The Second Look

Posted on November 21, 2022 by Elizabeth Welte in Victory Call

But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed. Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death.  (James 1:14-15)

Sin doesn’t happen in an instant.  Rather it is a series of choices.

We each have our own unique flesh pattern.  What tempts me may not tempt you in the least, and vice versa.

We cannot stop all temptation from coming our way though we can reduce temptation by making wise choices to avoid putting yourself in tempting situations.

What things do you do, what places do you go, what things do you read or watch that naturally lead you into temptation?

Let’s start there. Doesn’t it make sense to stop it? In our fight against sin, let’s start by eliminating the easy targets.

But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to fulfill its lusts.  (Romans 13:14)

There are temptations that come that we cannot foresee or avoid – what then?  You cannot avoid the first thought, the first tempting opportunity – that is the nature of our flesh and our very real enemy.  But then what?

Then we must make a choice to not entertain that first thought, take a second look or consider or dwell on that enticing opportunity. Right there is where we command the victory or start to slide towards defeat and sin.  As Paul says, we really need to grasp and live out his warning to “make no provision for the flesh.”

What does it look like in your life to make no provision for the flesh? What does that look like in my life?  Thought provoking isn’t it?

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This Week’s Verse to Memorize: “And if one member suffers, all the members suffer with it; or if one member is honored, all the members rejoice with it. ²⁷ Now you are the body of Christ, and members individually.” 1 Corinthians 12:26-27