A Little More on Temptation

Hey, I'm back for a quick post -- again on temptation. If you recall from my last post, one of the verses that I highlighted was Matthew 26:41 - "Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the body is weak." The praying part should be obvious, unless you're one of those who think you can do theChristian life on your own. If you are serious about avoiding temptations (and thus avoiding the likely sin to follow), please do yourself a favor and pray often that you might not be led into temptation. The 'watch' part of Jesus' warning is a little tougher I think -- what exactly are we supposed to be watching for? Well, if one or two temptations are common enough, you may already know what entices you and should therefore know situations and circumstances to avoid and watch for if possible. Sometimes, it's not so easy, and John Owen gives us a few "seasons" to be on the lookout for -- circumstances in which temptation may be near. I won't describe them in their entirety (you'll have to buy the book for that), but most should be fairly straightforward:

1.) A season of unusual prosperity.
2.) A time of slumber of grace, of neglect in communion with God, or formality in duty.
3.) A season of great spiritual enjoyments.
4.) A season of self-confidence.

So, again, I really liked what I just read and wanted to share it on my blog (for I'm determined to keep up blogging and not be a once-a-month poster). Keep a lookout for these seasons in particular because temptation will be awaiting. Remember, dear readers, that the Christian life Jesus had in mind was not some sort of fluffy and flippant way of living but instead a difficult battle. We have to fight to be pure. We have to fight sin to honor God with our lives. Have you had a season that didn't have much fight in it? Well, I have, and it hurts to look back on it. Christ is not a weak savior and is not a weak Lord. Let's not be weak Christians. Avoid temptation like the plague if at all possible, but be sure to pray for help!