Safe in the Rock

Temptation is common to us all!
Sometimes temptation arrives like a tornado: quick, violent, then gone.
Sometimes it sidles up to us seductively, whispering invitations to illicit behaviors into our ear.
Sometimes it comes at us like a tidal wave threatening to engulf us and sweep us away.
Sometimes it wraps itself in the gleam of a new idea, offering us 'wisdom' that seems so right at that moment.
And, sometimes it sets up camp like a besieging army, attempting to hold us captive until we acquiesce to its demands.

Yes, I have experienced temptation in all these ways. A few days ago, a temptation to rage suddenly blew into my mind with such force that I felt physically nauseated! I had to leave my office for a while until I could find a place in prayer where I found God's power to overcome it. I have heard greed whisper to my soul. When dealing with situations that defy my control, more than once in my life I have felt the icy water of fear rising in me trying to choke me with terror. My mind occasionally becomes intrigued with a rebel idea that would, given even a bit of attention, draw me from the Truth of Jesus. The battle is sometimes fierce!

Where does temptation come from? The Scripture teaches us that there are three sources: the World, the Sinful Nature, and the Devil!

The systems that surround us that are not centered in God and good (the world!) become a rich source of thoughts that can potentially lead us into temptation. For example, next time you're watching television, consciously note the messages woven into the program content and the commercials. You will not need deep insight to find themes of greed, sensuality, materialism, and selfishness packaged quite attractively! When we are immersed too long in the 'world' the lure of temptation will inevitably increase. That is why the Word tells us "Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him." (1 John 2:15, NIV)

The sinful nature remains a part of us even after the Spirit of God brings us new life in Christ! Writing to Believers about the two kinds of ways to live, Paul says, "The sinful nature wants to do evil, which is just the opposite of what the Spirit wants. And the Spirit gives us desires that are the opposite of what the sinful nature desires. These two forces are constantly fighting each other, so you are not free to carry out your good intentions. ... Since we are living by the Spirit, let us follow the Spirit’s leading in every part of our lives." (Galatians 5:17, 25, NLT) In older translations of the Bible in place of 'sinful nature,' we read 'the flesh.' Why? Because we experience most of the temptations of the sinful nature in terms of our natural body's appetites and desires. Lust, gluttony, craving for pleasure, ease, laziness - are some of the ways that we experience temptation of the sinful nature.

Need I write much about the Devil? Many Believers give the Evil One too much power, by fearing him too greatly, or by attributing too many temptations that come from other sources to him. Yes, he is a fearsome foe. He hates God and good and exploits any and every situation where he finds an opening to do his devilish work. But after warning of his activity, Peter also tells us that we can drive him away. Take a look. "Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour. Stand firm against him, and be strong in your faith." (1 Peter 5:8-9, NLT)

Here's the good news! In Christ, we are victors, not victims. "If you think you are standing strong, be careful not to fall. The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure." (1 Corinthians 10:12-13, NLT)

Take your stand; not in your own goodness, not in your own determination, not even in your own intelligence. Religious rules, self-help, and behavioral modification techniques are limited in what they offer us as Believers to overcome temptation. Our true source of strength is found in the Presence of Christ who died to free us from the tyranny of temptation and the Spirit of God who gives us life. Here's a word from the Word. Trust the truth and be an overcomer. "There is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life set me free from the law of sin and death. ... You, however, are controlled not by the sinful nature but by the Spirit, if the Spirit of God lives in you. And if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Christ. ... those who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God." (Romans 8: 1-2, 9, 14, NIV)
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A mighty Fortress is our God,
A bulwark never failing;
Our Helper He, amid the flood
Of mortal ills prevailing.
For still our ancient foe
Doth seek to work us woe;
His craft and power are great,
And armed with cruel hate,
On earth is not his equal.

Did we in our own strength confide,
Our striving would be losing,
Were not the right Man on our side,
The Man of God's own choosing.
Dost ask who that may be?
Christ Jesus, it is He;
Lord Sabaoth, ( meaning - General of Heaven's Armies!) His name,
From age to age the same,
And He must win the battle.

And though this world,
With devils filled,
Should threaten to undo us,
We will not fear,
For God hath willed,
His will to triumph through us.
The prince of darkness grim,
We tremble not for him.
His rage we can endure,
For, lo,
his doom is sure;
One little word shall fell him.

A Mighty Fortress is Our God
Martin Luther © Public Domain