How can we identify and resist our own "longings" that may lead us astray? Key Verse James 1:14-15 — “But each one is tempted when by his own evil desires he is lured away and enticed. Then after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death.” Why Our Longings Can Betray Us - Temptation begins inside us, not outside (Romans 7:23). - Desire, once “conceived,” always grows; it never stays harmless. - The end of the progression is “death,” not mere disappointment (Proverbs 14:12). - Guarding the heart is therefore a life-or-death calling (Proverbs 4:23). Spotting Longings That Lead Us Astray 1. Measure them by Scripture • Hebrews 4:12 exposes motives. • Anything contradicting God’s commands or love of neighbor is counterfeit. 2. Evaluate their fruit • Works of the flesh (Galatians 5:19-21) flag a false desire. • True desires lead to the Spirit’s fruit (Galatians 5:22-23). 3. Check their direction • 1 John 2:15-17 sets a divide: worldly cravings vs. God’s will. • Ask: Does this move me toward Christ or self-centeredness? 4. Invite counsel • Proverbs 15:22 — wise voices detect what we miss. Practical Ways to Resist • Walk by the Spirit (Galatians 5:16). • Flee, don’t negotiate (2 Timothy 2:22; Genesis 39:12). • Renew your mind daily (Romans 12:2; Psalm 119:11). • Pursue superior joys in God (Psalm 37:4). • Fast and pray; train the body to say no (Matthew 6:16-18). • Wear the armor of God, especially the shield of faith (Ephesians 6:11-18). Maintaining a Resistant Heart - Confess quickly (1 John 1:9). - Stay in close fellowship (Hebrews 3:13; 10:24-25). - Set your mind on things above (Colossians 3:2-5). - Remember the Spirit-life-peace pathway (Romans 8:6, 13). Hope for the Battle Jesus, “tempted in every way, just as we are, yet without sin” (Hebrews 4:15), broke sin’s power at the cross and will finish His work in us (Philippians 1:6). Recognizing dangerous longings and resisting them by His strength is the normal, victorious Christian life. |
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