Spiritual Warfare #42

Continuing on with The Landmine of Immorality by Charles Stanley
Things We Need to Admit
Sin is an enticement to disobey almighty God. It is an invitation to rebel against Hi in some way. Sin also is universal. Paul wrote, "No temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to man; and God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide they way of escape also, so that you will be able to endure it." (1 Cor. 10:13)

Everyone, at some point, will face Satan's temptation. We must remember, however, that while he may tempt us to disobey God, we can say no. The Lord has given us exactly what we need to resist the enemy-the power of His Word and the presence of His Holy Spirit. When Jesus was tempted to disobey the Lord, He used God's Word to rebuke the enemy's pursuit.

God also has promised to proved a way of escape. The problem is that too many people do not take it. They actually believe that they can take a step in sin's direction and not get burned. Over the years, I have heard many people say, "I can quit anytime I want to," but what they quickly discover is that they can't. This is because of the foundational nature of sin. It was ignited by Satan to destroy our lives and testimony and the enemy will not stop tempting us until he has reached his goal.

People often ask me, "What does 'shall not' mean?" (review Ex. 20:14). It means there is to be no rationalization, no redefining, camouflaging, compromise, or attempt at making what God says is wrong to become right. Adultery is wrong, and the consequences are serious. It carries with it a hefty price tag.

God tells us in Leviticus 20:10, "If there is a man who commits adultery with another man's wife, one who commits adultery with his friend's wife, the adulterer and the adulteress shall surely be put to death." Over the years, we have changed the face of adultery to a point that it now wears a mask of romantic love. God said to put the persons involved to death! That demonstrates how firm He was with anything that tempted His people to become unfaithful and disloyal to their marriage vows. He knew the consequences of sin.

Tomorrow we'll look at God's Judgement and God's Grace. Have a blessed day.