The subject of this article comes from Solomon’s pen: “My son, if sinners entice thee, consent thou not. If they say, Come with us, let us lay wait for blood, let us lurk privily for the innocent without cause: Let us swallow them up alive as the grave; and whole, as those that go down into the pit: We shall find all precious substance, we shall fill our houses with spoil: Cast in thy lot among us; let us all have one purse: My son, walk not thou in the way with them; refrain thy foot from their path: For their feet run to evil, and make haste to shed blood” (Proverbs 1:10-16). Temptation truly lies at our door on a frequent basis. People of this world desire us to be like them. We know that we cannot give into the desire of worldly people, for such will make us the enemies of God. That point is made clear through the pen of James: “Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God” (James 4:4). Thus, when sinners tempt us or try to attract us to their ways, we are not to agree to go in their way. One point needs to be covered in our introduction to this subject matter. That is, people often like to blame others when they sin. I would hate to think that I wrote an article that could contribute to that idea, thus I want to be extremely clear on this. When sinners entice us and we give in, it is our fault just as much as theirs. When we read the thirteenth chapter of the book of First Kings, we find that the “Old Prophet” lied to the younger to cause the “Young Prophet” to disobey God. The young prophet was put to death by God through the mouth of a lion for His sin. Being enticed by the Old Prophet’s lie was not an excuse. Furthermore, while it is true that God will try our faith, He does not tempt us into sin. Notice what James wrote to answer this: “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. Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man: But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death. Do not err, my beloved brethren” (James 1:12-16). Brethren, it is our weaknesses that are drawn upon by those seeking to tempt us. How do you suppose we can fight that? One thing we can do to prevent those seeking to draw us away from succeeding at their task is to always be on guard. Paul told Timothy: “O Timothy, keep that which is committed to thy trust, avoiding profane and vain babblings, and oppositions of science falsely so called: Which some professing have erred concerning the faith. Grace be with thee. Amen” (I Timothy 6:20-21). The term translated “keep” in the King James Version is translated from the Greek term “phulasso” (Strong’s # 5442). This term literally means “to guard”. We have the gospel, faith, each other, etc. that has been committed to our care. We have to be on guard against that which would destroy what is in our care just as Timothy was instructed. The same term is used in other passages. Notice just two of them: “Ye therefore, beloved, seeing ye know these things before, beware [phulasso] lest ye also, being led away with the error of the wicked, fall from your own stedfastness” (II Peter 3:17). “Little children, keep [phulasso] yourselves from idols. Amen” (I John 5:21). The Bible emphatically reminds us over and over again to watch or guard ourselves against sin (Ezekiel 3:17-27, Acts 20:31, I Corinthians 16:13, I Thessalonians 5:6, and II Timothy 4:5). However, once on guard against those things that will draw us away we must also be on guard against the idea that we can’t fall since we’re watching. Jesus said: “Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak” (Matthew 26:41). You see, Jesus instructed to watch, but also cautioned about the weakness of the flesh. Sometimes we get the idea that we are strong enough to overcome anything. Brethren, the greatest of our day and days past are capable of failure. From Adam (Genesis 3:6), to Noah (Genesis 9:20ff.), to Abraham (Genesis 20:1ff.), to Isaac (Genesis 26:6ff.) to David (II Samuel 11:1ff.), Peter (Matthew 16:21-23), Paul (I Timothy 1:12-13), and others recorded in inspiration; we see that great men can fail. Thus, we must realize that we are not above temptation, but we must rise above the point of submission to temptation. What do you often think about? If you often think about things that lead to sinfulness, well opportunity lies at the door. If we are bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ (II Corinthians 10:5), our minds are not preparing thoughts which lead to sin. In fact, the more and more we focus on godly things, the less we find those things which oppose godliness attractive. The proof of this is found in the words of the Psalmist: “Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee… Therefore I esteem all thy precepts concerning all things to be right; and I hate every false way.” (Psalms 119:11; 128). Let’s simply not give in! Brethren, let’s not agree with sin or to commit sin. We cannot agree with sin and the Lord at the same time. Thus, we find ourselves outside of Christ when we are “in” with sin. Thus, I conclude with inspiration to prove this point: “Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel? And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you. And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty” (II Corinthians 6: 14-18). |
| Volume VII ~ Issue XXV ~ March 18th, 2007 |
Words of Truth Weekly - Online Edition
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What must one do to be saved (Acts 2:37)? Hear and believe the Gospel (Mark 16:15-16 & Romans 10:17),
repent of their sins (Acts 3:19), confess Christ (Acts 8:37), and be baptized (immersed) for the remission of
sins into the church of Christ (Acts 2:38, I Corinthians 12:12-13, and Romans 6:1-6). One must then remain
faithful (Rev. 2:10).
repent of their sins (Acts 3:19), confess Christ (Acts 8:37), and be baptized (immersed) for the remission of
sins into the church of Christ (Acts 2:38, I Corinthians 12:12-13, and Romans 6:1-6). One must then remain
faithful (Rev. 2:10).
| Edited by: Brian A. Yeager |
| If Sinners Entice Thee, Consent Thou Not By: Brian A. Yeager |
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| Be On Guard |
| Not Giving In |
| The Spirit Indeed is Willing, But the Flesh is Weak |
| Conclusion |