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Writer's pictureOliver Hamilton

Dealing with Temptations



Matthew 5:48: “You therefore shall be perfect as your Heavenly Father is perfect.

Comprehensively, this word from Yeshua is a summarized declaration of what he expects of those who are in his Father’s kingdom, and therefore it is a summarized declaration of what is made possible to them through God.

 

Now, temptations are an aberration against our purpose, our hope and goal in life. To thwart us off course toward our destination. Temptations are the misfiring of a retro rocket in our journey in life to throw us off course (as in space flight).



James 1:12: “Blessed is the man that endures temptations, because, having stood the test, that man will receive the crown of life that the LORD has promised to those who love Him.

Who with patience and constancy will eagerly go through all difficulties in the way of his duties? The tried believer shall be a crowned one, and the crown he shall wear will be a crown of life, and it will last forever. Our enduring temptations must be from a principle of love to God, otherwise, this promise is of no value.

 

Tempted of God?

 

God cannot be tempted Himself, so neither can He be a tempter to others. He cannot be a promoter of what is repugnant to His nature. Afflictions as sent by God, are designed to draw out our graces, but not our corruptions. In other words, the combustible matter is in us, though through the flame we may be blown up by some outward causes.



As such, we must strive to live holy lives. Holiness consists of two parts:


  1. Forsaking that which is evil; and

  2. Cleaving to that which is good.

 

These two things, reversed, are the two parts of sin. The heart is carried from that which is good and enticed to cleave to that which is evil. It is first by corrupt inclinations, or by lusting after or coveting some sensual or worldly thing, that we are estranged from God. Gradually without checking, we can be drawn away from Him. This reversal from Him can build up in momentum, ultimately ensuing in death of the body and of the soul.

 

Remember, we must be perfect as our Heavenly Father is perfect. Only then can we endure the temptations in our lives. Only then can we pass the test and receive the crown of life.

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