Feeling the force - Hope 103.2

Feeling the force

By David ReayMonday 12 Jun 2017LifeWords DevotionalsFaithReading Time: 0 minutes

Transcript:

Read Hebrews 2:18

18 Because he himself suffered when he was tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted. (NIV)

It is no sin to be tempted. All who follow Jesus will experience the seductive suggestions of the evil one that we assert our independence from God. That we do things our way and not God’s way. Jesus experienced this sort of temptation.

Some may complain that they experience more temptation rather than less temptation when they truly get serious about following Jesus. This is only to be expected. C. S. Lewis explains this in terms of a battle in wartime. The soldier who runs away at the first threat will not feel the full force of the enemy. It is the one who stands firm in the front line who experiences the power of the enemy. The retreating soldier is safe behind the lines.

In this way, we can say that those most devoted to Jesus will experience greater temptation. They are the ones standing firm on the front line. So we dare not condemn ourselves for having lots of temptation come our way. It is no sign of spiritual weakness but an indication we are seeking to resist. It is only those who actively resist temptation who know just how powerful temptation can be.

Blessings
David Reay