When it comes to temptation to sin, we can feel very alone. In the moment we can feel powerless to find the way of escape God has provided for us. But this pitiful self-focus is a chief source of our chronic problems, that we imagine ourselves to be the central figure in the struggle and forget about the power of God. We think it falls to us to do the impossible rather than seeking the LORD. Failure can lead to our resignation to sin instead of fleeing as we ought.
Last night I was struck by what Peter wrote in 2 Peter 2:7-9. Those who sinned without repentance God destroyed "...and delivered righteous Lot, who was oppressed by the filthy conduct of the wicked 8 (for that righteous man, dwelling among them, tormented his righteous soul from day to day by seeing and hearing their lawless deeds)-- 9 then the Lord knows how to deliver the godly out of temptations and to reserve the unjust under punishment for the day of judgment..." If we will be delivered out of sin and temptation, it is Jesus Christ who must help us by the power of the Holy Spirit. Jesus Christ is a deliverer of all who cry out to Him in faith.
Lot lived among people who did not fear God and brasenly sinned against Him, and how their conduct vexed Lot! Yet even when he was divinely warned Sodom and the surrounding cities would shortly be utterly overthrown and destroyed, Lot tarried. He was unable to make the decisive first move to leave his home, stuff, and extended family. When the pressure was on Lot suffered analysis paralysis. Left to his procrastinating ways he would have been destroyed in the fierce judgment that was coming, but the angel graciously took him by the hand and led him out. Lot walked out on his own two legs yet he needed the help of a divine messenger to lead him to depart the dangerous place where he lingered.
Has temptation to sin ever caused you to linger? Our minds work tirelessly to weigh options: is it right or wrong? Why is it wrong? What does it matter? Who would know? And because sin in us is stirred up by the desires of the flesh, our minds linger over the decision. As children of God we must acknowledge God knows how to deliver His people out of temptations. Since we are incapable of delivering ourselves this is most comforting and encouraging. Before Jesus left the earth He promised to send the Holy Spirit, the Comforter and Helper. In temptation and tribulation He helps us because He leads us to follow Jesus. We are powerless, but the LORD knows how to deliver.
Last night I was struck by what Peter wrote in 2 Peter 2:7-9. Those who sinned without repentance God destroyed "...and delivered righteous Lot, who was oppressed by the filthy conduct of the wicked 8 (for that righteous man, dwelling among them, tormented his righteous soul from day to day by seeing and hearing their lawless deeds)-- 9 then the Lord knows how to deliver the godly out of temptations and to reserve the unjust under punishment for the day of judgment..." If we will be delivered out of sin and temptation, it is Jesus Christ who must help us by the power of the Holy Spirit. Jesus Christ is a deliverer of all who cry out to Him in faith.
Lot lived among people who did not fear God and brasenly sinned against Him, and how their conduct vexed Lot! Yet even when he was divinely warned Sodom and the surrounding cities would shortly be utterly overthrown and destroyed, Lot tarried. He was unable to make the decisive first move to leave his home, stuff, and extended family. When the pressure was on Lot suffered analysis paralysis. Left to his procrastinating ways he would have been destroyed in the fierce judgment that was coming, but the angel graciously took him by the hand and led him out. Lot walked out on his own two legs yet he needed the help of a divine messenger to lead him to depart the dangerous place where he lingered.
Has temptation to sin ever caused you to linger? Our minds work tirelessly to weigh options: is it right or wrong? Why is it wrong? What does it matter? Who would know? And because sin in us is stirred up by the desires of the flesh, our minds linger over the decision. As children of God we must acknowledge God knows how to deliver His people out of temptations. Since we are incapable of delivering ourselves this is most comforting and encouraging. Before Jesus left the earth He promised to send the Holy Spirit, the Comforter and Helper. In temptation and tribulation He helps us because He leads us to follow Jesus. We are powerless, but the LORD knows how to deliver.
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