Forbidden Fruit Creates Many Jams

HoHum:

Todd Hunter in Our Favorite Sins: "I’d just taken a few steps out the front door of church after a Sunday worship service when Bob walked up to me with gusto and, with a joyous smile, said, “Now there’s temptation right there!” He was pointing to a shiny, black, brand new Harley Davidson motorcycle in the parking lot about 20 yards away. A few guys were sauntering around it, admiring the Harley. I have a strong rule of thumb to never be preachy in these kind of conversations. But in this case, because my friend has a great sense of humor and since I had the concept of temptation at the very front of my mind while I writing this book, I blurted out before I could stop myself: “That is not temptation to me at all, Bob.” Bob looked at me with great disappointment. I think we were both a bit sad that I did not share his delight at the sight of the Harley. Even worse, it was like I’d just said the earth was flat or the sky was green. Like most people, I instantly recognize the Harley logo and look. But I have no interest in riding motorcycles. I am not sure why, but I’ve never really desired to have a motorcycle. Whatever the reason for my apathy toward this, all I know is that I told Bob the truth. Even the hippest Harley does not tempt me, not even in the slightest. But, I thought as we stood there looking at the Harley, if that were an amazing looking woman undressing in public, that would definitely get my attention. I’d bet that if Bob had not pointed out the Harley, I would have walked to my car a hundred times and never noticed it. Not so of a woman disrobing in public. Of that sight I would be very aware. I’d feel adrenaline instantly jolt through my body. I’d have to employ my conscious mind to do the right thing, to look away. Why? I have a long, deep, and constant desire to admire the bodies of the female gender. That’s how I’m wired, and that awareness is essential for battling the temptations that beset me" even more than any red velvet cake. Yes, that is the temptation I battle regularly that I mentioned on a recent e-mail. Also, I do not believe that I am the only male that battles this.

WBTU:

1 Corinthians 10:13 is a great promise given by a gracious and merciful God to Christians.

No temptation has seized you except what is common to man.

1. Some are thinking, I can’t believe that the preacher has this temptation. So unholy.

2. Some are thinking, I don’t have any of these temptations, not even the one about the red velvet cake. Might not have those temptations, but there is something out there that is a temptation for you. “I am the only one who struggles with this temptation.” No, there are others who struggle with the very same thing. Nothing new under the sun. Different temptations for different people even for different seasons and stations of life.

3. “I am not tempted by anything.” Better call 911 because you don’t have a pulse. You need to learn more about Lord, the Word, sin, yourself and come back to reality. “So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don’t fall!” 1 Corinthians 10:12, NIV. Watch out for pride. “Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall.” Proverbs 16:18, NIV.

God is faithful

“God, who has called you into fellowship with his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, is faithful.” 1 Corinthians 1:9, NIV.

“if we are faithless, he will remain faithful, for he cannot disown himself.” 2 Timothy 2:13

he will not let you be tempted?...

Is this talking about temptation or about trials? New English translation says it this way. “No trial has overtaken you that is not faced by others. And God is faithful: He will not let you be tried beyond what you are able to bear, but with the trial will also provide a way out so that you may be able to endure it”

New Revised Standard Version says this, “No testing has overtaken you that is not common to everyone. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tested beyond your strength, but with the testing he will also provide the way out so that you may be able to endure it.” Testing is something that God does to us in this life. How terrible? Abraham and others went through testing of their faith. God allows these trials as a way of purifying us “Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.” James 1:12. “In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that your faith--of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire--may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed.” 1 Peter 1:6, 7.