Temptation

Temptation

“But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed.” Jas. 1:14.

We can say that temptation occurs on two levels. On one level others can judge me and say it is sin. On the other level only the Spirit and spiritual people who have advanced further than I can judge me.

Peter gives the following exhortation: “Beloved, I beg you as sojourners and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts which war against the soul, having your conduct honorable among the Gentiles . . . .” 1 Pet. 2:11-12.

Here we can see the first level. On this level the Gentiles can judge us. Paul says, “All things are lawful for me, but all things are not helpful; all things are lawful for me, but all things do not edify.” 1 Cor. 6:12, 10:23. Here we have the second level when we must “prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.” Rom. 12:2. In this case it is up to the individual to act according to the light and the understanding he has as to what is profitable and edifying.

We cannot say that all things are lawful to us when it concerns anger, lying, evil speaking, adultery, etc. These are carnal lusts that war against the soul—things which the natural man brands sin even though he is in bondage to the same vices. However, when we enter the area of how to use the things which God has given us that are in the world our understanding varies, and we must not judge one another. Yet God’s Word pierces even to the division of soul and spirit and judges the thoughts and intents of the heart. Heb. 4:12-13. This is written in the context of us having to give account to God to whom all things are naked and open. The soulish (natural) man enjoys all the created things, the things that are in the world. This is not considered sin. It is only considered sin when they lie to get it, or fight and live in adultery, etc. But then they also have a bad conscience and cannot actually enjoy this world. Only after they cease to live according to their animal (carnal) lusts and lead a nice life in the soul do they have opportunity to indulge the things that are in the world. But if you indulge in something, you live for yourself!

Paul says, “I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me . . . .” Gal. 2:20.

Here we come to the division of soul and spirit—to dying with Christ to the point of forsaking everything. The rich man had kept all the commandments from his youth. He lived a good life; yet when it came to selling all his possessions—forsaking everything in this world—he refused to do it. He did not live according to his carnal lusts that war against the soul, but he did not agree to the division of soul and spirit. He did not want to follow Jesus and die with Him.

We need something of what is in this world as long as we are in the body; yet we must not seek it, because it will be added to us if we seek God’s kingdom first. More often than not, God gives us more than we need. 1 Tim. 6:17. At this stage we are on the level of being able to say, “I can do all things.” But then Paul adds, “But not all things are profitable” or edify.

When it concerns the use of our money, our free time, and our strength, can we then say, “It is no longer I who live?” We cannot judge one another or set up rules for one another when it comes to this area. Concerning these things we do not stand before the face of man, and we cannot say, “If he does it, then I can do it too!” Not at all! If we want to enter into this salvation—being conformed into Jesus’ image—we have to stand before God’s face. Otherwise we will remain a very natural and soulish person.

It is written that we shall prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God. Therefore, whenever we purchase furniture and clothing, we can ask ourselves: Is it I who live? On this point everyone is tempted by being drawn away and enticed by his own desires, but then we have the opportunity of receiving the crown of life. Jas. 1:12. It is good to ask myself this question when I am about to start on a trip: “Am I doing this unto edification? Am I doing righteousness when I travel? Do I live, or does Christ live in me?” When I am about to get into the automobile I have purchased, can I then say, “It is no longer I who live”? Or when I am sitting together with brothers and sisters around the coffee table and talking, am I unto edification? Is it profitable that I am there, or am I “enjoying” life? Is it my lusts that are drawing me away, etc.?

There is no gain to be had by deceiving yourself or by attempting to explain yourself by saying “After all, can I not do it?” It is better to seek to find your life in order to lose it. It is better to let God’s Word pierce to the division of soul and spirit. 2 Tim. 3:16-17. All things are naked and open to God to whom we have to give account. It is He who decides who has won the crown of life.

May God gives us grace to present our body as an acceptable sacrifice and not to “enjoy” it but rather to bring it into subjection so that we will not be disqualified. Rom. 12:1; 1 Cor. 9:27.