Memory – 1 Corinthians 10.12-13 Therefore let anyone who thinks that he stands take heed lest he fall. No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape that you may be able to endure it
Wisdom in a biblical sense is primarily knowing right from wrong and choosing to do what is right. Sometimes the choices are fairly clearly defined black and white sorts of issues. Knowing that shoplifting is wrong is fairly clear. Sometimes, it may seem as though the situation is minor and not worth your trouble to correct it. As when the clerk gives you too much change for a cash transaction and you discover that as you are about to drive home in your car what is the right thing to do? Does it depend on whether the clerk gave you $10 too much or .10 too much? Do you just pocket the money reasoning that it’s a big business and they will never miss the few extra dollars they gave you. How much sin is really sin? What actually constitutes temptation and sin?
James (the brother of Jesus who wrote the epistle that carries his name) said: Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him. Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am being tempted by God,” for God cannot be tempted with evil, and he himself tempts no one. But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death (James 1.12-15). Later he summarizes this with: Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. So whoever knows the right thing to do and fails to do it, for him it is sin (4.7 & 17).
The reality is when a person no longer resists sin he or she eventually reaches a point where they will display their sin openly. The prophet Isaiah speaks of this in chapter five as not the sin of ignorance, but the sin that results from willful self-deception. There is a progressive nature to sin. Initially the cords of sin are slight flaxen-like, but over time they are woven into unbreakable strands that bind the heart and mind to its own passion. These cords of death enslave the mind and pervert the will, until, if unchecked, there is no longer any recognizable good in the life of the sinner.Who can deliver such a person from this slavery to sin? Paul writes about deliverance in Romans 8.1-2, There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death. The witness of the Spirit is at war with the desires of the flesh. The flesh attempts to rationalize its unbridled pursuit of pleasure, but its reasoning is corrupted by the very sin it pursues. Ethical dogmas dependent upon human reason alone are no match for unchecked self-interest. It is a commitment to the revealed wisdom of God in Scripture that protects the heart. Guard your heart for it is the well-spring of life (cf. Proverbs 4.23). Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths (Proverbs 3.5-6).
James (the brother of Jesus who wrote the epistle that carries his name) said: Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him. Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am being tempted by God,” for God cannot be tempted with evil, and he himself tempts no one. But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death (James 1.12-15). Later he summarizes this with: Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. So whoever knows the right thing to do and fails to do it, for him it is sin (4.7 & 17).
The reality is when a person no longer resists sin he or she eventually reaches a point where they will display their sin openly. The prophet Isaiah speaks of this in chapter five as not the sin of ignorance, but the sin that results from willful self-deception. There is a progressive nature to sin. Initially the cords of sin are slight flaxen-like, but over time they are woven into unbreakable strands that bind the heart and mind to its own passion. These cords of death enslave the mind and pervert the will, until, if unchecked, there is no longer any recognizable good in the life of the sinner.Who can deliver such a person from this slavery to sin? Paul writes about deliverance in Romans 8.1-2, There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death. The witness of the Spirit is at war with the desires of the flesh. The flesh attempts to rationalize its unbridled pursuit of pleasure, but its reasoning is corrupted by the very sin it pursues. Ethical dogmas dependent upon human reason alone are no match for unchecked self-interest. It is a commitment to the revealed wisdom of God in Scripture that protects the heart. Guard your heart for it is the well-spring of life (cf. Proverbs 4.23). Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths (Proverbs 3.5-6).
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