Target Point, Vol. 3 of 33 Today's Verse/Thought: Resisting Temptations
Now that you have purified yourselves by obeying... 1 Peter 2:12
Life Implication:
The above verse suggests an incredible idea regarding the relationship between purification and obedience. The Bible is filled with scriptures admonishing us to OBEY. Proverbs 21:3 states, to DO what is right and just is more acceptable to the Lord than sacrifice. The Lord is calling us toward RIGHTEOUSNESS in order for us to be conformed to the likeness of His Son. In 1 Peter 3:11-12 the Bible says that God's ears are attentive to the prayers of a RIGHTEOUS man. Could it be that our difficulty getting closer to God may have a lot to do with our not ridding ourselves of the overt sin in our life? I think so!
Life Application:
What are the one or two temptations that most hinder you? Be honest with your response here. Make a commitment to overcome these obstacles. Understand what is at stake. It's ultimately your ability to get close to God in order to see His plan for your life.
The Apostle Paul in 1 Corinthians 9:24-27 talks about how he must BEAT HIS BODY in order to make it his slave. In Daniel 1:8 it says that Daniel RESOLVED not to defile himself. In the New King James the word resolved is translated, PURPOSED IN HIS HEART. In other words, Daniel had moral courage, he just said NO!
That is what we need to do. Refuse to be a victim and buy into the world and what it says is OK-the devil and what he wants us to do-and most importantly our own flesh. The Bible says in James 4:8 that if we will resist the devil he will flee from us.
After you have listed your points of struggle I suggest that you share them with a trusted friend or counselor, or your small group, if you are part of one. Give them permission to check on you and hold you accountable. You should also add them to your daily prayer list. Bring them before God every day.
Finally, the next time you are entertaining that thought or negative behavior, start speaking the name of Jesus. Just start to praise Him and you will not believe how fast that temptation goes away. My friend, it's a CHOICE! Make the right one and avoid the negative consequences.
Tomorrow In TargetPoint:
Letting Go of My Way