Devotional Tuesday 6/12/16 – John 18:15-18 Sin desires to have us!

Too often we can speak boldly about what is right and wrong until temptation visits us. We become emotionally desirous of things we know to be wrong or unwise. Let’s learn to be people of integrity!

To meditate/pray upon

John 18:15-18 ‘Simon Peter and another disciple were following Jesus. Because this disciple was known to the high priest, he went with Jesus into the high priest’s courtyard, but Peter had to wait outside at the door. The other disciple, who was known to the high priest, came back, spoke to the servant girl on duty there and brought Peter in. “You aren’t one of this man’s disciples too, are you?” she asked Peter. He replied, “I am not.” It was cold, and the servants and officials stood around a fire they had made to keep warm. Peter also was standing with them, warming himself.’

Genesis 4:6-7 ‘Then the Lord said to Cain, “Why are you angry? Why is your face downcast?  If you do what is right, will you not be accepted? But if you do not do what is right, sin is crouching at your door; it desires to have you, but you must rule over it.”’

1 Cor. 10:12-13 ‘So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don’t fall! No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.’

Temptation will often come from unexpected directions: we lose our temper, say things we wish we could take back, we meet an exciting, attractive, considerate person whilst our marriage is strained or desire a relationship; we are offered a new job in a new location which (falsely) promises fulfillment whilst we are discouraged or disillusioned.

How are you doing at the moment? Often tiredness, busyness and disappointment make us more vulnerable to sin or unwise decisions. As Paul says ‘if you think you are standing firm, be careful…’ Let’s never become overly confident, thinking that we are invulnerable. We are weak creatures, but as we remain close to God, reliant on Him, willing to go through the ‘fire’ of temptation by faith, we will stand.

Too often we can speak boldly about what is right and wrong until temptation visits us and we give way and cut ourselves slack to do that which we know to be wrong.

Let’s remain consistent to our values even when they are being challenged, particularly if we are emotionally attracted to things and ways of doing things that are ungodly or wise. Sin is crouching at our door desiring to have you, beware you don’t open the door of your heart so that you desire to have it!

Let’s hear God’s warning to be on our guard, ‘…In order that Satan might not outwit us. For we are not unaware of his schemes.’ (2 Cor. 2:11)

You can catch up on all the messages in the John series at:

http://www.communitychurchputney.com/community-church-putney--audio---resources.html