Scripture: “Ye shall walk in all the ways which the LORD your God hath commanded you, that ye may live, and that it may be well with you, and that ye may prolong your days in the land which ye shall possess.” – Deuteronomy 5:33
Observation: By the time this book is written by Moses, the people of Israel have already had a history of rebellion against God despite witnessing their miraculous deliverance from Egypt. In this book, Moses reminds the people of who God is, what He has done for them, and the precepts that God has for His children to follow to ensure a future of peace in the Promised Land.
Application: As we study the history of Israel, we realize that even those that have a relationship with God sometimes stray from Him. When we read the biblical account of the Israelites leaving Egypt, we wonder how they could have rebelled against God when they were the recipients of His miraculous deliverance from their enemy. Even after crossing the Red Sea on dry ground and seeing the pursuing Egyptian army drowned in its mighty waters, we ask how could the Israelites have turned from God and worshiped a golden calf? Yet, we often fall into the same situations.
Recently, I read a quote that said, “Pray without ceasing, because Satan is definitely preying without ceasing.” Following God requires a dogged determination because our enemy continually seeks to draw us away from the Lord. Satan, the Father of Lies, constantly preys upon God’s people, fervently working to pull us into any type of activity that will divert our attention from the ways of God’s righteousness. 1 Peter 5:8 warns us, “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:” Never underestimate Satan’s power or intent!
With such a formidable adversary, is there even hope that we can escape the lure of sin that this world offers? Yes! 1 Corinthians 10:13 promises, “There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.” But we have a responsibility to do our part as well. Here are three ways to stand strong for the Lord.
- Pray always – “Pray without ceasing.” (1 Thessalonians 5:17)
- Prayer is a direct line to God. Through prayer, we share our needs and desires, offer praise and thanksgiving. Because of Jesus, we can come boldly before the throne of God with whatever is on our hearts, and that includes asking for His help and deliverance from sin. Hebrews 4:16 reminds us, “Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.”
- Start simple: Commit to a short prayer each morning before you get out of bed asking God to guide you through your day!
- Read the Scriptures – “Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.” (Psalm 119:111)
- Jesus used the Scriptures when He was tempted by Satan in the wilderness. With the Word, He successfully defeated each attack… each temptation until Satan finally left Him. Today, each true believer is indwelt by the Spirit of the Lord who also uses the Scriptures to equip us in the fight against sin. If we have no ammunition (verses) in our arsenal, we are defenseless against the enemy.
- Start simple: Focus on verses that are familiar, such as John 3:16 or Genesis 1:1 and recite them to yourself a couple of times each day. Then add a new one each week!
- Guard your heart – “Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.” (Proverbs 4:23)
- Be careful of what you allow into your life. Just a little bit of sin can erupt into a huge deluge that is overpowering. The Bible warns us that “A little leaven leaveneth the whole lump.” (Galatians 5:9)
- Start simple: Wean yourself from those activities that seem to replace quality time with God. For example, if you find yourself constantly scrolling on your phone or watching television, spend time with God BEFORE you sit down to check out social media or watch your favorite shows. Start simple with 10-15 minutes in prayer and reading the Bible, and set a timer to help you be accountable!
As you continually grow in your faith, reach out to your pastor, your Sunday school teacher, and other mature Christians for more ways to protect yourself against the temptations of sin. And then, as you let God lead you, be sure you “Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.” (Ephesians 6:11).
Prayer: O Father, thank You for giving me the way to resist temptation. I know I am weak, but You, O God, are strong, and Your Word tells me that You are my Protector and Defender. Help me, dear Lord, to grow my faith through prayer and Bible study, so that I can better live a life that is pleasing to You. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.
I need Thee every hour, most gracious Lord;
No tender voice like Thine can peace afford.
I need Thee, oh, I need Thee; every hour I need Thee;
Oh, bless me now, my Savior! I come to Thee.
I need Thee every hour, stay Thou near by;
Temptations lose their power when Thou art nigh.
I need Thee, oh, I need Thee; every hour I need Thee;
Oh, bless me now, my Savior! I come to Thee.
(from “I Need Thee Every Hour” by Robert Lowry & Annie Hawks)
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“I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” – Philippians 4:13