You Faced a Temptation
Things You will Never do in Heaven, Conclusion
Introduction
There are times when we face
the same temptation time and time again; always seeming to fail and we ask
ourselves, “Why is God allowing me such a difficult temptation to get the
better of me?” The apostle Paul contradicts this statement in 1 Corinthians 10:13,
No temptation has
overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will
not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation
will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it. Notice what he says towards
the end of the verse, “make the way of escape…” Sometimes we don’t see the
escape or, rather, we don’t look for it.
In Heaven, there won’t be
any temptations to concern ourselves. Since it is considered the Christian’s
sabbath, we will enjoy an eternity of rest.
Definition of Temptation
The 1828 Webster’s
Dictionary gives this definition—Solicitation of the passions;
enticements to evil proceeding from the prospect of pleasure or advantage.
One
or the great examples of temptation can be found in Matthew chapter 4 in which
Satan tempts our Lord and Savior on three different occasions. As an answer to
each temptation, Jesus sites scripture by first saying, “It is written” (vss.
4, 7, 10). This was the best way of escape that Paul was talking about in his
letter to the congregation in Corinth.
Temptation is NOT
Sinful
This
may sound like an odd statement, but it is, in fact, true. James discusses this,
But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and
enticed. Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when
it is full-grown, brings forth death. Do not be deceived, my beloved brethren (James 1:14-16). What this means is, you can be
tempted all day long and, as long as you don’t give in to the temptation, it is
not considered sin. Backing up to verse 12, James says, Blessed
is the man who endures temptation; for when he has been approved, he will
receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him.
Everyone is
tempted differently
We
all have our weaknesses in life. Some are more challenging than others. When we
have a temptation that is bound to overtake us, we should look at vices that we
don’t have a problem with and figure why it doesn’t affect us and try to use
that in assistance to that which is a constant issue.
For
example, if one drinks alcohol, but is not tempted to gamble, then you should
look at why gambling is not a problem and apply that towards alcohol.
Remember, we have Jesus as our example (1 Pet. 2:21-22). Just because He was deity,
doesn’t mean He wasn’t tempted. Yes, He was sinless, and it was through
discipline that help make Him that way. As we stated, Jesus used scripture to
combat temptation and we should too!
Conclusion
As we strive to go to Heaven, we must remember that temptation is around us daily. As Christians, Satan always tries harder to make us sin as he wants us back. He’s a sore loser and wants to take as many souls to Hell with him as he can. Don’t become one of his own again.
Series Conclusion
There are many more things
that we will never do again in Heaven, and we should be very grateful that they will
no longer be a concern for us. Heaven is an eternity of rest, and all these
things will not be a part of it.
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