. Staying Pure In The Midst Of Temptation .
As taught by: Evangelist Jackie Harrington*
Temptation: The act of tempting or being tempted.
Examine: To test; to try; to prove
Psalms 119:11
(Message Bible)
I have banked your promises in the vault of my heart
so I won't sin myself bankrupt.
We can memorize scriptures.
We have to store God's word in our hearts and minds.
We must also put God's Word actively to work in our lives.
Psalms119:9
(Life Application Living Bible)
How can a young man stay pure?
By reading your Word and following Its rules.
Wisdom
Many are drowning in a sea of impurity.
Indulging in temptation will lead to impure lives.
God does not tempt anyone with evil.
We must have counsel and strength. This is more effective than 'tempting forces' and over evil influences. Through God's Faithfulness and His Word, we can expect to be victoriously lead by Holy Spirit.
James 3:17
(Life Application Living Bible)
But the wisdom that come from above is first of all
pure and full of Quiet gentleness.
Then it is peace- loving and courteous.
It allow discussion and is willing to yield to others;
It is full of mercy and good deeds.
It is wholehearted and straight forward and sincere.
What Causes Temptation?
According to James 4:1 quarreling and fights results from the evil desires within us. We are tempted with wanting more possessions, more money, higher status,
and more recognition. When we want it bad enough, we began to fight in order to fulfill these evil desires.
We have to ask God to help us get rid of our selfish desires, evil ambitions and trust Him to give us what we need and what our heart truly desires.
James 1:13
(Life Application Living Bible)
When tempted no one should say God is tempting me;
God can't be tempted by evil nor does he tempt anyone.
Lust
Lust is the passion for pleasure and graftication
that rages within the body and it members.
Lust is not love. With lust, we don't love one another. In lust, we disobey God's Word. From lust, our actions
and our attitudes towards one another tears down.
We should built up instead of tearing down.
Distrust
Distrust is selfishly seeking something without
trusting God for it. In disobedience, we refuse to ask.
In James 4:2 we're taught that our prayers will
become powerful when we allow God to change our desires so that they perfectly correspond to His Will for us.
Praying Amiss
There is nothing wrong with wanting a pleasureable life.
God gives us good gifts that He intends for us to enjoy.
Yet it is wrong to seek pleasure at others' expense
or at the expense of disobeying God.
Pleasure that prevents us from pleasing God is sinful pleasure.
Pure pleasure is found in God's rich and bountiful goodness.
*For speaking engagements and seminars email Evangelist Jackie Harrington at: actsofmercyministry@applyingchristthroughserving.org