MID-WEEK MANNA FROM PASTOR NAT’S DESK:
April 17, 2024
The Law of God and the Cross of Christ Series – No. 7
THE FOURTH ‘WAY OF ESCAPE’ FOR ALL TEMPTED, FALLEN SINNERS
“Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried [by the temptation], he shall receive the crown of life [or ‘the crown that is eternal life’], which the Lord has 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 by his OWN LUST and [thereby] enticed. THEN when lust hath CONCEIVED, it bringeth forth SIN: and sin, when it is FINISHED, bringeth forth DEATH.” James 1:12-15, KJV. (All emphasis and bracketed words mine). I class this as the fourth “way of escape,” not as a matter of divine chronology or order of importance but because it makes spiritual practical sense, following the first three cited previously.
It is clear here that the apostle describes a process at work, not an instantaneously automatic occurrence, but traceable from cause to effect. The sinful act is the result of several factors and steps. Honestly recognizing, spiritually discerning, and weighing each, intellectually and spiritually, affords the tempted one to pause and “nip it at the bud” preventing it from deteriorating further in the process. Indeed, “an ounce of prevention is better than a pound of cure.”
It is as, “Stop, first look left than right before crossing the street.” Or “count the cost” if you really can afford it, or actually need it. Is worth all the risk. That momentary pause to reflect, can be the difference between life and death. As has been said, one moment’s indiscretion, a lifetime of shame and regret! Impulsive-compulsive behavior is intemperance and lack of personal discipline and self-control.
So how does the tempted one “endure,” not yield and succumb to the temptation? Endure by resistance. By what means? By God’s empowering grace. Here’s what the same apostle teaches us:
“Do you think that the Scripture saith in vain, The spirit that dwelleth in us lusteth to envy? But He giveth more grace. Wherefore He saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace to the humble. SUBMIT yourselves therefore to God. RESIST [by grace] the devil, and he will FLEE from you. Draw NEAR to God, and He will draw near to you. CLEANSE your hands, ye sinners; PURIFY your hearts, ye double-minded. Be afflicted, and mourn, and weep [for your sins, pride, stubborness, and double-mindedness]: let your laughter be turned to mourning, and your joy to heaviness. HUMBLE yourselves in the sight of the Lord [not before man], and HE SHALL LIFT YOU UP.” James 4: 5-10. To be continued next MWM, God willing. Bless all, NMF.