Temptation – Refining [Spiritual Growth]

^“Then Jeremiah said to the family of the Rekabites, “This is what the Lord Almighty, the God of Israel, says: ‘You have obeyed the command of your forefather Jehonadab and have followed all his instructions and have done everything he ordered.’ Therefore, this is what the Lord Almighty, the God of Israel, says: ‘Jehonadab son of Rekab will never fail to have a descendant to serve me.’” Jeremiah 35:18-19 (NIV)

We are now in week three of our 2^nd series of the Jeremiah study. As we began this week’s meeting, I prayed for God to use His Word to shake us to the core and bring a new light to the book of Jeremiah. I am not quite sure why these words came flowing out so quickly but…God…He answered!

Chapter 35 of Jeremiah is primarily about a group of people known as the Rekabites. This nomadic clan were faithful promise keepers who proved their allegiance over and over. When tempted or presented with a situation to fall back on their pledge, they were steadfast and unwavering. WOW!

We spent some time dissecting the major takeaways from this family. Let me share some of those with you:

The Rekabites were tent dwellers and through this they displayed the understanding that this earth is not our destination in the end. We often get entangled by life and its “stuff”. It can bog us down and even overwhelm. Our material things are here today but gone tomorrow yet we can’t seem to do without, stop wanting more and more, and many times lack the ability to control it all. I am so guilty. I have WAY TOO MUCH and frequently forget that I am only passing through.
This family had made an alliance to set rules and ways of living. They had determined what was best for them and they knew their why when it came to agreeing to these standards. They knew what they were pledging, the reason behind it, and how it was profitable for their living. When was the last time I thought about my values and absolutes?
The Rekabites did not let culture, or the “modern” way of life sway their promises. While the world around them was falling apart and diving deeper and deeper into sin, this family stood firm against conforming to the “in thing to do”. They embraced their values and held tightly to this obedience regarding the established rules for their lives. I often make decisions based on “everyone else”. How am I different from the world in which I live?
The Rekabites were steadfast. When they made their vows to abstain from things not productive for them, they knew how they would answer if temptation ever came. This family was prepared for situation where their faithfulness would be tested. They knew prior to any enticement what they would say and do. They were proactive in being successful when it came to their obedience. Am I steadfast or do I teeter and totter on average?

God honored the Rekabites for their obedience to their word. The Lord desires the same from each of us and craves to see us, His children, committed and unswerving. Our Father has proven His love and faithfulness to us over and over to the point of death. He is loyal, reliable, and constant. What a beautiful Father we have.

I challenge you to study this passage more and listen to a few sermons on the topic. Take some time this week and think about these “principled people”.

Then,

Write down a couple of absolutes for your life. What is one value you have that you will not comprise no matter what?
How is this profitable for God?
What/Who might try to sway you from obedience?
What will it take to be steadfast and faithful in the days ahead?

Once you have decided on a couple of absolutes, take some time to write them down and pray over them. Share them with a friend and ask them to pray for your devotion to be solid in the days ahead. Let God know the desire of your heart when it comes to these values and rules you have set for yourself.

May the witness of the Rekabites touch you in such a way that it also shakes you to the core and causes you to focus on what matters the most…

This is not your home…God’s ways are profitable…culture doesn’t dictate your values…and obedience is possible when you decide to be become a principled person.

Blessing and prayers for you in digesting Jeremiah 35. May you never be the same after reading it.

Keep my commands and you will live; guard my teachings as the apple of your eye. Proverbs 7:2

Allyna found herself in a precarious situation after accepting a seemingly innocent invitation. It was just a few friends getting together and hanging out. You know, everyone bringing their favorite side to accompany the delicious brats provided by the host and hostess. She was told playing cards, pitching washers, and taking in a movie was the laid-back agenda. She didn’t know everyone invited but assumed the best. It wasn’t long into the party until the atmosphere got smoky in more ways than brats cooking on the grill. Drugs, alcohol, and advances by a few unknown male guests cranked up quickly. Not only that but it seems the movie might fall into the category of X-rated. She wondered how she ended up in a night filled with temptations and a lack of bravery to leave on her part. She didn’t set out for this to happen. This was never her intentions for the evening.

Most of us would agree, when temptation rears its ugly head, it was never our intention for it to happen. Yes, there are times we intentionally plan to participate but, most of the time temptations catch us off-guard and creep up when we least expect it. Do you think those addicted to drugs, alcohol, porn, sex, food, … intentionally planned for it to take over their entire body, mind, and soul? Can you really say all adultery had a direct laid-out plan and schedule to endure divorce costs, child support issues, sexually transmitted disease, a loss of peace, a reputation hit, and a broken family? I would dare to say it never starts out that way.

Gwen Smith in her book I Want It All says, “The act of giving in to temptation always leads to suffering, because these actions turn us away from the will of God.” It comes down to choosing between physical desires or God’s authority. Yes, it sounds like a simple choice but, I am here to tell you, it is difficult to fight back fleshy desires. We live in a society where we want instant pleasure and “right now” happiness. Please don’t make me think about the costs later. I need to live in the moment. Plus, if I just give into the issue, it will satisfy my craving and then it won’t be a problem nor will it be on my mind. Poof! It will never reappear! (Yes, I have believed this lie a time or two as well!)

The Bible tells us that temptations will come, we are not exempt, and we need to prepare. So how is this possible? I don’t have all the answers but here are a few tips I have found to be helpful.

1. Deal with the Elephant – List areas in which you are prone to temptation. Call them by name and identify those that make you so vulnerable. I guess you could say this is the admitting stage.

2. Slay the cause – There has to be a reason behind the attraction. Why do they have a stronghold on your life? Yes, this is the “nitty-gritty” source step. How can you be prepared for some of them if you don’t know what triggers it? I went half my life not knowing and it took some deep counseling sessions to identify the cause. I am not suggesting this stage will be easy but, it is well worth it. Also, list where your choice will lead if you continue.

3. Succumb to God – Lay it down and confess it to the one who can truly help. Put into practice “Where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord”. Talk to Him and submit your struggle. Ask for His guidance and direction to overcome. This might be a lifetime conversation with the Lord and a continuous battle but, I can promise you He will increase your strength and give you the power to walk out a life devoted to Him if this is your true heart’s desire. Surrender, my friend. God loves you beyond measure.

4. Saturate your life – Guard your life with God’s Word. Spend time in it. Place your name in the verses filled with commands and blessings. They are all for you. His Word assists in knowing in advance how to respond to temptation. So, rely on scripture to strengthen you. Listen to the Holy Spirit and let Him lead.

5. Plan for it – It is not a secret that we have to avoid situations leading to temptation. We must be fully aware of our location, setting, and timeframe. Satan knows when to hit you and is aware of the perfect seducing timing. (Dirtbag! Oops, I said that out loud.) Decide in advance the situations to avoid and have an escape plan. You might even think about someone who could be your accountability partner. Just know this means transparency, honesty, confidentiality, and trust. Pick wisely.

Temptations are real! They surround us if we don’t deal with them. God wants to give you a fulfilling life. His Word tells us in Proverbs 6:23 that His “commands are a lamp, this teaching is a light, and the corrections of discipline are the way to life”. He didn’t promise us an easy road. However, He wants us ready and prepared to detect and avoid paths to destruction. He can shed light and hope in and on your situation.

Seek wisdom and find help with your temptations. Please don’t let them overtake you. God cares too much for you. You were bought with an extreme price. You are valuable to God and well worth the effort to do some temptation work within.

I am praying for you as you tackle it together with God.

Tag: Temptation

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