Adult Christian Life Seminar 1 “From Complaint To Conquest”
DEALING WITH TEMPTATIONS
Luke 4: 1 – 12; James 1: 12 – 16; Jeremiah 35: 1 – 10
Temptation is an enticement, in form of thoughts or suggestions to sin or do evil. Temptation is a common experience of all men. It cuts across age, race, social class, colour, spiritual level or estate in life. No saint lives long enough or grows enough in grace to be above temptation. Temptation in itself is not sin; it is when a believer yields to temptation that he sins.
In our text, our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ was not spared. But He dealt with temptation and overcame it. In the same vein, God expects believers who are faced with temptation to deal with it and also overcome. Falling into sin, compromising one’s faith or backsliding during temptation is never the will of God for His children. God has made adequate provisions for believers’ victory over temptation. He promotes and pours His blessings upon us when we are overcomers and not compromisers. “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”.
1. SOURCES OF TEMPTATION
James 1:14; Matthew 4:1; 1Chro. 21:1; Genesis 3:6; 1John 2: 15 – 17; 2Cor. 2:11
Satan is the source of temptation. He and his spirits or human agents delight in bringing temptations in the pathway of Christians with the purpose of making them fall. God is never the author of temptation or sin. “Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempted he any man: But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed” (James 1:13, 14). Temptation comes when one “is drawn away of his own lust …”, through the lustful desires of an individual.
Satan can use any tool that makes his job of tempting easier. He can tempt through the corruption of the human heart( Jeremiah 17:9; Mark 7: 21 – 23; Proverbs 4:23), he can entice through the inordinate desires of the flesh (Genesis 3:6; 25: 29 – 33; Job 31:1; Judges 16:4, 17), he can influence through the counsel and bad behavior of close and indispensable companions (1 Corinthians 15:33; 2 Samuel 13: 1 – 7; 16: 21 – 23; Proverbs 22:24, 25), entice through areas of one’s weakest point (Judges 14: 1 – 3; 16:1; Hebrews 12:1, 2), through the carelessness or deliberate action of others (2 Samuel 11: 2 – 5; Proverbs 7: 5 – 27), through fierce persecution, famine, sorrows and sufferings.
Temptation is more deadly at our weakest or vulnerable moments. Temptation usually looks very innocent and never harmful, however when it is succumbed to, it works death and destruction (James 1: 13 – 15). So many have fallen from grace through temptation. Be warned.
2. SPIRITUAL WEAPONS TO DEAL WITH TEMPTATIONS
Matthew 4: 1 – 11; Genesis 39: 7 – 13; Proverbs 22:24, 25; James 1:16, 19, 21; Jeremiah 35: 5 – 10, 12, 14, 18, 19
Every believer is on the battle field from the moment he becomes saved from his sins and receives Christ as his personal Lord and Saviour. He becomes a target for the devil and his cohorts. This therefore is the reason for spiritual conflict which comes in the form of temptation.
Whatever form or shape a temptation may take, the joy of heaven is to see a believer come forth victorious. To deal with temptation and secure a complete victory, the believer must (1) be clad in God’s whole armour, for only spiritual armour would suffice in a spiritual warfare (Ephesians 6: 10 – 18). (2) Reject evil (Proverbs 1: 10 – 15). (3) Live righteously (Proverbs 4: 20 – 27; Titus 2: 11, 12). (4) Obey God (Exodus 19:5; Deuteronomy 27:10; Acts 5:29). (5) Live by faith (Hebrews 10:38. (6) Endure in times of temptation (James 1:12). (7) Resist the devil (James 4:7). (8) Fight the good fight of faith (1 Timothy 6:12). (9) Like Christ, quote relevant scripture verses to counter the tempter’s enticement (Matthew 4:4, 7, 10. (10) Depend on divine help (1 Corinthians 10:13).
The scripture offers some other practical helps on how to deal with temptations and the tempter.
a) Abstain from all appearances of evil – do not go to places (brothel, bars, etc) where you can be tempted.
b) Reject legitimate offers/favours that lead or predispose you to sin, like the Rechabites did.
c) Flee outrightly from persons who want to coerce you to sin, like Joseph and Christ our Lord did.
d) Part with sinful friends because they can influence you to do evil.
e) Depend on the Spirit of God to show you God’s way out of temptations.
f) Hide the word of God in your heart (Psalm 119:9, 11)
g) Be watchful and prayerful, do not be over-confidence (Matthew 26:41; ICor.10:12).
3. SAINTS PRESERVATION FROM TEMPTATION AND THE OVERCOMERS’ BENEFITS
Hebrew 2:18; 4: 14 – 16; James 1: 2 – 4, 12; 1 Corinthians 10:13; 2 Timothy 4:18
The devil designs temptations to destroy God’s children but God’s grace is abundant to make them overcome. God permits temptations as a trial for the perfecting of the Christian’s spiritual life. But He limits satan in the temptation he thrusts on His faithful servants (Job 1:12; 2:6; 1 Corinthians 10:13). Abraham, Jacob, Moses, David and Paul all had their fair share of severe temptations but they overcame by the grace of God. We can also overcome.
When we overcome temptations, our Christian character is developed and strengthened. Victory is sweet for those who endure and overcome temptation. The believer’s faith is strengthened so as to keep overcoming in subsequent temptations. Besides, the believer who overcomes in temptation knows more about the way and faithfulness of God and His unfailing promises. For standing firm and consistent, he bears fruits to the glory of God. He also ultimately receives a crown of life at the end of life.
Adult Christian Life Seminar 2 “From Complaint To Conquest”
WARNING AGAINST UNEQUAL YOKE
2 Corinthians 6:14-18; Jeremiah 10:2; Deuteronomy 7:1-5; Leviticus 20:23, 24
Unholy, intimate relationship between a believer and unbeliever is what scriptures refer to as unequal yoke. Right from the O.T. dispensation of the LAW to the N.T. dispensation of GRACE, God frowns at unequal yoke. The journey which culminates in unequal yoking begins from a point: not taking heed to the warnings of God.
Although believers are not expected to isolate themselves from unbelievers for the sake of winning them for the Lord through the gospel, they should not go into marriage, business or close personal relationships that could make them compromise their faith.
Unequal yoke could manifest itself in various areas of the believer’s life such as:
i. Marriage (I Kings 11:1-3)
ii. Friendship (James 4:4; Gen. 38:1,20)
iii. Business partnership (2 Chron. 20:35-37)
iv. Acceptance of Chieftaincy titles (John 6:15)
v. Extravagancy in ceremonies such as wedding, burial, child dedication and even “house warming”.
vi. Participation in and promotion of ungodly traditions. (Matt.15:1-6)
Believers are a “Chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people …. Called out of darkness into His marvelous light” (I Pet. 2:9).
This shows that the believer is God’s property and cannot be “unequally yoked together with unbelievers” who are controlled by the devil.
Let us consider the seminar under three sub-headings:
I. Causes of unequal yoke
II. Consequences of unequal yoke
III. Call to separation and restoration
I. CAUSES OF UNEQUAL YOKE
2 Cor. 6:15,16; Gen. 16:1-3; Mark 14:10,11; 2 Timothy 4:10; Joshua 9:3-21; Judges 14:3; 2 Sam. 17:1-4
Without a clear view of the believer’s identity, it will be difficult to survive the pressure to compromise.
Some of the reasons most believers go into unequal yoke with unbelievers include:
i) Inordinate affection (2 Sam. 17:1-4)
ii) Impatience (Gen. 16:2,3)
iii) Willful disobedience (Judges 14:3)
iv) Worldliness and carnality (2 Tim. 4:10)
v) Covetousness (Mark 14:10,11)
vi) Business or military alliance (2Chron. 18:1-3)
vii) Ignorance (Joshua 9:3-21)
The believer and the unbeliever act on different principles, and everyone who is a true believer and determined to please God will be earnest in renouncing the world and seek to order his life by God’s standard.
II. CONSEQUENCES OF UNEQUAL YOKE
2 Cor.6:17,18; I Sam 28:6; I Kings 11:1-5; Numbers 31:7,8; Deut. 7:3,4; Nehemiah 13:23,24,26
Unequal yoke often leads to compromise; it makes the believer to “touch ….. unclean thing”. It steadily weakens the foundation of his spiritual strength. Besides, it will imperceptibly cool off the fervency of spirit which attended his first love.
The scripture is replete with characters who slipped into unequal yoke and lost their relationship with God:
i. Saul resorted to familiar spirits and did not hear from God anymore (I Sam. 28:6)
ii. Samson’s life and ministry were cut short as a result of unequal yoke.
iii. King Solomon’s heart was turned away from the God of his father because of unequal yoke in marriage (I Kings 11:3)
iv. King Jehoshaphat lost a fortune with the ship on the sea for doing business with the godless (2 Chron. 20:35-37)
In language, dressing, attitude, marriage, business, the believer must show he is the holy temple of God, and be wary of unequal yoke in every aspect of life because of the great consequences in time and in eternity.
III. CALL TO SEPARATION AND RESTORATION
2 Cor. 6:17,18; 2 Tim. 2:19; Hosea 14:4; Joel 2:25-29; Romans 12:1,2 Nehemiah 12:23-30
God is calling all who are like Ephraim who “hath mixed himself among the people” whom “strangers have devoured his strength” to separation and restoration.
Response to His call through repentance from all known sin and faith in Christ bring restoration to sonship. Then consecrating all on the altar of sacrifice and surrender. Destroying all objects of compromise and totally coming out from among them and be separate.
Adult Christian Life Seminar 3 “From Complaint To Conquest”
SHUNNING PRESENT DAY “STRANGE FIRES”
Leviticus 10:1-3; Numbers 3:4; Exodus 30:9
Nadab and Abihu were the elder sons of Aaron the high priest (Exodus 6:23; Numbers 3:2). They died before the Lord for offering “strange fire” while offering sacrifices to Him. They were privileged to be among those who were invited to accompany Moses when he went up to Mount Sinai but worshipped from afar off and could not come near the Lord (Exodus 24:1,2). They died before the Lord in the course of service for God because of offering “strange fire” (Leviticus 10:1; Numbers 3:4). It was “strange fire” because it was “the fire which the Lord commanded them not” (Leviticus 10:1). They neglected the divine ordinance and instead offered incense with strange fire, that is, common fire - fire not of a celestial origin and therefore, the fire of God consumed them. So that very fire, which if properly applied, would have sanctified and consumed their offering, became now the very instrument of their destruction. How true is the saying, “God is a consuming fire” (Hebrews 12:29).
How we need to shun all “strange fires” of our present day manifesting in various religious circles around us in order not to encure the sore displeasure and wrath of God. God will either hallow or destroy us by his fire and Spirit. We must beware and be warned by this experience and example (1 Corinthians 10:11).
Three Points to Consider in this Message.
1. PROPER DESCRIPTION AND MEANING OF “STRANGE FIRE”
Leviticus 10:1; 16:12, 13; Exodus 30:7-9; Hebrews 13:9
Strange, simply means, something foreign, alien, odd, unusual, uncommon, irregular or unfamiliar. “Strange Fire” is therefore, the fire that is foreign, alien, odd, unusual, uncommon and unfamiliar with God’s Word and command. It is “Strange Fire” because it is the fire which the Lord commanded them not (Leviticus 10:1). It is acting in the things of God without seeking the mind of God. It is “will worship” which often has a show of wisdom and humility (Colossians 2:22, 23). It typifies any use of carnal means to kindle the fire of devotion and praise.
Every part of the religion of God is divine. He therefore, who altered any part of this representative system, who omitted or added anything, assumed a prerogative which belonged to God alone and was certainly guilty of a very high offense against the wisdom, justice and righteousness of his Maker.
2. PRESENT DAY - MANIFESTATIONS OF “STRANGE FIRES”
Leviticus 10:1-3; 1 Timothy 4:1,2; 2 Timothy 3:1-7; 4:2-4.
Just as it happened in days of Moses and the children of Israel that Nadab and Abidu offered “Strange Fire” unto the Lord which He commanded them not, so it is today that many still offer “Strange Fires” in many religious circles which are manifested in the following ways;
1. Strange doctrines – Hebrews 13:9
2. Strange worship patterns – drumming and dancing like prophets of Baal - I kings 8:26-29
3. Strange altars for strange gods – 2 Chronicles 14:3; Deuteronomy 22:16; Joshua 24:20
4. Strange Christian experiences and lifestyles
5. Strange manifestation of spiritual gifts
6. Strange tongues and languages
7. Strange music in worship