Grace The Power To Change Part 16

Grace The Power To Change

Part 16

Conquering Temptation

Why can’t tenacity and willpower bring us victory over temptation?

Because tenacity and willpower involve using the best of our abilities. When we use sheer willpower, we are still torn inwardly. We may not be giving into sin outwardly, but inwardly we are struggling. This is not the victory that grace (God’s ability) can give us. Not giving into sin, but still “wanting” to is not victory.

Why does the Bible tell us to labor to enter into rest?

Heb 4:11 Let us; therefore, make every effort to enter that rest, so that no one may fail by following their example of disobedience.

We have to change our views, opinions, and ideas, and it takes an effort on our part to surrender our former beliefs. It takes an effort for our hearts to be changed. That effort is the laboring. Once we change our beliefs at the level of the heart, we can enter into rest. From that point on, every change that comes into our lives will come from believing not doing.

What was the key to Abraham’s continual confidence in God?

Rom 4:21 being absolutely convinced that God would do what he had promised.

Abraham was fully persuaded. Being persuaded was also the common denominator of all the people listed in the great “roll call of faith” in Hebrews chapter 11.

What are some ways that our hearts  become persuaded about God and His promises?

Persuasion can come in many different ways. It can come from hearing others speak, from reading the Bible, from meditating on the Word of God, or from speaking the Word of God. It can also come as the Holy Spirit directs us into truth. We need to incorporate every possible means of persuading our hearts into our daily lives.

What does it mean in II Corinthians 10:5, “And bringing into captivity every thought of the obedience of Christ”?

Co 10:5 and every proud obstacle that is raised against the knowledge of God, taking every thought captive in order to obey the Messiah.

When a thought that is not consistent with the knowledge of God rises up, it challenges who you are in Jesus. It challenges your ability to resist temptation and sin. It denies all that Jesus came to give you. We bring that thought into captivity by asking ourselves, “Did Jesus do anything about this temptation or sin at His resurrection?” The answer is yes! So, we ask ourselves, “Am I in Jesus?” If I am joint heir to all He received and I too have victory over sin and temptation.