Wednesday, July 25, 2007

Family Resemblence and Fleeing Temptation

1 Corinthians 10: 12- 13 says this: Therefore Let anyone who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall. No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.


I listened to a message today by Joshua Harris. He told a story that was shared with him by a member of Covenant Life Church. This guy works at a construction site among a few non-believers who know he's a Christian and sometimes mock him because of it. One day this group of workers were gathered around in a circle gawking, carrying on, and making cat noises. The reason for this is because they were all looking at a pornographic magazine. They saw that the Christian was staying away from where they were, so one of the guys started to call his name. "Hey, come over here and look at this.The guy started to walk toward the christian. Because of this, the christian walked in the opposite direction. The guy with the magazine then started running. The Christian would still not give in and he started to run as well. The non-believer chased him around the construction site five or six times and the christian would still not give in.
This is an incredible example for all of us. It really puts it in perspective for me. No matter what the sin is, we always have a choice. We do not have to sin. We are free from the bondage of sin. This should not discourage us, but rather encourage us. Because we are free from sin, we are free to exalt Christ above all every day of our lives! That story helps me in my battle against sin. When we are tempted God is pleased and glorified to see His children run as fast as they can in the other direction.

A couple days ago, I also listened to a message by Bob Donahue entitled "Family Resemblance".
Donahue's main point was this: The way you know if someone is born of God is the resemblance they have to Him. If someone acts like God, They must be born of Him. This message convicted me. Looking at my life, I bare a closer resemblance to the world than I do to God. God has been so merciful to me to constantly correct me when I have sinned against Him. In spite of my evil, God takes me in His arms and turns my evil to good.

Oh Father God in Heaven, you have poured out undeserved mercy upon me. You took my filthy stains and made them white as snow. Lord guide me as I walk through my days on this earth, for it will soon be gone. Lord, I've failed many times but you are always faithful to forgive. Forgive me for my self seeking desires. Lord, thank you for your love and your kindness. In Jesus name I pray, Amen.

-Adam-

5 comments:

Anonymous said...

what a picture of what it means to flee from sin, I often wonder why i continually fall short when instead of fleeing from sin yield to it. Thanks adam for the reminder of our Freedom In Christ!

Lana said...

Thanks for reminding us that our fight against sin is not to be passive, but active. What you shared reminds me of the verse in 2 Timothy that says to FLEE youthful passions and pursue righteousness. What a great example that man was of doing that very thing!

Anonymous said...

Good post Adam. Your diligence to work hard and honor God in all you do is an encouragement to me. Thank you for your Godly example.

Jenn Romanski said...

Thanks for passing along wisdom you are learning from these sermons Adam! Such a great picture of fleeing from sin. What we often do is lean away or walk away with a longing look over a shoulders. We are called to FLEE!

Ha! Actually, it reminds me of a quote from the movie "Walk the Line" where Jerry Lee Lewis says:

God gave us a great big apple, see, and He said don't touch it. He didn't say touch it once in a while; He didn't say take a nibble when you're hungry; He said don't touch it! Don't think about touchin' it, don't sing about touchin' it, don't *think* about singin' about touchin' it!

Jenn Romanski said...

man. you guys are slacking. it's been 5 days without a new post! tsk tsk tsk....

Just kidding! but no, seriously....