Time Out for God

Devotional Ministry

By Danna Appleby

www.timeoutforgod.com

The Spirit vs. the Flesh

For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary to each other, so that you do not do the things that you wish.  (Gal. 5:17)

Many Christians believe if they’re being tempted, then surely there must be something spiritually wrong with them. In fact, some begin to think of themselves as an evil person.  But the fact is, even Jesus was tempted by the devil when He was in the wilderness for 40 days. Jesus not only abstained from doing anything wrong, but blasted the devil after every temptation by using the Word of God.  When Jesus began each dynamic comeback with, “It is written,” the enemy’s plan against Him was shattered!  (Mt. 4:1-11)

The Apostle Peter wrote these words of warning to the Christians at Asia Minor :

Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.  Resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world.  (I Peter 5:8-9)

When we’re tempted we don’t need to worry, but we better do something about it if we’re giving in it.  Temptation is not sin.  Partaking of it is.  

What we allow our bodies to do can become sin.  What we allow our minds to think about can become sin.  What we allow our hands to do can become sin.  Where we allow our feet to go can become sin.  What bed we allow ourselves to lie down in can become sin.  This is some straight talk, but I’m telling you these things to warn you. 

The serpent enticed Eve in the Garden of Eden and persuaded her to eat of the forbidden fruit.  She didn’t resist in spite of the fact that God said not to eat of it.  Once Adam had eaten of it, as well, he and Eve were expelled from the beautiful garden God prepared for them to enjoy and maintain.  There are always consequences to pay for disobeying God.

When the devil dangles what we know is sin in front of our eyes, how many times do we not only take a look and consider the temptation, but jump in with both feet?  We may know the Bible from cover to cover, but still give in.  Why is that?  It has to do with the “sin nature” or “fleshly lusts” which come packaged in every human being created.  That nature is placed there so that we will have a choice between obeying God and going our own way. The sin nature must be fought against with great self-control and resistance every day of our lives, but we can make it with God’s help.  Sometimes it may be difficult, but it will all be worth it in the end. 

For the sake of clarification, let’s look at what the Word says are the works of the flesh:

Now the works of the flesh are evident, which are: adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lewdness, idolatry, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissentions, heresies, envy, murders, drunkenness, revelries, and the like; of which I tell you beforehand, just as I also told you in time past, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.  (Gal. 5:19-21)

There’s a constant conflict going on within us if we’re a born again Believer.  It’s a battle between the sinful nature and the Spirit.

Beloved, I beg you as sojourners and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts which war against the soul.  (I Peter 2:11)

Can a Christian fall into sin? Absolutely! A Christian can become so involved in a sin they actually become a “slave” to it instead of becoming a slave to righteousness. (Jn. 8:34; Rom. 6:18)  As we study the Word of God, we can see that the Apostle Paul wrote letters to the churches warning Christians of that very thing. 

A born again Christian has the Holy Spirit living inside and that means we are the temple of God and God’s Spirit dwells within.  (1 Cor. 3:16)  Be careful not to defile that temple and grieve the Holy Spirit.  (Eph. 4:30) 

When you’re a slave to sin, it compels you because it latches on like a claw.  It draws you to sin over and over making it difficult to escape.  The Holy Spirit’s conviction is the only thing that’s going to pry you away from the enemy’s grip, but that’s only if you’re willing to let go of it and pray through to the victory.  If that’s happened to you, run from it with all your might and never look back!

Stand fast therefore in the liberty by which Christ has made us free and do not be entangled again with a yoke of bondage.  (Gal. 5:1)

The enemy has been deceiving people for centuries causing them to believe they can continue to bow to temptation, God will wink at their sin and all will be well.  They believe God is going to answer their prayers even though they’re openly living in sin and rebellion.  God says He will not be mocked.  (Gal. 6:7; Mt. 12:36; Heb. 13:4)

Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body so that you obey its evil desires.  Do not offer the parts of your body to sin, as instruments of wickedness, but rather offer yourselves to God, as those who have been brought from death to life; and offer the parts of your body to Him as instruments of righteousness. ( Rom. 6:12-13 NIV)

Temptation starts out as a tiny seed planted in the mind by the enemy. Satan shoots his fiery dart and waits to see if it takes root.  You may be thinking, “I can’t control the thoughts that come in my mind.” What we must do when that happens is to “move the mind away from the thought,” and say, “no!”  Don’t let the thought continue to stay there festering away because the longer you do, it will become sin.  We must guard our minds at all cost because the enemy comes at us through the mind.  We’re to turn away from all fleshly passions and desires and not dwell on them because we’re to have the mind of Christ.  (1 Cor. 2:16)

Jesus prayed and said, “And do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.” (Mt. 6:13 NKJV) That prayer was for our benefit so we will know we can petition the Father for help.  We must pray over ourselves daily so that we will be able to resist temptation.

Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation.  The spirit is willing but the flesh is weak.  (Mt. 26:41 NKJV)

The enemy isn’t going to give up on us until we leave this world for Glory and we must keep in mind that he is a snake waiting to strike!  That’s why it’s important to study the Word of God, and as we learn, God’s Word will be hidden in our hearts and we won’t allow ourselves to sin against God.  (Ps. 119:11)

What if temptation has overtaken you and you need to make things right with God again?  Remember Jesus Christ is our Advocate who goes to the Father for us:

My little children, these things I write to you, so that you may not sin.  And if anyone sins, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous. (1 John 2:1) 

Confess your sins to the Father and He will be faithful and just to forgive you from all unrighteousness.  (1 Jn. 1:9)  It’s a good time now to reminisce and reflect on the first time you knelt at that old rugged cross and found the grace of God.  Remember the comforting arms that embraced you with His love and forgiveness.  Kneel at the cross once again and that faithful loving One, Jesus Christ our Redeemer, will meet you there. 

Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love Him.  James 1:12