Daily Companion  |  17 March

WORLDLINESS, TEMPTATION AND SIN

Bible Passage: Genesis 3:1-8; Matthew 4:1-10 

  For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. (1 John 2:16). 

Sin does not just happen. It is a process that starts with worldliness, a desire (lust) for something: something for the flesh (to eat), for the eyes (to be attracted to) or to make one proud (feel important). Desire is having interest, pleasure, or passion in a thing. You may also have no desire at all in a thing. 

The process of obtaining desire is where temptation comes in. To desire money is not a bad thing but the process to acquire the money is where temptation comes. Temptation is an inner or external suggestion to obtain your desire through a wrong process. The moment you are convinced or consent to this wrong process, it becomes a sin.  

 When the woman saw that the tree was good for food [the lust of the flesh], and that it was pleasant to the eyes [the lust of the eyes], and a tree to be desired to make one wise (the pride of life), she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and gave also unto her husband with her; and he did eat. (Genesis 3:6). The same tempter came to Jesus, “If thou be the Son of God, command that these stones be made bread [the lust of the flesh].” The devil also...sheweth him all the kingdoms of the world, and the glory of them [the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life] (Matthew 4: 3, 8). 

From worldliness (desire for things in the world) to temptation (wrong process to obtain things), and to sin (consent to the wrong process), man is empowered by a will to break the chain. This willpower is called choice: the choice to consent to or resist a temptation. God said, “See, I have set before thee this day life and good, and death and evil” (Deuteronomy 30:15). Many people’s willpower is weakened by inherence, influence, or infirmities to successfully resist temptations. This where you need Jesus, my dear friend. 

For we have not a high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. (Hebrews 4:15). 

First, you need Jesus Christ to save you from the temper. Secondly, You must be rooted in God’s word by studying it daily. This will help you to develop a strong willpower to resist temptation. Jesus answered.... Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God. Thirdly, be bold to say NO! Then saith Jesus unto him, Get thee hence, Satan. Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. (James 4:7). 

Today’s Recite: There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it. (1 Corinthians 10:13).   

Today’s Morning Prayer: O Lord Jesus, I come to you for grace and mercy. I need You to overcome the tempter. Save me. Empower me from this day and forever. Amen!

 Today’s Hymn: Yield Not to Temptation

Today’s Read Me: Judges 13 – 15