ENDURE TEMPTATIONS FOR THE CROWN OF LIFE

Christians must face temptations throughout their lives on earth. They daily face Satan who is like a roaring lion seeking whom he may devour (1 Pet. 5:8). Children of God are told to endure the temptations of life and the devil, and they will receive the crown of life (Jas. 1:12).

The path to sin and death is clearly pictured in Scripture. The follower of Christ should understand that God is not the tempter (Jas. 1:13) but rather the One who has sent a Savior for the world (Jno. 3:16). Jesus, the Savior, promises the crown of life to those who endure temptation. He assures us that a way of escape will be provided when we face the fiery darts of the evil one (1 Cor. 10:13).

God wants us to know exactly how we can endure temptations and not fall into sin that brings forth death. Consider this description: "But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed. Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death. Do not be deceived, my beloved brethren" (Jas. 1: 14-16).

Notice that we all must endure temptations. That means all of us will face being tempted by the devil. We all have different things that tempt us. The apostle John presents three ways we can be tempted: "For all that in in the world -- the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life -- is not of the Father but is of the world" (1 Jno. 2:16).

James says that when tempted we will be drawn away by our own desires and we will be enticed (Jas. 1:14). So, it is our personal desire or lust that causes us to give into the enticement of temptation. God told Cain: "If you do what is right, will you not be accepted? But if you do not do what is right, sin is crouching at your door, it desires to have you, but you must master it" (Gen. 4:7 NIV). God wants us to control our desires.

The power of endurance takes into consideration the struggles we will have with temptation, desires and sin. God does not want sin in our lives, and He does not want that sin to become full-grown ending in our death (1 Jno. 1:6-2:2). Let's endure temptation and receive the crown of life!

By Ron Drumm.

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