THINK VICTORY! ATTACKING THE CITADEL'S STRONGEST PART

TEMPTATION - A RE-VISIT

"Keep watching and praying that you may not come into temptation ..." Mark 14:38

Several years ago I was impacted by Bruce Wilkinson's book, PERSONAL HOLINESS IN TIMES OF TEMPTATION. So much so that we made it a part of the curriculum that we teach at the Colony of Mercy.

One of the things that Bruce teaches is that when we are faced with temptation, God always provides us with a "way of escape" uniquely crafted by our Father (See 1 Corinthians 10:13) That principle has been a big help to me when facing temptation.

This summer I read a book that I have wanted to read for several years but just couldn't get through it. Puritan John Owen has a huge work on temptation, but our friends at Banner of Truth recently released an abridged edition. IT IS A MUST READ!!! For the next several days, I want to share with you some nuggets that I have gleaned from the book that I believe we all need to hear in regards to temptation.

It was helpful for me to understand the definition of temptation:

"A temptation, in general, is anything that, for any reason, exerts a force or influence to seduce and draw the mind and heart of man from the obedience which God requires of him to any kind of sin.

In particular, it is a temptation if it causes a man to sin, gives him opportunity to do so, or causes him to neglect his duty. Temptation may suggest evil to heart, or draw out the evil that is already there! It is also a temptation to a man if something is by any means able to distract him from his communion with God, or the consistent universal obedience that is required of him.

To clarify, I am considering temptation not just as the active force of seduction to sin, but also the thing itself by which we are tempted. Whatever it is, within us or without us, that hinders us from duty or provides an occasion for sin, this should be considered temptation. It could be business, employment, the course of one's life, company, affections, nature, corrupt purposes, relations, delights, honor, reputation, esteem, position, abilities, gifts, etc., that provide the opportunity to sin or neglect duty. These are true temptations just as much as the most violent solicitations of Satan or allurements of the world. Whoever does not realize this in on the brink of ruin." Temptation - Resisted and Repulsed by John Owen

Think through your particular temptations through the lens of this powerful definition of temptation. My guess is that you never thought about it that way - well I hope you will now.

Great quote: The desire of love is to give. The desire of lust is to get. Ed Cole


I have ordered copies of the book and they are available through the Keswick Book & Gift Shop. Call and purchase your copy today: 732-350-1187 ext. 31.