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Temptation
by Keith Greer
While we live on this earth, we are going to have obstacles, trials, tests, and temptations. How we handle these temptations will determine where we spend eternity. Let us look a little closer at this thing called temptation.
“My brethren count it all joy when you fall into various trials” (James 1:2). Our temptations are going to come in various forms. Some will be in the flesh (which we all deal with in one way or another); some from the type of job we have. Others from our weaknesses. We must prepare ourselves for these events.
“In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials” (I Peter 1:6).
Where will these temptations come from? On all fronts. Friends, family, co-workers, neighbors, and brethren. Yes, even brethren. How? Let us suppose a brother in Christ wants to share some gossip with you about another member. What should you do? Listen? This is a subtle temptation.
“But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desire and enticed” (James 1:14).
“For this reason, when I could no longer endure it, I sent to know your faith, lest by some means the tempter had tempted you, and our labor might be in vain” (I Thessalonians 3:5).
Never forget who is behind every temptation – Satan! He will use our own desires to trap and enslave us to do his will. Satan’s only aim is to destroy our soul and cause our-spiritual ruin. This is the sole purpose of each temptation. Remember, Satan cares nothing about you!
“That the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ” (I Peter 1:7).
“But may the God of all grace, who called us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a while, perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you” (I Peter 5:10).
Can temptations help us in any way? Yes! It can make us stronger and more determined to serve God. How? By withstanding and overcoming each one. It better prepares us for the next trials and temptations Satan sets for us. We can win – believe it!
“Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him” (James 1:12).
Endurance is the key to our victory. Temptations are temporal, they will not last forever. We need to face them with the knowledge that they cannot defeat us, unless we allow them the opportunity. God will deliver us.
“No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it” (I Corinthians 10:13).
“Then the Lord knows how to deliver the godly out of temptations and to reserve the unjust under punishment for the day of judgment” (II Peter 2:9).
God has not left us helpless against the onslaught of the enemy. We can defend ourselves and defeat him. Yet, this battle cannot be avoided. Every day of one’s life we are engaged in the war between the flesh and spirit. One of them will gain control. Who will it be? The one that we yield submission to in our lives. Each day Satan will engage us into the fray. Victory over us cannot be gained without our help. Only when one yields to temptation is sin born and we know that sin brings separation from God. Trust God and pursue the course He says is better!
The Last Words Of Scripture
by Keith Greer
How important are one’s last words? Last words of a parent, husband, wife, children, or good friend will always be remembered. It is the last thing they will speak to anyone – words we will always cherish.
Have you ever considered the “final words” of God to mankind? Let us turn our attention to the book of Revelation, chapter twenty-two, verses twelve through twenty.
“… to give to everyone according to his work” (verse 12). God is going to judge each one according to his works. Not my parents, not Adam’s, but MY WORK! Blame or praise will be where it belongs, on my shoulders!
“I am the Alpha and Omega … the First and the Last” (verse 13). This is His authority and right to render judgment; He is the Son of God! To be sure, His verdict will be just and impartial.
“Blessed are those who do His commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life …” (verse14). Blessings will be given to the obedient. This principle has been eternal. God expects man to obey Him in all things (cf. Hebrews 5:9).
“But outside are ... sexually immoral... whoever loves and practices a lie” (verse 15). Those who live, and practice sin will find themselves on the outside looking in, separated from God forever!
“… I am the Root and Offspring of David, the Bright and Morning Star” (verse 16). He is the only Savior promised through prophecy; He came and fulfilled His Father’s will (cf. Revelation 5:5).
“And the Spirit and the bride say ‘Come’! And let Him who hears say, ‘Come’! …” (verse 17). This is the Lord’s invitation to all of mankind. His grace, mercy, and the power of His shed blood is for the taking in simple trusting obedience.
“… If anyone adds to these things, God will add to him the plagues written in this book; if anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part from the Book of Life, from the holy city …” (verses 18-19). God gives easily understood instructions concerning the handling of this book. DO NOT TAMPER WITH IT! Yet, that is exactly what men have done. Is any other book so twisted, perverted, and taken out of context than Revelation? So many teach doctrines which are contrary to plain Bible teaching: 1,000-year reign, establishment of physical kingdom in Israel, purified earth, and a host of other strange conclusions. It is dangerous to tamper with the word of God!
“… Surely I am coming quickly … The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all” (verses 20- 21). This statement is telling of the certainty of His coming. God’s grace will keep us until then. They were comforting words for those who were suffering such intense persecutions at the time. For us also, to fully understand the reward will be worth the struggle! AMEN!
What can we say about these final words? It should give us much to ponder. These words are as sure as any other passage of scripture. Yet, they have much more meaning, since it was the last message the Holy Spirit revealed to us concerning the mind of God!
This reminds me of the final words of Christ prior to His death on the cross. “… It is finished!” (John 19:30). Jesus had finished the work His Father sent Him to accomplish: the sacrifice for sin, the debt paid! Man, now has hope. Man’s awful work was done, and God’s wonderful work had now been revealed to men – a remedy for sin! The final words of scripture can be counted on and give us many things to soberly ponder!