Main Point and Overview:
What is “off limits” is often what we desire. Sometimes it’s out of intrigue. Sometimes it’s out of rebellion. Sometimes it’s out of lust. No matter what, the Bible does warn us about those things that would steal our joy and ruin our purpose. At the center of temptation is always the lie of the enemy that there is something “better to experience!” From the very beginning, Satan deceived Eve into thinking that God was “holding something back” from her. In David’s case, he was in the wrong place at the wrong time, and when lust began to grow, instead of fighting it, he indulged. There have been many marriages, businesses, pastorates, churches, and so much more that have been wrecked by the alure of sin! James in great brilliance, gives us a visual that will not be soon forgotten. Literally, we are the very bait on the hook that catches…us! That’s right! We are the problem! In other words, we have an innate desire to sin against God. So, we must take extreme measures to avoid temptation. Half of the battle can be overcome simply by being in the “right place at the right time!” God offers us “good gifts” as we honor him. Instead of “walking into a trap,” avoid the trap at all costs!
What is “off limits” is often what we desire. Sometimes it’s out of intrigue. Sometimes it’s out of rebellion. Sometimes it’s out of lust. No matter what, the Bible does warn us about those things that would steal our joy and ruin our purpose. At the center of temptation is always the lie of the enemy that there is something “better to experience!” From the very beginning, Satan deceived Eve into thinking that God was “holding something back” from her. In David’s case, he was in the wrong place at the wrong time, and when lust began to grow, instead of fighting it, he indulged. There have been many marriages, businesses, pastorates, churches, and so much more that have been wrecked by the alure of sin! James in great brilliance, gives us a visual that will not be soon forgotten. Literally, we are the very bait on the hook that catches…us! That’s right! We are the problem! In other words, we have an innate desire to sin against God. So, we must take extreme measures to avoid temptation. Half of the battle can be overcome simply by being in the “right place at the right time!” God offers us “good gifts” as we honor him. Instead of “walking into a trap,” avoid the trap at all costs!
Posted in Devotional