A Way of Escape
Notes
Transcript
Introduction
Introduction
In the last week have you had to deal with an addiction, sin issue, or temptation in your life? I am sure if we are honest with ourselves we would all say yes. We have had to deal with an addiction, sin issue, or temptation in our life this past week and most likely every day of last week. We live in a fallen world and we live in a fallen and sin cursed body. As believers in Jesus Christ though Christ has redeemed us and paid the price to buy us out of slavery (as we looked at last week). We have freedom in Jesus Christ.
There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit.
Yet, as Paul told us in Romans 7 there is still this battle going on.
For we know that the law is spiritual, but I am carnal, sold under sin. For what I am doing, I do not understand. For what I will to do, that I do not practice; but what I hate, that I do. If, then, I do what I will not to do, I agree with the law that it is good. But now, it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells in me. For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh) nothing good dwells; for to will is present with me, but how to perform what is good I do not find. For the good that I will to do, I do not do; but the evil I will not to do, that I practice. Now if I do what I will not to do, it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells in me. I find then a law, that evil is present with me, the one who wills to do good. For I delight in the law of God according to the inward man. But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members. O wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death? I thank God—through Jesus Christ our Lord! So then, with the mind I myself serve the law of God, but with the flesh the law of sin.
We are dealing with addictions, sin habits, and overall temptation over and over. What does the Scripture say we should do and what are some practical ways we can put it into practice?
Temptations and Sin
Temptations and Sin
So often we hear people say, “the devil made me do it.” We give the Devil more credit than he deserves. Yes, he is powerful, but most of the sin we get into is of our own doing. While he and his demons might help plant the seeds and push the buttons from time to time, we know how to get into trouble all by ourselves. Look what James has to say.
Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him. Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am tempted by God”; for God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He Himself tempt anyone. 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.
English Standard Version Chapter 1
12 Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him. 13 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. 14 But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. 15 Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death.
Each one of us is tempted:
Drawn (Lured) away and Enticed. (Both words have a fishing imagery. If you have ever been fishing (it has been a while for me, you put a worm on a hook and dangle it on a line in the water so you hope that a fish will see it and grab hold of the bait. Temptation is a bait. It is something that you want and go for it and that is when you get hooked.
Once you are hooked by that desire it give birth to sin.
Sin will kill you.
“First sin fascinates you, and then it assassinates you.”
The first thing we need to know is: ourselves. What is our bait? What lures us in? What can either Satan or our own desires be used against us? What buttons can easily be pressed that tempt you and lead to you sinning? Most likely you know, but if you are blinded to it, pray that the Holy Spirit would reveal it to you.
The people of Israel had many temptations that lead to sin and death and they were examples for us.
Old Testament Examples
Old Testament Examples
If you would turn to Paul’s letter to the Corinthian church, the first letter. Chapter 10.
Moreover, brethren, I do not want you to be unaware that all our fathers were under the cloud, all passed through the sea, all were baptized into Moses in the cloud and in the sea, all ate the same spiritual food, and all drank the same spiritual drink. For they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them, and that Rock was Christ. But with most of them God was not well pleased, for their bodies were scattered in the wilderness. Now these things became our examples, to the intent that we should not lust after evil things as they also lusted.
The Apostle Paul at the end of chapter 9 had encouraged believers to “run the race” which is a common theme in his letters.
1 Corinthians 9:24–27 (NKJV)
Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain it. And everyone who competes for the prize is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a perishable crown, but we for an imperishable crown. Therefore I run thus: not with uncertainty. Thus I fight: not as one who beats the air. But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified.
He is living his life as an example of Jesus Christ. “I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified.” He is not saying that he will lose his salvation, he says he wants to be a good example to others, but also so he is living his life to glorify God. He is running the race for Christ. That is contrasted with what he shows us in chapter 10.
Here in the first six verses of chapter 10 the Apostle Paul looks back at the Exodus account from Exodus/Numbers. They were lead by the cloud in the day and the pillar of fire at night. They passed through the Red Sea. They ate the manna in the wilderness, they drank water from the Rock. Yet, the Messiah (Christ) was there with them. Paul uses Petra (large cliff/rock) not tiny rock or bolder. Christ was there through the journey.
All of them experienced the same things, yet most of them died in the wilderness.
Now these things became our examples, to the intent that we should not lust after evil things as they also lusted.
Just as the writer of Hebrews in chapter 11 talks about the hall of faith as our examples, the Apostle Paul is here showing us these examples. What not to do.
And do not become idolaters as were some of them. As it is written, “The people sat down to eat and drink, and rose up to play.” Nor let us commit sexual immorality, as some of them did, and in one day twenty-three thousand fell; nor let us tempt Christ, as some of them also tempted, and were destroyed by serpents; nor complain, as some of them also complained, and were destroyed by the destroyer.
Idolaters (Putting anything before God—whatever it might be, including yourself, your family, your time, your money)
Sexual Immorality (It can take many different forms)
Tempt Christ --We must not put Christ to the test, as some of them did (ESV)—God wouldn’t do that
Complain (Grumble) “Do all things without complaining and disputing, that you may become blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, holding fast the word of life, so that I may rejoice in the day of Christ that I have not run in vain or labored in vain.” (Philippians 2:14-16)
All of these things brought judgment on the people of Israel. They are a warning to us as believers.
He re-states it in verse 11.
Now all these things happened to them as examples, and they were written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the ages have come.
English Standard Version Chapter 10
Now these things happened to them as an example, but they were written down for our instruction, on whom the end of the ages has come.
Don’t go down the same road as the people of Israel did. Then we have these two verses that I would like to look at verses 12-13
Way of Escape
Way of Escape
Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall. No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.
English Standard Version Chapter 10
12 Therefore let anyone who thinks that he stands take heed lest he fall. 13 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.
After reminding us that these were an example to Israelites at the time of the events, and for future ages including now, Paul tells us some very practical wisdom when dealing with addictions, sin issues, and temptations.
The first thing the Apostle Paul states is don’t be haughty.
English Standard Version Chapter 10
Therefore let anyone who thinks that he stands take heed lest he fall.
Amplified Bible Chapter 10
12 Therefore let anyone who thinks he stands [who feels sure that he has a steadfast mind and is standing firm], take heed lest he fall [into sin].
New Living Translation Chapter 10
12 If you think you are standing strong, be careful not to fall.
Each one of us can go from spiritual high to a deep pit so quickly. We can be so filled with the Holy Spirit one week and into sin the next week. Why? Because something came along and baited us and we fell.
Sometimes it can happen only moments apart. Look at Matthew 16.
When Jesus came into the region of Caesarea Philippi, He asked His disciples, saying, “Who do men say that I, the Son of Man, am?” So they said, “Some say John the Baptist, some Elijah, and others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” Simon Peter answered and said, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” Jesus answered and said to him, “Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah, for flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but My Father who is in heaven. And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it. And I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.” Then He commanded His disciples that they should tell no one that He was Jesus the Christ.
Great spiritual high for Peter. He recognizes that Jesus is the Messiah! Kudos!
Look what happens next.
From that time Jesus began to show to His disciples that He must go to Jerusalem, and suffer many things from the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised the third day. Then Peter took Him aside and began to rebuke Him, saying, “Far be it from You, Lord; this shall not happen to You!” But He turned and said to Peter, “Get behind Me, Satan! You are an offense to Me, for you are not mindful of the things of God, but the things of men.”
From Kudos to get behind me Satan. 180 degree change.
Don’t put me on a stand where I can fall, but put me on the prayer list where I can be bathed in prayer.
We saw a few weeks back about King David. He had faith, but boy did he fall and great was his fall. We see it so often in the news about Christian leaders falling. We are all just one step away from falling, we need to know what we are standing on and we need to know what our bait or baits are that lure us and catch us so we do not fall.
Pride goes before destruction, And a haughty spirit before a fall.
1 Corinthians: The MacArthur New Testament Commentary The Application of Liberty
Christians who become self-confident become less dependent on God’s Word and God’s Spirit and become careless in their living. As carelessness increases, openness to temptation increases and resistance to sin decreases. When we feel most secure in ourselves—when we think our spiritual life is the strongest, our doctrine the soundest, and our morals the purest—we should be most on our guard and most dependent on the Lord.
This goes into verse 13
The New King James Version Chapter 10
13 No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.
English Standard Version Chapter 10
13 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.
Amplified Bible Chapter 10
13 For no temptation (no trial regarded as enticing to sin), [no matter how it comes or where it leads] has overtaken you and laid hold on you that is not common to man [that is, no temptation or trial has come to you that is beyond human resistance and that is not adjusted and adapted and belonging to human experience, and such as man can bear]. But God is faithful [to His Word and to His compassionate nature], and He [can be trusted] not to let you be tempted and tried and assayed beyond your ability and strength of resistance and power to endure, but with the temptation He will [always] also provide the way out (the means of escape to a landing place), that you may be capable and strong and powerful to bear up under it patiently.
New Living Translation Chapter 10
13 The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure.
Every temptation someone else (most likely millions of people) have dealt with it. It is common to everyone. You are not alone. Someone else has dealt with it. In fact Christ was tempted too.
For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin. (Hebrews 4:15)
Remember temptation is the bait it is giving into it that becomes sin.
1 Corinthians: The MacArthur New Testament Commentary The Application of Liberty
Whether it becomes a proof of righteousness or an inducement to evil depends on our response. If we resist it in God’s power, it is a test that proves our faithfulness. If we do not resist, it becomes a solicitation to sin. The Bible uses the term in both ways, and I believe that Paul has both meanings in mind here
Paul tells us that GOD IS FAITHFUL! We knew that, but sometimes we need to be reminded of it. GOD IS FAITHFUL. Say that with me. GOD IS FAITHFUL.
He will not not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able (that is a promise with a directive)
God has given us a door from that temptation…the way of escape (a way out). It might take different forms that with God’s help we will endure and grow from it
Sometimes it physically leaving a place or situation (think Joseph in Genesis). Sometimes it might be standing up to someone bigger than you or standing up to some kind of physical dependence. God is the One who will give you strength to take the way of escape and to endure.
Maybe there are things you should not do at certain times. Maybe there are stores, websites you should not visit. God has given you a way of escape, are you using it?
Practical Wisdom from Scripture /Conclusion
Practical Wisdom from Scripture /Conclusion
As I mentioned from Hebrews earlier: For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin. (Hebrews 4:15)
Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. And when He had fasted forty days and forty nights, afterward He was hungry. Now when the tempter came to Him, he said, “If You are the Son of God, command that these stones become bread.” But He answered and said, “It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.’ ” Then the devil took Him up into the holy city, set Him on the pinnacle of the temple, and said to Him, “If You are the Son of God, throw Yourself down. For it is written: ‘He shall give His angels charge over you,’ and, ‘In their hands they shall bear you up, Lest you dash your foot against a stone.’ ” Jesus said to him, “It is written again, ‘You shall not tempt the Lord your God.’ ” Again, the devil took Him up on an exceedingly high mountain, and showed Him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory. And he said to Him, “All these things I will give You if You will fall down and worship me.” Then Jesus said to him, “Away with you, Satan! For it is written, ‘You shall worship the Lord your God, and Him only you shall serve.’ ” Then the devil left Him, and behold, angels came and ministered to Him.
It is written in the Scriptures. One way to deal with temptations and sin is to know the Word of God, quote it, meditate on it and use it when you are dealing with temptations, sin issues, and addictions.
“Either this book will keep you from sin, or sin will keep you from this book.” -John Bunyan
In review
Know yourself. What are your buttons? What is your bait? How does the enemy use it? How does your own flesh use it?
Learn from your past mistakes. Just like we learned from Israel’s mistakes, what has been your pattern in the past? What can you learn from it? Change your course!
We can become blinded ourselves to our own weak footing and we can easily fall. Don’t become apathetic as it is so easy to do. Don’t coast through your Christianity.
When you are tempted hold fast to Christ and take the way of escape. It will deepen your walk with Him. Hold close to Him. He will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you and He cannot endure (anything).
Know the Word of God. When dealing with temptations look to the example of Christ who was tempted in all ways as we are, yet without sin. He turned to the Word of God. Your enemy knows it, do you? If you are battling a certain temptation/sin/addiction is there a verse you could memorize and say out loud when you are baited?
Each one of us (myself included) is battling our sin nature. Each one of us (myself included) has things that bait us and many times hooks us. Keep one another in prayer as we fight these battles, we are not fighting alone. You are not the only one struggling. Take some time this today and this week, and I will do the same to look at this practical wisdom for dealing with temptations.