The Tempter and Temptations

The Tempter and Temptations

The tempter, Satan, tempts us. His temptations are suggestions to us. The only thing he can do is to come with a suggestion to us! By exercising our free will, we decide ourselves whether we want to accept or reject his suggestion. We will either say “Yes” or “No” to his various suggestions.

It is a fact that our flesh is full of all kinds of sinful desires. Consequently, he comes with suggestions that are in agreement with our sinful inclinations. He appeals to them; we feel we are being tempted when we are drawn and enticed by these sinful desires and inclinations.

However, a suggestion is not necessarily the same as agreeing to it. That is why temptation is not sin, as so many “believing” people think. A temptation is a suggestion to sin, and a golden opportunity to overcome by quite simply, firmly, decisively, with endurance and conviction, and repeatedly saying “No!”

James compares this to fertilization. If you say “Yes,” conception has taken place, and sin is born. If you say “No” conception does not take place, and sin is not born. It is our calling always to put up a strong fight so that we never sin! After living this life for a time, we will come to what we read in James 1:2. And the reward we will receive on that day for having overcome in temptation is the crown of life! Jas. 1:12. According to Jesus’ own words, everyone who believes has this opportunity! Hallelujah!

One of the most marvelous words of all times is found in Romans 16:20. This word, of course, is absolutely true as is all the rest of the Word of God! The fact that it is difficult to believe if we, as most other people, have little faith is another matter which in no way invalidates this glorious word!

The only thing Satan has to offer is temptations. Let us consider who he is: he is a liar and the father of lies. Is there any sense at all in listening to him? Can you even remotely imagine that he has anything to recommend to you that can make you happy? Has he got anything good, useful, and rewarding to offer you? You are hazarding your life if you listen to him for only a second. We can be fooled by this prince of darkness if we are in darkness! But not otherwise! True, New Testament light in all areas will clearly, in each area, show us that everything he can suggest or tempt us to is utter foolishness and madness and loss—eternal loss. If I see it in that light how can I then be drawn on and enticed to it and say “Yes” to it?!

You are only drawn to what you think is to your advantage. When you lack clear light, you can be drawn to what will bring you only eternal loss, harm, and corruption. However, we can receive true light in all areas by taking all the words of life to heart!

When it has come down to it, we will see with the utmost clarity that everything the tempter can offer us, is without exception, utter foolishness and eternal loss. When we take this stand, he has thereby lost all influence over every such person.

The very great and very wise apostle Paul said it with these words: Satan has been crushed under our feet! Of course he is still active, but he does not exist anymore as far as such people are concerned! Almost unbelievable! But the Word is and remains true and cannot in any way whatsoever be invalidated.

The following words can (for instance) be used as confirmation of the above. “But what things were gain to me, these I have counted loss for Christ. But indeed I also count all things loss . . . and count them as rubbish . . . .” Translated into practical terms, this means that money and everything people can buy for money, everything that is great, nice, and new, was no temptation to him at all. He also writes, “I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content . . . .” Phil. 4:11. And he also wrote, “Godliness with contentment is great gain.” 1 Tim. 6:6. Therefore his motto was: The least amount possible of earthly things, and as much as possible of eternal treasures. Previously, the honor of man was certainly great in his eyes just as it is in other people’s eyes, but now it was loss and dung according to his true light. It was pointless to tempt him with anything of that kind! For example, he wrote in Galatians 1:10: “For if I still pleased men, I would not be a servant of Christ.” Not an imperfect or bad servant, he would be completely useless as a servant! According to his true light—but not according to the dire lack of godly light of most “preaching brothers”—seeking the honor of men was utter madness. Then—according to his strong light— it would be better to withdraw from being reckoned as a true servant of Christ!

Ordinarily, there is a great lack of the true light of life! Therefore people are tempted and fall in many kinds of sins without even considering them to be sin because the darkness is so great, even among those who hear God’s Word in spirit and in truth!

For example, covetousness is mentioned in the Scriptures as among the worst, the most shameful, sins! However, most people do not consider it to be sin at all! In Norwegian the word defines itself: People are sick from wanting to have, to possess all kinds of things that they absolutely do not need to possess, even useless things because they are nice and modern and make it look so beautiful! This is utter ungodliness even according to the relatively weak light of the Old Testament! Isaiah, Chapters 2 and 3. What deep darkness there is in this area! And what about this sickness of decorating? In God’s eyes it is a horrible sickness! But in people’s eyes, in the eyes of many sisters, and in some cases in the eyes of brothers as well (to some extent) it is something that is to be enjoyed.

What a terrible lack of godly light for which there is no excuse whatsoever! For the words of the Scriptures are clear! Use the Bible concordance! Persevere in reading diligently! Be receptive so you can receive true, biblical light in all areas!

For many years now, true light shines from the Minister of Health in West Germany and from many other professionals about what is healthy and good and what is harmful for the body, which, for us, is the temple of the Holy Spirit!

However, most believers, and also some people among us, are so bound by their old eating habits that in this area they are quite simply slaves of sin! They are gluttons! Concerning this matter, we have the very wise apostle Paul’s credible words in Philippians 3:18 and 19! There it is written: “Whose god is their belly . . . .”

Imagine that people are not afraid and do not wake up in deadly earnest to these words! In Galatians 5:21 it says correctly in the old Norwegian translation and in several other translations “gluttony” instead of “revelries” and that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. This agrees with Philippians 3:19.

Gluttony is to eat unnecessarily much: too much fat, and too sweet. When we have really received true, crystal clear light concerning this subject, it goes with this as with all other things: you view gluttony so utterly ludicrous and foolish that the temptation to it ceases! The side effect of it is that the stomach and all digestive organs become radiantly happy and thankful for their reduced hours of work!

It is overwhelming what phenomenal effects true, godly light can accomplish in receptive wretches and weaklings! However, imagining you possess light without possessing it has the exact opposite effect because you obviously do not seek a light you think you have! No one does that.

Following all the laws of the Spirit of life in the New Testament is only true and eternal gain that constantly increases your happiness, joy, and well-being so that you eventually prosper continuously in the midst of this evil and ungodly world! Romans 8:28 is then fulfilled completely in every such person’s life. The Lord be highly praised night and day, and then for all eternity!