PASTOR JACK'S THOUGHTS JULY 8, 2009

PASTOR JACK'S THOUGHTS    JULY 8, 2009                    The Difference in Trials and Temptations  James 1:2-3; 12-15 Temptation comes to us from Satan and is the doorway to sin. It is deadly.  Trials that bring testing is a time of struggle through which we can see our weaknesses and it is allowed by God in order to strengthen the weak points in our lives. Trials and testing are painful but they can help us grow in our faith and trust of our Lord. It is difficult in these brief notes to include all the teachings concerning trials and temptations as seen in the New Testament. The Greek words for 'testing, trials, tempting and proving' are sometimes used in the same sections of scripture, but basically we need to understand what James teaches on this subject. God allows us to be tested. He will allow suffering in order to help us see our sins and our need for Him. However, James 1:13-15 makes it clear that God does not tempt us to do evil. We are tempted when we are drawn by our own lusts and then we allow it to take root in us, producing sin. Sin ,when entered into by our own will and not confessed, leads to death. Down through my ministry, I have heard all kinds of excuses for sin. Some say that God tempts us to sin and some say that it is alright to do things that are wrong because God will always forgive us. James warns us that although God allows testing, God does not tempt us to do evil. That is Satan's business, for he is the father of lies and author of destruction. Satan is the one who leads us to sin through the door of temptation. The Bible tells us to look at our Lord and see that He resisted Satan's temptations and that He is an example for us. (See Heb.2:18). Sunday I will be preaching on our Lord's experience in the desert when Satan tempted our Lord Jesus to sin. Prepare your hearts this week by watching for temptation in your daily walk and seeing how you respond to it. My prayer is that you will be able to identify temptation and run from it! Seek His Wisdom, Pastor Jack                                           Jack L. Martin