Sucker Punches

Temptation:

     Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything....
      Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those love him.
      When tempted, no one should say, " God is tempting me." For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; but he is dragged away and enticed. Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives to death.
       Don't be deceived, my dear brothers....
     So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don't fall! No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.

Scripture:

James 1:2-4, 12-16;
1 Corinthians 10:12-13

Defining Moments:

Satan didn't sleep through your salvation experience. Your sudden departure from the kingdom of darkness into the kingdom of light sent off warning flares in his security division. He set a strategic plan in motion to make sure your faith gets lost on its way to your lifestyle.
    So never underestimate the depths of his deceit. He knows a lot about you, for sure. But we know a few things about him.
     For one, we know that God has limited the reach of Satan's temptations. The devil may hold the night stick, but God holds the leash. And God can even turn those schemes to your advantage, using them to toughen muscles in your character and open your eyes to place where you're trusting self instead of trusting God.
      Remember, too, that temptation isn't sin. It just feels like it. And nowhere in the whole process are you forced to comply--even if you're not quick enough to douse the first flicker of Satan's finesse.
      He can quicken your own desire. But he can't make you do anything. Don't believe a word he says.

Next Up:

    BUt no matter how hard you try, even though you know God's forgiven you, you still carry the guilt of things you've done in the past. Where does that go to die?

Quote:

     " The devil knows that if he can get our minds to dwell on certain sins, then it will be just a matter of time before those sins are acted out." -Greg Laurrie