the flesh, lust of the eyes and the pride of life, which are part of man’s nature.
When he is enticed to sin: To entice is to allure or beguile by using bait to seize or arrest. Immoral pleasures entice man’s sinful nature. So will the glitter of material, and the praises of man. These evil desires are like hungry fishes ready to devour the bait, not noticing the hook. As quickly as a dry twig catches fire, so will man’s sinful flesh also burn when subjected to the flames of sinful seductions.
Dear reader, if you have not received Jesus Christ as your Lord and Saviour, the above truths describe you. Christians, however, should still be mindful of this truth as we are given the mind of Christ to think and ponder on the dangers of sin. Although we are regenerated, and the Spirit of God indwells us, we are still enveloped by this body that is vulnerable to falling into sin. Let us not be caught by Satan’s hook. We have been delivered out of it, so let us be careful not to be entangled again. Read the wisdom of Solomon in Proverbs 1:10-19.
THOUGHT: Am I sensitive to the wiles of the devil that cause me to sin?
PRAYER: Father, may Thy word be hidden in my heart that I might not sin against Thee (Ps 119:11).