Overcoming Temptation and Practicing Faithful Action (05/09/'24) -Statement

Overcoming Temptation and Practicing Faithful Action Even 3-year-old children understand how to do good things without doing bad things, yet even the elderly struggle to consistently practice this. Will it change how we listen? We have become addicted to listening without action. Despite imperfect sermons, we need preachers who faithfully practice what they preach. The Apostle Paul describes his internal struggle: He wants to do what is right but often ends up doing what he despises. He loves God's law with all his heart but recognizes another power at war within him, making him a slave to sin. He feels miserable and wonders who will free him from this life of sin and death. He finds the answer in Jesus Christ, who provides liberation from sin. In the face of temptation, we should consider what we stand to lose rather than what is offered. Temptation is a powerful tool used by Satan against our conscience. It often finds its way in through doors deliberately left open. Courage rooted in faith means persevering through failure without losing enthusiasm. According to 1 Corinthians 10:13, no temptation is unique; God is faithful and will provide a way out so we can endure. As Jesus said in Matthew 4:7, "Do not put the Lord your God to the test." Without faith and hope in God's grace, this world will drain us of reason and wisdom. Pastor Steven G. Lee (May 9, 2024)