Tag Archives: temptation

Are There Ups and Downs in the Christian’s Life?

Bible General,

Yes. Christians have good days and bad days. You are not saved one minute and lost the next, but your commitment varies. You may be strong on Sunday and struggling by Wednesday. Even the most devout Christian you know is up one day and down the next.

Think of a roller coaster. You ascend to the peak and suddenly you are at the bottom. It’s no different in life. You struggle, and always will, with consistency.

It was even hard for the apostles to be consistent. Remember, Peter denied he even knew Jesus. He and his brother argued over who would be greatest in the coming kingdom. Thomas fought disbelief and weak faith and Paul waged a battle in his own spirit against sin while calling himself the chief of sinners.

So, sure, there are up and downs in the life of every Christian.

Why are there ups and downs?

This is a good question to begin with. There are ups and downs in our spiritual life because we are human. And while we walk in Christ we are still “wretched, pitiful, poor, blind, and naked” at our core (Revelation 3:17). Sometimes, that human core seeps through.

Ideally, Christ lives in us.

“I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me”.

Galatians 2:20

The life-changing work of Jesus is life-long. While we are in this body, in the flesh, we remain subject to its temptations and trials.

We face ups and downs because we have bad habits to break. Before we obeyed Christ we cultivated many harmful habits. Some were tragic, like drug or alcohol addictions. Others the world viewed more kindly, like bad language or the occasional outburst. Because we try to be like Christ, we try to break the un-Christian habits. That’s hard, and it takes a lot of time.

We face ups and downs because we have good habits to form. Our life is changing in Christ. We have new goals and new interests. We are forming better preferences in life, better habits.

For example, Jesus was intensely concerned about others. That evidences itself in our desire to help those in need. Jesus was a man of prayer and so are we. Jesus taught God’s word so we seek to know it better through study. Concern, prayer, and study, just to name three, are important habits we are forming. Like breaking bad habits, developing good habits is hard and slow.

We face ups and downs because Satan is still hanging around. Jesus beat Satan when he came out of that borrowed tomb. That was a victory for Jesus and for us (1 Corinthians 15 is an important read here, especially verses 20 & 57). But, Satan is still skulking around. His schemes and devices are well known. He attacks in your weakness and he lies his way into your life. He works to create doubt in your heart where none needs be.

We face ups and downs because Jesus isn’t finished with us yet. He has gone to prepare a place for you (John 14:2). But, he is also preparing you for eternity. It’s called sanctification. That’s a five-dollar word for being made holy. God is working in you for his good pleasure (1 Corinthians 15:10; Philippians 2:13, Hebrews 13:21).

Paul struggled with some kind of “thorn in the flesh” for which he begged deliverance. God’s answer was “no,” learn to depend on me (2 Corinthians 12:7-10). Paul was still under construction. So are you. Lean on God, not on yourself.

Once, Paul described himself as a “wretched man” waging a constant war between what he knew to be true and right and what was evil. He was miserable even though he was certain of his salvation. Read Romans 7:14-25. You’ll feel his despair and even outrage at himself as he battles daily allurements. But don’t stop reading yet. Read the very next verse in Romans 8:1.

“There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.”

Romans 8:1

Paul knew that he was in Christ and therefore not condemned! You know that too! Whatever clash he endured, and there were many, he was still walking in the light of Jesus.

There are probably a million reasons, unique to you, to explain your trials. What gets you down might not have the same effect on me. We all have our own unique potholes to bump across.

How do I smooth the ups and downs at a higher level?

This is also a good question and really goes directly to the point of this article. There are ways to decrease the volatility of our spiritual lives. Just because you struggle there is no reason to languish in your trials. Maturity will come.

Take note of Peter when we first meet him. He’s a fisherman with nothing to suggest what a powerful influence he will be come for Jesus. We follow Peter and watch as he declares that Jesus is the Son of God (Matthew 16:16). But later, despite that grand statement, he denies even knowing Jesus (Matthew 26:30-35, 69-75). Still later, it is Peter who preaches the first recorded gospel sermon (Acts 2). Maturity takes time (1Corinthians 14:20; Ephesians 4:13).

We smooth the ups and downs with discipline. I know, you were hoping for a quick and easy answer. Sorry.

Discipline begins with a decision to pursue the things of Christ at all costs. Jesus counseled his disciples to “seek first” God’s kingdom, then all the things of this earth would be added to them (Matthew 6:33). Joshua was quite demanding when he urged the Hebrews to choose who they would serve (Joshua 24:14). his actual words were “choose this day whom you will serve.” Their choice was important and needed to come that same day.

Discipline may be called rigorous training. Set a training plan. Set aside time for prayer, study, service and worship. Let nothing take their place.

We smooth the ups and downs with prayer. Have you ever known a truly devout Christian that did not prayer feverishly? Yeah, me neither. Prayer is intrinsic to the daily life of the Christian. Jesus would rise early in the morning to pray (Mark 1:35). He prayed through his homesickness of heaven (John 17). He prayed during the worst moments of his life (Luke 22:39-46). His praying was so well known that his disciples asked him to teach them how to pray (Luke 11:1).

Every Christian should set a specified time each day for prayer. You will actually have many opportunities during the day to pray which you should take advantage of, but find a time, the same time, every day to pray.

Use a notebook as a journal to record your prayers and God’s answers. That way, you’ll know what you are praying for before you bow your head.

We smooth the ups and downs with Bible study. There is no greater study than that of the Bible. The world’s greatest researchers are seeking answers to the novel coronavirus but their study is inferior to the study of Jesus. I would hope they study the Bible too for there is nothing greater.

Study the Bible, do not just read it. It is a vital study. Take notes, do research, and compare your conclusion to the truth of his word.

We smooth the ups and downs daily. Commit to constant work on your spiritual life. Jesus is transforming us from a rebellious life to one of glory. It is a daily process that cannot be done apart from his loving grace.

“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind.”

Romans 12:2

Allow Jesus to renew you. Allow him to transform your thoughts into a reflection of his glory. His thoughts become your thoughts as you are transformed into his likeness.

“We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ…”

2 Corinthians 10:5, emphasis mine, JBE

We leave you with one last thought. The pursuit of spiritual maturity demands daily denial.

“If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.”

Luke 9:23

Everyday we are saying no to ourselves and yes to Jesus. He is the centerpiece of all we do. Our world revolves around him.

There are no short-cuts. Because he loved us so much that he died for us, we try to give back that love. We will never be able to repay him, but we serve him and love him because he first loved us.

We will always struggle in this body. But Jesus has been here and knows what we deal with. He has been tempted just like us (Hebrews 4:15) and was without sin. He knows the weaknesses; he knows the ups and downs and still loves us!

Don’t give up. Keep pressing ahead.

5 Excuses for Surrender

Bible General, ,

Except for surrendering to Jesus. It is bad to give up. We don’t quit in the middle of things. Whether it’s on a battlefield, in the workplace, or in a relationship, it is embarrassing to surrender. Yet, we see it every day; people giving up on their faith and buying into Satan’s lies. Why? I can think of at least five excuses we give when we surrender – not reasons; excuses.

Fear Causes Surrender

There’s plenty to be afraid of in life. If you live in a major American city, you may be afraid to go out at night. You would never think of going for a late-night walk because crime is rampant. Many are afraid of the terrible virus sweeping southeast Asia. They wear surgical masks to try and impede the spread of the germs. Fear is tiring and just makes you want to give up.

Some people give up on Jesus because they are afraid of what others think of them. No one wants to be a radical Bible-thumping Christian, right? Jesus tells us not to fear (Matthew 10:31). Luke has Jesus telling us not to fear the world because the Father has given us the kingdom (Luke 12:32)! We only fear the Lord for his might and glory is beyond comprehension.

Fatigue Causes Surrender

Do you ever get tired? Are the constant battles enough to make you want to give up?  Do you want to surrender? I do. We think that if we stop fighting all will suddenly get easier. Nope. No way. There is nothing special about our struggles and our wearied lives. Consider David’s words in Psalm 69:3, “I am weary with my crying out; my throat is parched. My eyes grow dim with waiting for my God.” Have you been there? Me too.

We must never grow tired of doing good. We must wage the good fight (2 Timothy 4:7)! Paul writes: “And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap if we do not give up” (Galatians 6:9). Remember, do good and await the “times of refreshing” from the Lord (Acts 3:20).

Isolation Causes Surrender

It may be that our problems seem unique. Because some battles are so intimate and private, we keep them secret. We will not seek help because we are ashamed. Then we are locked into a private narrative of secrecy and seclusion.   The old spiritual intoned, “Nobody knows the trouble I have seen. Nobody knows but Jesus.” That’s a fine sentiment but it’s not really true. Our challenges and temptations are all plucked from the same worldly garden.

Paul said:

“No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation, he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it” (1 Corinthians 10:13).

Notice two keys. Your struggles are common, and God will make an escape. Of course, it’s up to us to take the escape but we are not alone.

Laziness Causes Surrender

I know this one well. It is hard to fight the world constantly. We want to take it easy and have a little fun. And, sin is fun (Hebrews 11:25).

Approach this from another angle: Have you ever known a real winner who is lazy? Victorious warriors are never lazy. Corner-office-executives are never lazy. Olympic tier athletes are never lazy. Faithful, serving Christians are never lazy either.

As Paul drew near to death, he said, “For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure has come. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith” (2 Timothy 4:6, 7). Paul was surely weary. Scars marked his abused body. But he could not declare that he had fought a good fight and finished the race if he had been lazy. There is no place for laziness in the Christian’s life.

Hopelessness Causes Surrender

Imagine you are in combat. Enemies surround you. No relief is possible. All hope is gone. Or is it? General Anthony McAuliffe faced that situation near Bastogne, Belgium in 1944. His men, surrounded by Germans, had received a 2-page letter demanding their surrender. McAuliffe famously replied “N U T S !” Three days later, reinforcements arrived and the siege of Bastogne was broken. Hopelessness turned to victory.

Paul said it this way:

“We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; always carrying in the body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be manifested in our bodies. For we who live are always being given over to death for Jesus’ sake, so that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our mortal flesh. So death is at work in us, but life in you” (2 Corinthians 4:8-12).

Paul never surrendered, nor should we. Your brothers and sisters will walk with you through your struggles; just do not give up!

My Fault? Can’t Be!

Daily living, James, Jesus, Sin, , ,

Financial CrisisThe human condition is frail, weak, wicked, broken. There is no denying that mankind suffers from almost every malady that can be imagined. We’re a sad lot. At some level I suppose there is comfort in knowing that we aren’t that much different from everyone else. In other words, I guess there is comfort in knowing that I’m not the only leper in the colony.

But why am I like this? Why do I suffer and struggle with temptation, sin and condemnation? Is it my fault? Or is there blame to be laid elsewhere? I think we can answer that question by turning to Scripture. James gives no room to the idea that anyone is at fault other than ourselves.

Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am being tempted by God,” for God cannot be tempted with evil, and he himself tempts no one. But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire.  Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death.  Do not be deceived, my beloved brothers. Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.  Of his own will he brought us forth by the word of truth, that we should be a kind of first fruits of his creatures. (James 1:13-18)

What causes quarrels and what causes fights among you? Is it not this, that your passions are at war within you?  You desire and do not have, so you murder. You covet and cannot obtain, so you fight and quarrel. You do not have, because you do not ask.  You ask and do not receive, because you ask wrongly, to spend it on your passions.  You adulterous people! Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Therefore whoever wishes to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God. (James 4:1-4)

In the first passage, James argues that temptation arises not from God but from within each of us. We each have desires or passions which are always working to break into the open. When we fail to control those passions sin emerges and brings eternal death. God is not to be blamed for our lack of control. He continues by noting that “every good gift and every perfect gift comes from God.” The evil is within because of own desires but goodness is from God. He created us to be the best (the first fruits) of all creation.

In the passage from chapter 4 he frankly notes why we struggle. Our passions are the cause. Our desire to bow to our own desires and passions and the desire to feed those passions is the reason for our angst. The inescapable conclusion is that all of the blame lays within me. It is my fault and I cannot blame anyone else.

A man may argue that since God created man, he must have created man with the frailties that drive us to sin. I disagree.

The Bible is clear that God created man (Genesis 1:26). But it is also clear that God created man in a very different state or condition that he is now in. When God had created man he declared that man, and all of creation, was “very good.” (Genesis 1:31). There was no sin in the creation.

God created the very best creation possible. Most would agree that the inclusion of choice in creation was necessary of God was to give us the very best possible world. Otherwise we would simply be a race of automatons who could neither receive nor freely give love. Inherent in that concept is the certainty that man would choose wrongly and, as a result, sin. It is also clear that that sin would require a price be paid. The son of the Creator would come and die for the sins of the creation (Ephesians 1:4; Acts 2:23).

But it must be clear that choice is not sin. God is not responsible in any sense for our failings. Our God is holy and just. He is not the cause of our weaknesses. Could he have made us differently? Sure. But in doing so we would not be human. We would be machines and could not freely give to him the glory, praise and love he so richly deserves.

Our sins are our own fault.

But I’m different! I’m not like you or anyone else for that matter! That’s probably true. Given the myriad traits and characteristics of each person coupled with the unique upbringing and environments in which we are raised it is perfectly reasonable to assert that every person is unique. But should such individuality be used to somehow assign less fault to the individual? No!

No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.  (1 Corinthians 10:13)

While we are unique we are precisely alike in that we all suffer from sin. While the names of my sin are probably different from yours, they still separate me from my Creator, Jehovah God (Isaiah 59:2).

The promise remains for all, namely, “temptation he will also provide the way of escape.”  So when we surrender to temptation we do so against the promise. There is always a way of escape – always! It may be hard to see. It may be more costly than we want but it is there and it will always work.

It would be comforting to lay the blame for sin somewhere else – anywhere else – than in our own hearts. But at the end of the day, we are responsible.

The wonderful news is that even in our sin, God loved us and gave us Jesus. We need not be lost nor languish in our sin. Jesus saves!

Bryant Evans may be reached at bryant at bryantevans.com. You can follow Bryant on Twitter @jbevans.

5 People Targeted by Satan

Encouragement, Satan, Sin, ,

target siteEveryone is a target of Satan. But among all the billions of people he pursued, only 5 were targeted specifically and personally by the old devil himself. I thought a quick review would be interesting.

Adam & Eve Were Targeted By Satan

It’s not surprising that Satan would  appear after creation. At the end of the creation week, God had declared his entire work “very good” (Genesis 1:31). There was nothing in it our about it that was bad. But soon, Satan, working through the serpent, tempted the first couple. They sinned. Death followed and we all today suffer the influence of that sin.

Why Adam and Eve? Perhaps because they represented the purity and goodness of God. Maybe because they were the Creator’s prized creation. Whatever the reason, Adam and Eve were important enough to fall directly into Satan’s cross hairs – and they failed.

Job Was Targeted By Satan

The next ((Chronology involving Job is especially difficult since we don’t really know where to place him. I believe he lived prior to the coming of Israel so I deal with him here.)) to draw Satan’s attention was actually put there by God. Job is described as being “blameless and upright, one who feared God and turned away from evil” (Job 1:1). The New Testament describes him as patient or steadfast (James 5:11). What is so curcious about Job is that God appears to be bragging on Job to the devil.

And the LORD said to Satan, “Have you considered my servant Job, that there is none like him on the earth, a blameless and upright man, who fears God and turns away from evil?” (Job 1:8)

Give some thought to what it must mean to be such a fine and upright man that God would single you out for your righteousness. It’s pretty amazing. Job did not have the chance to glory in that comment because he didn’t know about it. It happened behind closed doors. All Job knew was that he suddenly found himself without his children,without his servants, without his wealth and without his health. He was left with a wife and friends who all gave him bad advice.

Satan was given permission by God to do almost anything to Job. Only Job’s life was protected (Job 2:6). Remember that God maintained absolute control and protection over Job. Satan could do nothing to Job except through God’s permission. God knew how strong Job was and he allowed Satan to test him sorely. Unlike Adam and Eve, Job was victorious. Satan is not heard from again in the 42 chapters of Job after this conversation in Job 2.

Joshua Was Targeted By Satan

Joshua the High Priest, not Joshua the Israelite leader after Moses, was targeted by Satan. They story is revealed in Zechariah 3:1-10. Joshua was one of the priests who worked with Ezra to re-establish the sacrifices in Jerusalem after the return from exile.

Zechariah’s image has Joshua appearing before the Lord in dirty clothes. Satan is  there too rebuking Joshua for some untold error. The Lord however rebukes Satan and orders that Joshua be given clean clothes. He promises blessings upon Joshua if he obeys the Lord.

The Lord’s rapid protection of Joshua against Satan’s charges is encouraging. No claim can stand against God’s people.

Jesus Was Targeted By Satan

Satan didn’t get it. He was soundly defeated in Eden when God announced his gracious plan for a redeemer. He was beaten when Job would not cave into his horrible pressures and tortures and his plans backfired when he tried to accuse Joshua before the Lord. But Satan is nothing if not persistent.

Satan faced Jesus in the wilderness. Sent by the Holy Spirit Jesus faced Satan only after 40 days and nights of fasting. The devil brought three temptations to Jesus and in every case Jesus was triumphant. Satan appealed to his physical needs, his pride and even his divinity but our Lord defeated every one of them.

The importance of this moment is in two parts. First, we learn that Jesus faced the same struggles we face. The writer of Hebrews was correct that Jesus was tempted in all ways just like us (Hebrews 4:15). But this moment was especially critical for the plan of salvation. Only the innocent blood of Jesus could save from sins and if Jesus succumbed to those temptations he would no longer be innocent. He would own the guilt just as sure as we do. Theredemption of all mankind hung in the balance. Failure here and we would all be lost.

Jesus won and salvation is offered to all.

Peter Was Targeted By Satan

With overtones of Job’s temptation we see Jesus telling Peter that Satan wanted him. Jesus said to Peter, Satan demanded to have you, that he might sift you like wheat, but I have prayed for you that your faith may not fail” (Luke 22:31-32). This must have been a sobering moment. Satan wants me, Peter must have thought.

Peter was an important piece of the coming church,  the body of Christ. Peter was part of those to whom the Lord promised a central role in unveiling the new doctrine that would mark out deep differences between the Mosaic faith and that of Christ. Peter was the one who would speak the first recorded gospel sermon in Acts 2:14. It would be Peter who carries the gospel to the Gentiles in Acts 10:34. Peter was part of the “hub” of the church which remained in Jerusalem during the terrible days of persecution. Peter would have been a prime target for Satan.

But notice that the personal interest of Satan brought the personal prayer of Jesus. True enough, Peter stumbled but in the end he gained the victory.

Am I Targeted By Satan

Satan wants us all and will stop at nothing to get us. His power is limited however and like Job and Peter he is restrained by God. But make no mistake: Satan is after you. This little trip through the Bible is not meant to imply that he wants you any less. It’s just a review of some of the people he went up against and failed. Even the one apparent success against Adam and Eve is mitigated by the coming of Jesus.

It is at the very time that we think we have arrived, that Satan attacks. Remember, “Pride before destruction and a haughty spirit before a fall” (Proverbs 16:18)