Pam Padgett ... teacher
James exhorted us to endure temptation, not going in its way. Not only are those who endure temptation blessed, but there is a reward, the crown of life, for those who, because
they love God, do not go in the way the temptation lead.
James 1:12 Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is
tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised
to them that love him. 13 Let no man say when he is tempted, I am
tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he
any man: 14 But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own
lust, and enticed. 15 Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth
sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death. 16 Do not err, my beloved brethren.
We are each tempted when we are drawn away of our own
lusts, strong desires to satisfy the flesh. But these lusts lead in the
way that eventually ends in death.
However,
every good and perfect gift is from God. This truth shines a light on
the deceitfulness of lusts that can seem so desirable. No matter how
appealing the things our flesh lusts after seem
to us, only those things from God are good and perfect.
James 1:17 Every good gift and every perfect
gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with
whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.
It
is God who provides those things that are truly good and perfect for
us, and which lead in the way of life. Rather than following our lusts,
we turn to God with our desires, trusting Him to provide what is best
for us and protect us from what would bring harm or destruction.
And we have the promise that God will not withhold any good thing from those who walk uprightly, those who walk according to His ways ...
Psalm 84:11 For the Lord God is a sun and shield: the Lord will give grace and glory: no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly. 12 O Lord of hosts, blessed is the man that trusteth in thee.
Joan Boney ... apostle/prophet
In the midst of temptation, we have 2 strong advocates. We call on God for help to get us through the temptation and Jesus prays for us and the Holy Spirit prays for us.
Concerning Jesus:
Heb. 7:25 ... 24But this man, because he continueth ever, hath an unchangeable priesthood. 25Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them.
Heb. 9:24 ... For Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands, which are the figures of the true; but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us:
Romans 8:34 ... It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us.
And the Holy Spirit interceeds for us.
Romans 8:27 ... And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God.
And we have this promise of God: In the midst of the temptation, when you lack wisdom to deal with the temptation, we can pray for wisdom and God will give it to us.
James 1 ... My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; 3Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. 4But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing. 5 If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.
God shows us what to do that we can overcome the temptation and go in the way of God.
No wonder Paul said: Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. 38For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, 39Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8