My meeting with a group of men this morning for our Victory Small Group was very refreshing.
We are going through a series (even in our small group) on the topic of Biblical Manhood. We want to get back to the Scriptures and see what the Bible says about certain things men deal with in day after day.
Today’s topic was DEALING WITH TEMPTATION.
The book of James clearly gives us instructions what to do.
So give yourselves completely to God. Stand against the devil, and the devil will run from you. (James 4:7, NCV)
1. GIVE YOURSELF TO GOD.
The New International Version says to ‘submit’ to God.
Watching Frankie Edgar demolish Gray Maynard in UFC 136 illustrates submission. If you saw the fight, Edgar knocked him down and started punishing him to his defeat. Maynard tried (and that’s the operative word – TRIED) to recover, but he was out cold.
But submitting to God is different. It is voluntary and not compulsory.
He waits.
He patiently waits for you to surrender.
2. STAND AGAINST THE DEVIL.
This can’t be the first step or else you will eventually fail.
The first step “IS” the first step – submit to God.
After which, we then resist the enemy.
One of the most powerful statements Jesus declared was when he said, “IT IS FINISHED!” Standing against the enemy is exhausting not to mention frustrating.
But to live life in the knowledge that my life is no longer mine and that because of His grace, I can fight the battle, then victory is indeed inevitable.
Remember, we are not marching for victory but marching from victory.
Jesus won it already at the cross.
3. THE DEVIL WILL FLEE.
The third step is no longer yours but your enemy’s. When you’ve submitted and resisted, the Bible says that he (the devil) has no other option but to run away.
It’s like magnet repelling.
No striving. No forcing the issue. He will be forced to flee.
PS. If you have practical thoughts on how to fight temptation, let me know and leave a comment to help others who will read this blog.
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