The Shield of Faith: Trust Under Fire

 Faith is a protective posture that absorbs impact when life hits hard. Paul pictures faith as a shield that stops attacks before they wound.

Reference: “Take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.” (Ephesians 6:16)

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Faith as Defense Against Active Attacks

Attacks are not theoretical. They are ongoing, intentional, and often well-timed. Faith blocks lies, fear, doubt, shame, and temptation by replacing them with truth.
Reference: “Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.” (1 Peter 5:8–9)
Key phrase: “Resist him, standing firm in the faith.”

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The Nature of Flaming Arrows

Flaming arrows are thoughts, accusations, and emotional triggers that spread quickly if left unchecked. They inflame anxiety, anger, pride, or despair.
Reference:
• Satan as the accuser (Revelation 12:10)
• Schemes meant to deceive (2 Corinthians 2:11)
• Temptation designed to mislead (James 1:13–15)

Arrows are meant to burn. Faith is meant to extinguish.

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Faith Rooted in God’s Promises

Faith is not optimism. It is trust anchored in what God said and who He is.
Reference: “Faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.” (Romans 10:17)
Confidence comes from God’s character, not our circumstances.

Hebrews 11 reinforces this:
• “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” (Hebrews 11:1)
• Every hero acted because they trusted God’s promises, not outcomes they could see.

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Faith as a Response to God’s Faithfulness

Faith grows when we remember how God has acted before.
Reference:
• “Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for He who promised is faithful.” (Hebrews 10:23)
• God rewards those who seek Him (Hebrews 11:6)

Faith responds to proven faithfulness.

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Hebrews 11: Faith in Action

Hebrews 11 shows faith as:
• Obedience under uncertainty (Abraham)
• Endurance under suffering (Moses)
• Courage under threat (David, prophets)

These stories illustrate the shield working in real life.
Reference: Hebrews 11:32–34 describes believers who “quenched the fury of the flames.”

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Romans 10: Faith Grounded in the Word

Faith does not appear on its own. It grows through immersion in Scripture.
Reference: Romans 10:8–11 emphasizes:
• The closeness of God’s word
• Belief in the heart
• Confession with the mouth
• Trust in Christ as the foundation

Faith is formed by truth. Truth is formed by hearing Christ.

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Mark 11: Faith That Acts and Asks

Jesus teaches faith that prays boldly and expects God to move.
Reference:
• “Have faith in God.” (Mark 11:22)
• “Whatever you ask in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.” (Mark 11:24)

This is not name-it-claim-it. It is trust that God hears and acts according to His will and goodness.

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Summary: What the Shield of Faith Enables

• Discernment when lies hit.
• Courage when pressure intensifies.
• Endurance when suffering deepens.
• Hope when situations look impossible.
• Peace when anxiety flares.
• Strength when the enemy tries to intimidate or accuse.

Faith is not passive belief. It is active trust in a faithful God.

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Jesus reveals his betrayal, death, resurrection and resisting slothful temptation (Matthew 26:1-46)

Focus verse:

Keep watch for one hour... Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak. Matthew 26:40-41

How often do I watch and pray for one hour? I spend plenty of time watching television and internet videos. When will I sit with God? When my soul is troubled instead of looking for a distraction I will watch and pray.

 Matthew 26

A) Jesus predicts his betrayal, death, and resurrection appearance during last super

1-5) Jesus; Passover in 2 days, Son of Man crucified, chief priest/elders schemed to kill him

6-9) Jesus head anointed perfume at Bethany, indignant disciples; money for poor

10-13) Jesus; beautiful prepares my body for burial - gospel preached, her deed will also be told

14-16) Judas agrees to betray for 30 silver

17-21) day one Unleavened Bread, prepare Passover, "appointed time is near" - reveal one of twelve betrays

22-25) Sad they all suspect themselves, better to be unborn - Judas identified

26-30) While eating Jesus broke bread, take and eat this is my body, thanks for the cup, drink this is my blood of the covenant poured out for many, forgiveness of sins. sang hymn, mount of Olives

 - What was a blood covenant (Genesis 15:9-21)?

Hebrews 6:13-18;9:19-21,22,23,24-28;10:4

believe God (Galatians 3:7; Genesis 15:6). God’s promise of eternal blessing is given only on the basis of faith in the saving blood of His Son, Jesus Christ (Hebrews 9:12)

31-35) All will fall away tonight, after I've risen I'll go ahead of you to Galilee. Peter argues revealed 3 times betrayer

B) Jesus overwhelmed prays the Fathers will be done, energized while disciples slept - Matt 26:36-46

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Jesus teaches how faith is practical and effective (Matthew 21:18-22)

 Matthew 21:18-22:14

Want to "cut out (Matt 5:29-30)" what is not working, want to learn how to die to self? Jesus shows us how it happens immediately. Faith with God, spoken word prayer without a doubt. 

A) Jesus teaches how desire can prompt us towards prayer of deliverance

18-19) Jesus hungry, sees fig tree without figs, "May you never bear fruit again" it immediately withered

 - Thinking of this in terms of addiction, which tricks us into being "hungry" for it, in faith we can say NO, NEVER AGAIN, and receive immediate deliverance. 

 - He saw the figs didn't have fruit, we must know the truth for the truth can set us free. Addictive substances offer no real relief or support, rather they only pacify the withdrawal (feeling of hunger). 

 - Sometimes we need prayer and fasting to gain deliverance. (Mark 9:29)

20-22) Disciples asked how, Jesus "Fatih without doubt, believe = receive whatever you ask for in prayer"

 - 20th of 31 "truly I tell you" in Matthew, 6 are about faith, and words Matthew 8:9,10;17:20;18:18,19;21:21,22;26:13 But rest are about judgment and fulfillment of the law at the end of all things.

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Jesus resisted Satan's temptation and began His public ministry (Matt 4)

Main truths:

Believers overcome temptation by the Word of God and in the power of God. 

Jesus calls people to follow Him

I. Jesus used God's Word to overcome Satan's temptation in the wilderness. – Matthew 4:1-11 

II. Jesus began His public ministry by calling His disciples, teaching, and healing. – Matthew 4:12-25

4:1) Jesus, led by Spirit to be tempted by devil

2-4) Fasting 40 days, tempter "Son of God? Tell stones bread", Jesus "man lives on God's word"

5-7) devil tallest city building, "Son of God? jump - God's word: angels". Jesus "also don't test Him"

8-10) devil mountain, "all kingdoms I give, worship me", Jesus "away Satan, worship/serve God"

11) devil left him, angels attended Jesus

 - Application: What temptation are you facing now? How will you stand on God's Word and trust His provision?

12-16) Jesus heard John prison, went to Capernaum in Zebulan and Naphtali fulfilling prophecy light

17) Jesus life message, "repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near"

18-20) Jesus calls Simon/Peter, brother Andrew. "send you fish for people" - immediately followed Him

21-22) Jesus calls James, borther John, left Father/boat immediately followed Him

 - Application: In what way do you find it hard to simply  "follow" Jesus? In what way are you holding back?

23) Jesus Galilee teaching Synagogues, good news Kingdom, heals everyone/every sickness

24-25) News spread of detailed healings, large crowds followed Him

 - Application: How do I help people understand the good news of repentance? How does the gospel bring healing?

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Fear the Lord, service and oaths (Deut 6:13-10:20, James 1:12, Psalm 119:30)

Key verse: 

You must not misuse the name of the Lord your God. The Lord will not let you go unpunished if you misuse his name. Deut 5:11

Books Ends:  Deuteronomy 6:13

Fear the LORD your God, serve Him only, and take your oaths in His name.

Deuteronomy 10:20

You are to fear the LORD your God and serve Him. Hold fast to Him and take your oaths in His name.

The Lord is showing me, I've missed an opportunity in BSF to look at Deuteronomy 1-26 in the life of Moses. I was thinking of my Friend Mark Jamerson this morning, we were teaching together and I was to prepare the lesson from Deut 1-26 (which I did, as Kim and I were in Pheonix during rainy weather at the time (Arizona Grand). But on the night, I was sick and sent home. 

I was thinking about perseverance and not giving in to temptations. Flowing through scriptures on BibleHub Cross References from James 1:12 to Exodus 20:6 and then Exodus 20:7. The Lord brought me to this simple key, "Fear the LORD you God, serve Him - Hold fast to Him and take your oaths in His name." the big idea this morning. Don't ignore God's commands, find the old ways to resist temptation and BeMature: Mature faith is consistently abiding in Christ and fruitful for people (James)

Psalm 119:30; James 1:12; Exodus 20:5-7; Leviticus 19:12; Deuteronomy 5:11; 10:20; Job 5:17

I’m feeling terrible—I couldn’t feel worse!

    Get me on my feet again. You promised, remember?

When I told my story, you responded;

    train me well in your deep wisdom.

Help me understand these things inside and out

    so I can ponder your miracle-wonders.

My sad life’s dilapidated, a falling-down barn;

    build me up again by your Word.

Barricade the road that goes Nowhere;

    grace me with your clear revelation.

I choose the true road to Somewhere,

    I post your road signs at every curve and corner.

I grasp and cling to whatever you tell me;

    God, don’t let me down!

I’ll run the course you lay out for me

    if you’ll just show me how. Psalm 119:25-32 MSG

I have chosen to be faithful; I have determined to live by your regulations. Psalm 119:30 NLT

God blesses those who patiently endure testing and temptation. Afterward they will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him. James 1:12 NLT

I have chosen the faithful way; I have placed Your ordinances before me. Psalm 119:30 AMP

 Blessed [happy, spiritually prosperous, favored by God] is the man who is steadfast under trial and perseveres when tempted; for when he has passed the test and been approved, he will receive the [victor’s] crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him. James 1:12 AMP

You must not bow down to them or worship them, for I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God who will not tolerate your affection for any other gods. I lay the sins of the parents upon their children; the entire family is affected—even children in the third and fourth generations of those who reject me. But I lavish unfailing love for a thousand generations on those who love me and obey my commands. You must not misuse the name of the Lord your God. The Lord will not let you go unpunished if you misuse his name. Exodus 20:5-7

Do not bring shame on the name of your God by using it to swear falsely. I am the Lord. Lev 19:12

You must fear the Lord your God and worship him and cling to him. Your oaths must be in his name alone. Deut 10:20

Anyone who meets a testing challenge head-on and manages to stick it out is mighty fortunate. For such persons loyally in love with God, the reward is life and more life. James 1:12 MSG

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Barrier against temptations God's Judgement, and God's goodness (James 1:13-18)

"The mature person is patient in trials. Sometimes the trials are testing on the outside, and sometimes they are temptations on the inside. Trials may be tests sent by God, or they may be temptations sent by Satan and encourage by our own fallen nature. It's this second aspect of trials  - temptations on the inside - that James dealt with in this section." - Warren Wiersbe Be Mature on James 1:13-18

Trials are external events that test our faith for what it is, temptations are internal, how we respond to the trials.
Consider these three facts:
1. Consider God's judgment of our desire, plan and willful action (James 1:13-16)
 - Look ahead and see where sin ends - death. Paths Principle: Direction, not intention leads to destination
 - A temptation is an opportunity to accomplish a good thing in a bad way, out of the will of God. (Thinking of my desire for my brother's baptism that was canceled due to COVID-19. What does Baptism mean, why do it?)
We think of sin as a single act but sin has five stages
It starts with what we look at, then what we dwell on "lust" (Matt 5:28), this is desire (James 1:14). This desire is also coveting, marked by an inordinate desire for wealth or possessions or for another's possessions. Craving for possession covetous of power.

Some try and suppress hunger and desire, but this makes them less than human. Desires of life are the steam in the boiler that makes the machinery go. Turn off the steam and you have no power, let it go it's own way and you have destruction. The secret is in constant control. These desires must be servants not our masters, and this we can do through Jesus Christ.

 - Blessed are they who hunger and thirst for righteousness (Matt 5:6), mercy, purity, peacemakers (Matt 5:7-9). persecuted because of righteousness (people insult, persecute, falsely say all kinds of evil against us because of Jesus) - Matt 5:10-11

 - Deception in the intellect (James 1:14)
 - "drawn away" carries with it the idea of the baiting of a trap (Offense, separation, categorizing sin, fostering wounds, arguments, and worry). Yielding to the desire will eventually bring sorrow and punishment. The bait is an exciting thing.
 - Jesus was tempted by Satan and he always dealt with the temptation on the basis of the Word of God. Three times He said, "It is written." When you know the Bible you can detect the bait and deal with it decisively. This is what it means to walk by faith and not by sight.

 - Disobedience in the will (James 1:15)

We have moved from the emotions (desire) and the intellect (deception) to the will. James changed the picture from hunting and fishing to the birth of a baby. Desire conceives a method for taking the bait. The will approves and acts, and the result is sin. Whether we feel it or not, we are hooked and trapped. The baby is born, and just wait until it matures!

...Christian living is a matter of the will, not the feelings. This explains why immature Christians easily fall into temptation: They let their feelings make decisions. The more you exercise your will in saying a decisive no to temptation, the more God will take control o your life. "For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure (Phil 2:3)."

 -  Death is fully mature disobedience
God has erected this barrier because he loves us (Gen 2:17, Ezek 18:23). We see this all in the original sin. Eve saw nothing wrong with the knowledge or eating food (Gen 3:5), she saw it was good (Gen 3:6). Paul describes the deception in 2 Cor 11:3 as being beguiled by subtlety away from simplicity in Christ. Even (under Satanic deception) gave it to Adam (not directly deceived by Satan), his sin plunged the human race into tragedy (Romans 5:12-21; 1 Tim 2:12-15)
 - Death Through Adam, Life Through Christ (Romans 5:12-21)
 Dying without Jesus Christ a person will experience eternal death, the lake of fire (Rev 20:11-15)
 - God abolishes sin and death, creating a new heaven and earth (Rev 20:11-21:8)

2. Consider God's Goodness (James 1:17)

Satan wants us to think God is holding us back from good. Think again of Jesus temptation (Matthew 4), as to say "If the Father loves you, why are you hungry?" Since God is good, we don't need any other person to meet our needs. It is better to be hungry in the will of God than full outside the will of God. Moses warned Israel not to forget God's goodness when in the promised land (Deut 6:10-15). 

 - God gives only good gifts, even when we don't see it at first (Paul's thorn became a tremendous blessing to him 2 Cor 12:1-10)
 - God's way of giving is good. "and every act of giving" What He gives and how He gives are both good
 - He gives constantly. "Cometh down" is present participle: it keep on coming down.
  - God does not change. He is perfect in nature and character, so while it's impossible for God to change this He does change his mind.

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In love to Christ when trails come: count, know, let, and ask (James 1:2-12)

Reading Be Mature,
Trails are what God uses to mature us and this is shown in patience and endurance (Rom 5:3-4). Patience is not passive, it is a courageous perseverance in the face of suffering and difficulty. Immature people are always impatient. "Be... followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises (Heb 6:12 also Heb 10:36)." God wants us to be patient because that is the key to every other blessing. When the believer learns to wait on the Lord, then God can do great things for him. Abraham ran ahead of the Lord, married Hagar and brought great sorrow on his home (Gen 16), Moses ran ahead of God, killed a man and spent 40 years learning patience (Ex 2:11), Peter almost killed a man in his impatience (John 18:10-11). Maturity comes when we:
1. Count - A Joyful Attitude (James 1:2): Outlook determines the outcome, and attitude determines action. God tells us to expect trials (John 16:33, Acts 14:22, 1 Peter 4:12) and to endure as Jesus did - with a joyful attitude (Heb 12:2). With the right outlook on trials we are made better, not bitter - like Job (Job 23:10).
2. Know - An Understanding Mind (James 1:3): Satan can defeat the ignorant believer, but he cannot overcome the Christian who knows his Bible and understands the purposes of God.
3. Let - A surrendered Will (James 1:4,9-12): God can't build our character without our cooperation. If we submit to Him, then He can accomplish His work, not a halfway job but perfect, mature, complete.
4. Ask - A Believing Heart (James 1:5-8): People James wrote to had problems with their praying (James 4:1-3;5:13-18). What should we pray about? Ask God for wisdom (James 1:5;3:13-18). Knowledge is the ability to take things apart, while wisdom is the ability to put them together. We need wisdom rather than strength, grace or deliverance for this reason: We need wisdom so we will not waste the opportunities God is giving us to mature. Ask in faith, it was doubt that made Peter sink (Matt 14:22-23).

All of these help us resist the temptation to doubt God and be blessed (James 1:12). This blessing is a great encouragement because it promises a crown to those who patiently endure trials. We do all these things from LOVE. We count with a joyful attitude because we love God. We know with an understanding mind because He loves us and has shared His truth with us, and we love him in return. We let our will surrender to Him because we love Him. Where there is love, there is surrender and faithful obedience. We ask with a believing heart because love and faith go together. When you love someone, you trust him, and you don't hesitate to ask him for help.

Love is the spiritual force behind the imperative James gave us. If we love God, we will have no problem counting, knowing, letting, and asking. Love keeps us faithful to the Lord.

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Grieving the Holy Spirit and the devil's work

Great resource from www.bsfinternational.org, Leader’s Folio
Grieving or Quenching the Holy Spirit
Your desire should be to live to please God. When you please God, you are filled with joy as He is glorified in your life. But you can grieve or quench the Spirit of God by refusing to allow Him to control you in a specific situation. To love sin more than God is profoundly sad. It is sad that you would grieve the One who has loved you so much. When this occurs, it is obvious the Holy Spirit no longer fills or controls you. Therefore, you must confess the known sin and surrender again to Him. When you consciously pursue a sinful path, such as pornography or holding a grudge, you are not led by the Holy Spirit. When the Spirit convicts you of a specific sin, then by His power confess it, put it off, renew your thinking and put on Christ’s righteousness, which He has given you the moment you first believed. This may take place many times in a day as you learn to live by the Spirit, refusing any lower standard.
Rags to Riches, how the Holy Spirit changes us everyday
The Devil
The evil one tempts you to doubt God’s Word and His goodness (Genesis 3:1, 4). He makes disobedience look attractive or advantageous (“You can be like God.”). His goal is to defeat you through condemnation, lies and half-truths. He appears as a ravenous, roaring lion (1 Peter 5:8). He may attack through suggestions or circumstances (1 Thessalonians 2:18; Ephesians 6:16; James 4:7). He also masquerades as an angel of light who sounds reasonable but twists Scripture (Matthew 4:1-10; 2 Corinthians 11:14-15).

Temptation is not sin; yielding to the temptation is sin.
When you succumb to the temptation posed by the evil one, he becomes your accuser. (“You can’t really be a Christian and do that!”) Satan wants you to focus on your guilt and sin; he uses condemnation to discourage, defeat, paralyze and leave you hopeless. The good news is he is a
defeated enemy because of Christ’s death and resurrection. Never forget that you stand before God blameless because you are clothed in the righteousness of Christ.
Christian Code of Conduct for the Church Militant

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When you face temptation remember Jesus (Matt 4)

Jesus shows that temptation doesn't need to dominate humanity.

Jesus and Moses life contrasted. 40 days versus 40 years.
1. Temptation to distrust God's care and take matters into your own hands

Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. After fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry. The tempter came to him and said, “If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread.”
Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’ ”
Matthew 4:1-4 NIV

Remember how the Lord your God led you all the way in the wilderness these forty years, to humble and test you in order to know what was in your heart, whether or not you would keep his commands. He humbled you, causing you to hunger and then feeding you with manna, which neither you nor your ancestors had known, to teach you that man does not live on bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of the Lord .
Deuteronomy 8:2‭-‬3 NIV

2. Temptation to live foolishly, with presumptuous trust and tempt God (v6). Don't put yourself into a bad position and presume God will help. God won't be forced into performing for us. He's not an overprotective parent bailing out his spoiled child.

3. Temptation to give your life for fame and fortune rather than giving your life to God. Romans 12:1-2, Hebrews 12:1-5

Son of God continued to rely on the written word of God. 2 Tim 3:16-17, Heb 4:12-16

Satan tactic is to play on our strengths right after our high points.

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Carefully, boldly explain God plan of salvation is for all people

Lord has been using my time in ALPHA at MNTC, SALT as work and messages from my pastor these last few weeks. Specifically learn-from-past-and-stay-humble 1 Cor 10:12

I love using this tool: https://biblehub.com/1_corinthians/10-12.htm

• From now on, whoever thinks that he stands, let him beware lest he fall. (Aramaic Bible in Plain English)
• Therefore, whoever thinks he is standing securely should watch out so he doesn't fall. (International Standard Version)
• So, whoever thinks he stands must be careful not to fall. (Holman Christian Standard Bible)
• Even if you think you can stand up to temptation, be careful not to fall. (Contemporary English Version)

Now I write in my own words...
From now on, even if I think I can stand up to temptation because of my firm footing, Lord, let me be aware, watchful, and careful - so that I don't fall

• Our feet carry the good news: Lord, wash my feet, Jesus wants us to be light so that He can be seen to the lost
• Christian Code of Conduct for the Church Militant: (Ephesians 6:19-20) Praying God gives me (his ambassador) the right words to boldly explain his plan of salvation is for all people.

Cross-references of 1 Cor 10:12
Luke 8:18
Pay attention, therefore, to how you listen. Whoever has will be given more, but whoever does not have, even what he thinks he has will be taken away from him."

Romans 11:20
That is correct: They were broken off because of unbelief, but you stand by faith. Do not be arrogant, but be afraid.

Colossians 2:8
See to it that no one takes you captive through philosophy and empty deception, which are based on human tradition and the spiritual forces of the world rather than on Christ.

2 Peter 3:17
Therefore, beloved, since you already know these things, be on your guard so that you will not be carried away by the error of the lawless and fall from your secure standing.

Treasury of Scripture
1 Corinthians 4:6-8
And these things, brethren, I have in a figure transferred to myself and to Apollos for your sakes; that ye might learn in us not to think of men above that which is written, that no one of you be puffed up for one against another
1 Corinthians 8:2
And if any man think that he knoweth any thing, he knoweth nothing yet as he ought to know.
Proverbs 16:18
Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall.

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Learn from the past and stay humble (1 Cor 10:1-13)

1 Corinthians 10:1-5,6
Historically, people followed Moses. ALL
- under God
- Baptized
- ate same spiritual food and drink (Christ)

Yet God wasn't pleased

6) Now these things occurred as examples to keep us from setting our hearts on evil things as they did.
7-10)
- Idolatry, eating/drinking, sexual immorality
- testing the Lord/Christ, they died by snakes
- grumbling, destroyed by an angel

11) These things happened to them as examples and were written down as warnings for us (Numbers 21:4-9 ;John 3:3-15)

12) We must be careful with our posture in Christ, so we don't fall into temptation (like has happened historically, see idolatry, immorality, grumbling).
13) all temptations are common to all. But God won't let you be tempted beyond what you can bear.
- No temptation has overtaken you...But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it. 1 Cor 10:13

https://grace.church/sermon/posed-and-proud/

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God has provided ways to guard ourselves against temptation

Following is from Bsf International People of Promise Land part 1 (lesson notes 20)

Every day, everywhere, society pressures us to accept unbiblical thinking. Fears or anxious thoughts may seem more real than faith. Our own desires often whisper, “Put yourself first. No one will get hurt.” Satan and those who unwittingly serve him try hard to turn us from God and His truth. Even trusted friends may encourage us to choose our own way instead of God and His will. If sin could capture a “man after God’s own heart,” how can we or anyone resist its power?

God has provided ways for us to guard ourselves:
■ Know and love God more deeply:

• God is holy, perfectly pure and always just (Deuteronomy 32:4; Isaiah 6:3; 1 Peter 1:15-16; 1 John 1:5). 
• God’s goodness means He never tempts, (James 1:13-17) 
• yet He does test His children.(Deuteronomy 8:2-5; Job 23:10; Psalm 26:2; 66:10; 81:7; 139:23; Proverbs 17:3)
• Our Father controls all things, including tests, for His children’s highest good – to make us holy like Jesus. (Romans 8:28-29; 1 John 3:1-3)

■ Know sin destroys:

• God gives His children a new nature, but sin’s nature remains unchanged – against God and unremittingly deadly. (Romans 6:23; 8:13; James 1:15)
• Name what tempts you or identify your sin specifically. Acknowledge it for what it is: against God; evil and dangerous. As creatures made in God’s image, our actions matter. (Genesis 1:26) 
• Therefore, even forgiven sin has consequences.

■ Know Satan’s lies:

• “It’s such a little sin.” “No one will know.” “You deserve it.” “You can stop anytime.” “God will forgive you, so what does it matter?” (Romans 6:1-14; 1 John 3:4-10) 
• Yet if you sin, Satan accuses: “You call yourself a Christian?” “Don’t pray; why would God listen to you?” “There’s no turning back.” (Micah 7:8-10, 18-20; Zechariah 3:1-4; Revelation 12:10)
• Without God’s help, our enemy easily deceives us. Ask God to help you recognize lies, and cling to the truth.

■ Know yourself:

• Temptations change at different stages of life but never stop until we are with Jesus in glory. If you think you are strong, have you realized that apart from God’s grace, you would fall? (1 Corinthians 10:12) 
• What particularly tempts you, and whom could you ask to help you or hold you accountable?
• Pray for yourself, your family, pastor, neighbors and country. Thank God for keeping you from sin, which would overwhelm you. Thank Him especially for His Spirit, who strengthens His people to live for Him. (Romans 8:1-17, 26-27)

■ Know and act on God’s Word:

• God promises to provide a way out when temptation is too strong. (1 Corinthians 10:13) 
• Run from temptation – turn off the TV; don’t take a second look when an image pops up on your computer. (1 Corinthians 6:18; 10:14; 2 Thessalonians 3:6-13; 1 Timothy 6:9-12; 2 Timothy 2:22-24)
• Meditate on God’s Word to fill your mind with God’s thoughts. (Psalm 119:11; Romans 12:1-2; Hebrews 4:12) 
• Our hearts lie to us, and our feelings sometimes shake us. (Jeremiah 17:9) 
• Only God’s truth keeps us on solid ground. (Isaiah 40:8; Matthew 7:24-27)

■ Know the power of prayer and of praise:

• Jesus told the disciples to prepare for temptation through prayer. Do you? (Matthew 6:13; 26:41)
• Ask God for grace to believe His warnings. 
• Confess when your heart grows hard.
• Choose to delight in God. (Psalm 119:14; Matthew 22:37; John 14:15; Philippians 3:1)
• Run to Jesus often for help in loving Him more than you love sin. (Hebrews 4:14-15)

■ Know the gospel: (Hebrews 2:14-18)

• The gospel is “the power of God,” bringing salvation and Christ’s own righteousness to all who believe. (Romans 1:16-17; 2 Corinthians 5:21)
• Christ not only takes the judgment we deserve, but He becomes our righteousness.

■ Know your goal: God has destined all His children to be holy as He is holy. (1 Peter 1:16)

• “All who have this hope in Him purify themselves, just as He is pure.” (1 John 3:3) 
• Look away from the short-term gains of compromise. Lift your eyes to the long-term view. Pray for God to continue to make you more and more like His beautiful Son. 

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Abiding in Christ: the act of receiving and trusting all that God is for us in Christ (John 15:1-12)

I listen to podcasts via youtube often and I'm often delighted by Desiring God's Ask Paster John. I was on my way home from Visiting Jason when I heard what-does-it-mean-to-abide-in-christ and two-strategies-to-win-the-war-on-lust.

Jason showed me "My Side Walk has a Hole in it: Auto-Biography in 5 chapters" which led me to pray him to commit to 100% abstinence from drugs. A promise to God and yourself to say, "never again - for any reason".

Matthew 5:37, Simply let your ‘Yes’ be ‘Yes,’ and your ‘No,’ ‘No.’ Anything more comes from the evil one.

So back to the podcasts, Abide in Christ (John 15-1-12, "the act of receiving and trusting all that God is for us in Christ") and winning the spiritual war via Resistance (from world, flesh, devil) and Reception (Holy Spirit, God's Word) = New Creation

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God and the world are polar opposites (1 John 2:15‭-‬17)

Do not love the world nor the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh and the lust of the eyes and the boastful pride of life, is not from the Father, but is from the world. The world is passing away, and also its lusts; but the one who does the will of God lives forever.
1 John 2:15‭-‬17 NASB
https://bible.com/bible/100/1jn.2.15-17.NASB

Sam Houston, Where is the Love? July 26, 2018

Love the world is to put your heart to things, people and practices that are opposed to God.

This was a challenging word that has stuck with me this week. I've often heard more preaching about not retreating from the world but to win the world for Christ, through love (John 13:35, Matt 28:19-20). This teaching had built on the previous week about being all in (Jim Erickson). The big take away I see in bringing it all together is 1 Cor 10:12-13, "So the one who thinks he is standing firm should be careful not to fall. No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, He will also provide an escape, so that you can stand up under it"

Lack of Bible knowledge has convinced many that;

• Evangelism is not necessary 
• Works are necessary for salvation 
• Religious practice defines

God and the world are polar opposites
Matt 6:24. Can't serve or love two at once.
- two navigation systems at once: turn left, turn right
- we are trying to love two different masters

Categories of temptation
1. Sensual pleasures (flesh)
2. Pleasures of imagination (lust of eyes)
3. Pride of life (bragging about accomplishments)

World's short-term pleasure pails in comparison to God's eternal life
- ice castle not meant to last forever. (World is passing away)

John 14:15, love me keep my commandments

Choose to love world temporary pleasure, or love eternal God.

How do we keep from loving world
1. Study and understand God's love for us.
- The world can't love us back
- Every good and perfect gift comes from God
- the world can't give us anything good
2. Know who we are and our purpose
- eph 2:10, by God for him and works he prepared
3. Be aware of what and who we expose ourselves: Bad company corrupts good morals. Psalm 101:3, don't put worthless things in front of our lives.
4. Focus on goodness: Phil 4

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