Today’s Reading:
James 1:9-16
“Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God. For God cannot be tempted with evil, neither does he tempt any man.” (James 1:13)
These four words temptation, persecution, trial, and test are being misunderstood but they are distinct except for trial and test. Though their root meaning may be similar the result of each is different. Persecution comes from men. It is a form of harassment, threat or provocation so that an individual (especially a Christian) can deny his faith or belief in God. The Devil is also behind this with the instrumentality of men.
Test or trial could be used interchangeably. It is God that test or tried. The intention behind testing is to bring out the best of a man and position him for higher level spiritually. God tested Abraham in Genesis 22 with his only son that he loved. Thank God he passed the test. Several Christians have failed God’s test. Temptation is from the devil. The devil intends to bring down individuals, especially children of God (Matthew 4:1-11). The devil is the tempter. He orchestrated temptation so that he could brag before God that His children were not standing and taking glory just like he did in the Garden of Eden. The scripture has categorically stated that God is not a tempter. But one needs to ask where does temptation come from? The answer is in verse 14 of the pericope we are considering in James chapter 1. But every man is tempted when he is drawn away by his lust and enticed. The method the Devil uses first is to draw away. To draw away is to divert one’s attention, to take one away from areas of protection or to make one move out of the circumference of God’s grace. And this drawing away is done with the instrumentality of lust. Lust is a strong longing or desire for something contrary to God’s will for one’s life. This lust could be lust for money, pleasure, sex or material things. Adam and Eve fell through lust. Devil tempted Jesus with the same lust which John put together to be lust of the eyes, the lust of the flesh and pride of life (I John 2:16). This lust entices, it appears juicy, sweet and irresistible (Genesis 3:6). Once a man falls for the trick of Satan through lust then the devil will be happy. Because in the realm of the spirit, it is a minus for that child of God and a plus for the devil. Every day you must realize that you have a tiger to tame, a lion to subdue and a horse to hold tightly. May you not fall for any temptation in Jesus' name.
The devil doesn’t tempt a man with what he doesn’t like or need. The devil uses man’s desire and immediate needs to get him. The devil saw that Jesus was hungry and he tempted him with food, he saw that Adam and Eve were bothered about the fruits and he came in through that. David had issues with the opposite sex then he lured him into intercourse with Bathsheba. He saw that Joseph was a single brother with sexual urges then he brought Mrs. Potiphar his way. But lust is just the foundation of the Devil’s work. Lust alone cannot finish the work. In James 1:15, the scripture says when lust has conceived, it gives birth to sin and when sin is full-grown brings forth death. If lust is not quickly and seriously dealt with, it moves to the level of sinning and when one gets a PhD in sin then death follows.
Friends, what level are you now Lust, Sin or Death? If yours is still lust, then you need to arise and deal with it before it metamorphoses into sin. It takes time for lust to deliver its baby, kill lust before it kills you. Is your own at the level of sin then come to Jesus today, confess and forsake your sin (I John1:9, Proverbs 28:13). But if yours is at the level of death, thank God you are still alive you haven’t died physically rather spiritually there’s still hope for you. The power of resurrection is still active and powerful, come to him today before it’s too late (Isaiah 55:6-7).
JAMES ALADE
To surrender your life to Christ, say this prayer aloud. “Father, I acknowledge my sin against You. I repent and ask for forgiveness, in the name of Jesus. I surrender to the Lordship of Jesus. By the power of Your Holy Spirit, take control of my heart and lead me in Your path of righteousness. Thank you, Lord.”
If you said the prayer, Congratulations! Prayerfully look for a living church and report to the resident reverend, pastor or priest.
Prayer:
Strongholds of lust be broken in my life in Jesus' name
Weapons of the enemy used against my life, catch fire in Jesus' name
My father, my father deliver me from the power of lust, sin and death in Jesus' name
Whatever that will finish me, Oh God finish it now in Jesus' name
Lord, help me to preach in my unique way.
Lord, help me to lead souls to You and not away from You.
Lord, bless my feet and make me a carrier of Your blessings.
May God bless your feet and the earth on which you walk and guide you to health, wealth and boundless joy. Amen.
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