THE DAILY BATTLE OF THE SAINT (James 5:16)
We need transparency and each other’s prayers.
Here are some thoughts from Scripture that may be helpful in reminding us of the cycle of temptation lest we let these things slip. (Hebrews 2:1)
James says that our own inner lust of body members can tempt us. Jesus agrees with James by his description of the inner recesses of the human heart and its capacity for evil, if left to itself. Jeremiah says that the heart is deceitful and desperately wicked. (James 1:14-15; Jeremiah 29:13)
After a sinner repents, believes, and has the washing of regeneration by the water of the Word and renewal of the Holy Ghost, the ‘old man’ and his deeds are banished and buried. But despite the indwelling Spirit of Christ in the saint, there remains another force within that opposes the Spirit. It is called the flesh. It will be his bane until the redemption of his body when he is promoted to glory. It will need to be constantly mortified and resisted if the believer is to walk in the Spirit and live in its direction.
(Galatians 5:17; Romans 6:6; Romans 6:6.)
The joyous newborn lamb, free of condemnation and at peace, will be soon tempted, as will the mature sheep of the fold. Too often Satan is seen as responsible for temptation, or his demons that wage warfare against the saints. But before he can do his work the believer must neglect his armour (Ephesians 6) and forget to put off the motions of the flesh in his members.
(Romans 7:18; 7:22-23; Ephesians 4:22)
Suggested catalysts hereunder are those that determine whether or not we succumb or resist the temptations by the flesh. When we succumb it can give an opportunity for the roaring lion to set in motion a chain of events unless we quickly have a penitent attitude of confession for cleansing & reconciliation to our Abba Father and the indwelling Spirit which was grieved. (1 John 1:6-10; James 5:16)
Determinants and/or catalysts to the saint’s response to temptation.
1. Ignoring or admitting that the flesh is the antagonist of the indwelling Spirit
2. The individual’s besetting sin admitted or excused
3. The motions of the flesh in the body admitted or excused
4. Doubt & self-condemnation from self-pity or the reigning assurance thru walking in the light.
5. Inherited family traits: recognized or ignored.
6. Personality flaws and foibles: admitted or denied.
Bible References.
Falling: Proverbs 24:16;
Temptation: James 1:2; 1:12;
Common temptations: 1 Corinthians 10:13.
