For we do not have a High Priest (Jesus) who cannot be touched with the feelings of our infirmities, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin.
Hebrews 4:15
Sin usually begins with a thought. That’s how it was in the Garden with Adam and Eve.
When the woman saw that the fruit of the tree was good for food and pleasing to the eye, and also desirable for gaining wisdom, she took some and ate it. She also gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate it.
Genesis 3:6
Neither murmur ye, as some of them also murmured, and were destroyed of the destroyer. Now all these things happened unto them for examples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come. Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall. There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.
1 Corinthians 10:10-13
Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression (sin), you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted.
Galatians 6:1
God is really helping Ann and me to stop committing some sins we can easily be tempted with in our thought life. He’s helping us to take those thoughts captive to the obedience of Christ and to live each moment believing Romans 8:28. (That’s why we have such a love for helping others by encouraging them to do the same.) It’s part of the Lord working with us to renew our minds to His Word as He helps us to be more free indeed. He’s helping us to bring every area of our lives to Him so we can have His joy and live free in Him. We’re so thankful.
Sin leads to death (Romans 6:23). When we repent, we’re turning away from death. Yes, we will all sin from time to time. We are all sinners (1 John 1:8, 10) and Jesus will forgive us when we confess our sins to Him and repent (1 John 1:9). But today, very few are willing to be Jesus’ disciples indeed. Very few are walking through the narrow gate (Matthew 7:13-14). The devil is drawing most to the wide gate. Very few are renewing their minds to the Word of God and it’s taking a huge toll on them. Most are cherry-picking Bible passages and adopting the ones that suit their comfort zone and lifestyle (2 Timothy 4:1-4).
Every day we’re enticed to leave the dwelling in the secret place of the Most High, to wander out from the shadow of the Almighty (Psalm 91:1).
Satan knows exactly what types of apples we’ll bite on, keeps a tally of the ones we fall prey to the most often, and he keeps popping them into our minds – fiery darts (Ephesians 6:16). He’ll even tell us our salvation is all grace so it’ll be okay if we let in a little anger, unforgiveness, offense, humanism, the fear of man (after all, we want to be popular, socialized and accepted), selfishness, hate, jealousy, fornication, self-pity, strife, rationalizing, greed, pride, insecurity, doubt, mammon, fear. “Go ahead, take advantage of and enjoy the grace God’s provided. It’s why Jesus dies on the cross. I mean, God knows you’re only human, right? After all, everyone’s doing it. God knows you won’t surely die if you do this or look at that,” he whispers to us. “You can handle it. It won’t really hurt anything or lead to any addiction. So go ahead, enjoy some every now and then.”
“And if anyone says anything to you about it, in love, just remind them not to judge you.”
Satan is a liar and the father of lies!
30 As he (Jesus) spake these words, many believed on him.
31 Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed;
32 And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.
33 They answered him, We be Abraham’s seed, and were never in bondage to any man: how sayest thou, Ye shall be made free?
34 Jesus answered them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whosoever committeth sin is the servant of sin.
35 And the servant abideth not in the house for ever: but the Son abideth ever.
36 If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.
37 I know that ye are Abraham’s seed; but ye seek to kill me, because my word hath no place in you.
38 I speak that which I have seen with my Father: and ye do that which ye have seen with your father.
39 They answered and said unto him, Abraham is our father. Jesus saith unto them, If ye were Abraham’s children, ye would do the works of Abraham.
40 But now ye seek to kill me, a man that hath told you the truth, which I have heard of God: this did not Abraham.
41 Ye do the deeds of your father. Then said they to him, We be not born of fornication; we have one Father, even God.
42 Jesus said unto them, If God were your Father, ye would love me: for I proceeded forth and came from God; neither came I of myself, but he sent me.
43 Why do ye not understand my speech? even because ye cannot hear my word.
44 Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it.
John 8:30-44
Then Jesus said, “This is why I told you that no one can come to Me unless the Father has granted it to him.” From that time on, many of His disciples turned back and no longer walked with Him. So Jesus asked the Twelve, “Do you want to leave too?”
John 6:65-67
Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:
Philippians 1:6
Now unto him (Jesus) that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy, To the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen.
Jude 24-25
God bless,
Mark