Temptations | THE BIBLE VIEW

The BIBLE VIEW #926 — Temptations

In This Issue:
The Weapon Against Temptations
There’s A Battle Out There!
Satan Knows
Always a Way of Escape
Making Provision

Volume: 926 October 2, 2023
Theme: Temptations

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The Weapon Against Temptations
Bill Brinkworth

All people face temptations at one time or the other. Often, we can choose to do God’s will and way or ignore His desires and do what we desire.

Jesus was not exempt from facing similar temptations. The most famous of Jesus’ trials is in Luke 4, where the devil tempted Jesus.

Although most of us will not rank the personal attention of Satan’s temptations, we can learn how to face our temptations by following Christ’s example. What gave Christ the victory then will help us succeed today.

In all three testings (Luke 4:1-13) Jesus faced, He was victorious. We can also win when we are tempted to sin. We do not have to succumb to the impulse to lie, cheat, deceive, commit adultery, or any other weakness our flesh wants to give in to.

None of Jesus’ trials were won by clever answers, reasoning with the enemy, or compromising. They were overcome by simply quoting and abiding by biblical principles.

When Jesus was tempted to turn the stones into bread, He quoted Deuteronomy 8:3, “… make thee know that man doth not live by bread only, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of the LORD doth man live.” Satan attacked again and tried to tempt Jesus by offering power and the things on Earth. Christ’s defense was scriptural: “…Thou shalt fear the LORD thy God; him shalt thou serve.…” Deut. 10:20.

By the third temptation, Satan knew how Jesus would fend him off. Satan attempted to counter with Scripture. Satan’s misquoting and misusing of God’s Word (Psalm 91:11, did not hamper Jesus. Jesus simply quoted Deuteronomy 6:16: “Ye shall not tempt the LORD your God….”

The key to facing temptation is not running from it, ignoring it, or giving in to it. It is determining if it is wrong, and if so, sticking to the guidelines given in the Bible. That is why reading and studying God’s Word is so important.

One never knows what temptations will be faced. When you do encounter them, will you know what God’s Word says about the confronting trial? Do you know Scripture well enough to make it your protection and guide you through the pitfalls you are encountering?

“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.” I Corinthians 10:13

There’s A Battle Out There!
Bill Brinkworth

One of the most important principles for a Christian to understand is that there is a spiritual battle going on. Most of the assault is invisible, but the war against God and His followers rages.
“For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.” Ephesians 6:12

Peter closed his letter in I Peter with a similar warning as was stated in Ephesians 6:
“Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour.” I Peter 5:8

Many Christians trust Christ as Saviour, but that is as far as the relationship goes. They never see there is a spiritual battle around them, they are involved in it, and they are a casualty.

A Christian cannot lose his salvation in the battle. It is already bought and paid for. His name was already written down in the Lamb’s Book of Life. However, a Christian can have his testimony destroyed in the foray. That is the intent of the enemy, Satan. He cannot take a saved man to Hell with him, but he can make sure the child of God is of no use to the cause of Christ. If he can wound one of God’s warriors, that Christian will be out of the battle, at least temporarily.

Sadly, Satan has won many battles. Many Christians have been saved, but the “roaring lion” sought them and devoured their zeal and testimony.

The enemy of God and mankind may have pounced on a Christian’s pride and sent the child of God permanently home from church because his feelings were hurt. Satan’s efforts may have crippled a babe-in-Christ by making it seem like the Word of God was too hard for him to understand, so the believer never read the Bible and was weakened by spiritual ignorance.

Perhaps the enemy used the ploy of leading the Christian to a dead or liberal church. The child of God never grew because he was not spiritually fed or educated with the Truth.

The enemy also may have encouraged believers to read a modern perversion of the Word of God, so they never hear all God desires them to know. They are also weakened because they were not fed meat from God’s Word.

There are thousands of weapons in the enemy’s war chest. Satan hates God and the things of God. Satan’s primary purpose is to make sure that the cause of Christ is hampered. Sadly, he has succeeded with his attacks on many attempting to live for Christ.

We have been warned. There is a battle for the souls of mankind and for the disarming of Christian soldiers. However, if the spiritual armor described in Ephesians 6 is spiritually donned, all can be victorious in the battle for the cause of Christ. With God’s help, we can overcome the trials and temptations we face.
“Whatsoever is born of God, overcometh the world,” I John 5:4

“You cannot win the war if you are not even in the battle.” — Author Unknown

Satan Knows
T. Watson, 1871

The devil does not know the hearts of men, but he may feel their pulse, know their temper, and accordingly can apply himself. As the farmer knows what seed is proper to sow in such soil, Satan, discovering one’s temper, knows what temptation is suitable to plant in such a heart. He tempts the ambitious man with a crown, the sanguine man with beauty, and the covetous man with a wedge of gold. Mankind’s enemy provides savory temptations he knows the sinner loves.

“The temptations of Satan, which he intended for their destruction, frequently become jewels to adorn the crowns of God’s people when they stand before the eternal throne.” — Author Unknown

Always a Way of Escape
Author Unknown

There is a place in the Hudson River where, as you sail, you seem to be entirely hemmed in with hills. The boat drives on toward a rocky wall, and it looks as if it must either stop or be dashed to pieces. However, as you come within the shadow of the mountain, an opening is suddenly discovered, and the boat passes out into one of the grandest bays on the river.

So it is with temptation. You are not to seek it and not to surrender to it. God promises no way out in such a case. But, if it meets you on your Heavenward journey, you are to go straight on, though you see no way out.

God does not promise “… a way to escape …” (I Cor. 10:13) until the temptation actually comes. If you keep on, the “way” will reveal itself in due time. Remember, as in that river, the beautiful bay lies just around the frowning rock. So often, your sweetest and best experience in life lies just behind your most threatening temptation.

“When meeting temptation, turn to the right.” — Author Unknown

Making Provision
W. B. Knight

One day Bob was given definite instruction by his mother not to go swimming in the nearby pond. Shortly afterward, he was to pass the pond enroute to the ballpark. He took along with him his bathing suit, just in case he was tempted. The boy made provision for the flesh to fail.

It was different for an older man. He knew what tempted him and how he would react. “When I pass a watermelon patch, I can’t keep my mouth from waterin’, but I can run past it.”

“But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof.” Rom. 13:14

The BIBLE VIEW #859 — Religion

In This Issue:
Be of Christ, Not of Man
Don’t Follow the Religious. Be the Righteous!
Real “Religion”
Avoid It Not
The Real Thing
When to Go

Volume: 859 May 16, 2022
Theme: “Religion”

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Be of Christ, Not of Man
Bill Brinkworth

In the early church at Corinth, they had a problem that occurs even today within a church family. The new church had some declare allegiance to the one who baptized them (I Corinthians 1:12).

Today, one hears of similar allegiances. Instead of those claiming to follow the teachings of early church leaders and biblical principles, we hear of some claiming to be “Ruckmannites,” “Calvinists,” “Jimmy Swaggart”s, or another popular preacher they model their religious doctrines after. Even a denominational name is used to make it sound like their association with them shows they are as correct as they think their leadership is.

A spiritual leader may be close to God and even faithful to biblical teachings, but following any man closely does not guarantee anyone else will be biblically correct. A church label may indicate generally believed doctrines, but each congregation and member may have different beliefs.

I attend a Baptist church. I believe that historically Baptist beliefs have been one of the closest to what the Bible teaches. However, many Baptist congregations are as dead as a doorknob. Some of them have had “Ichabod” spiritually engraved as their epitaph. God has long ago departed from them. Most “religious” labels mean very little.

What labels often do, however, is create divisions among the brethren (I Corinthians 1:11). The contentions these divisions create often make a ministry have a poor testimony to those around it. Ultimately, disputes among Christians give the Lord a bad testimony.

Can you imagine what the unsaved must think of a church that cannot get along with each other? “They’re Christians, and they can’t get along with each other. I certainly don’t want to be a Christian if I end up like that!”

Paul reminded those fighting among themselves that Christ was not divided. If we are born again, we are on the same side. Above all, our testimony that the world should see should be only one label. That label should be “Christian” — or “Christ-like.”

“Men will argue about their religion; write about it; fight for it; die for it; anything, but live for it.” — C. Colton

Don’t Follow the Religious. Be the Righteous!
Bill Brinkworth

Pharisees were a powerful, controlling Jewish group that boasted about and led “spiritual” activities in Jesus’ time. They were known for their separation from the scripturally “unclean” practices of the worldly Gentiles. Their understanding came from the intellectual scribes that had much to do with explaining and preserving the Scriptures. At the time, if anyone were considered to be “godly” people, certainly it would have been the Pharisees.

However, Jesus had much to say against that sect. They were some of the “religious” people that opposed Jesus and tried to stop His preaching. That group taught contrary to what the Word of God taught. It was the Pharisees that led people in the wrong direction about spiritual matters.

John 8 tells much of what Jesus knew about this religious, but unrighteous, group including:

Their judgments and discernments of what they saw and heard were often determined by their weak flesh and not by God’s influence (John 8:15).
They did not know God (John 8:19). Although this group was known for their wisdom of the Scriptures, Jesus knew that they were not of God. They did not even know the true God, and He was not their Father (John 8:44).
Their garb and practices led people to believe they were religious, but Jesus knew that they were not of God, but of the devil (John 8:23, 44).
Their man-made “religion” would not save them. Unless they believed and trusted in Jesus alone, they would die and face judgment for their sins (John 8:24).
They did not realize that they were held captive by their sins. They were not spiritually free (John 8:31-37).
The truth of God did not direct their lives (John 8:37). They were not obedient to the Word of God they had claimed to follow (John 8:37-39).

Today, the Pharisees may not control us, but we still have “religious” among us that are not righteous. Even if they are faithful in going to church, doing “spiritual” things, or even talk the “Christian talk,” they may be as spiritually dead as were the Pharisees.

The Bible reveals that the errors of today’s unrighteous “religious” are much the same as the Pharisees that Jesus rebuked. “Religion” does not save or change anyone! Only a personal relationship with Jesus Christ and trusting and obeying God’s Word will change a person — from the inside out!

“The chief danger that confronts the coming century will be religion without the Holy Ghost, Christianity without Christ, forgiveness without repentance, salvation without regeneration, politics without God, Heaven without Hell.”
— General William Booth, Founder of the Salvation Army

Real “Religion”
J. Newton

The “religion” of some people is forced, something they feel obligated to do, not necessarily wanting to do. Those people are like those that cause themselves to take a cold shower. They take it not for pleasure but for necessity and health. Reluctantly, they go into the frigid waters and are glad when they get out.

Real “religion” to a true believer is like water to a fish. It is his element. He lives in it, and he could not be happy without it.

“Real ‘religion’ is a personal relationship with the resurrected Redeemer, not man-made, ritualistic routines under the guise of pleasing God.”
— Author Unknown

Avoid It Not
John Bate

Man does not refuse to cross the ocean because of its storms, travel by air because of accidents, or fight on the battlefield because of weaponry and deaths. Nor does he fail to study science and philosophy because of their mysteries. Likewise, man should not refuse to learn and practice God-ordered Christianity because of the various difficulties connected with it and by obeying His commandments.

“He must increase, but I must decrease.” John 3:30

The Real Thing
John Bate

One real dollar bill is worth a thousand counterfeits, however dim, wrinkled, and worn the genuine is.
One good, fruitful tree in an orchard is far more valuable than scores of trees, which may have beauty, but no fruit.
One genuine Christian, to God and the world, is worth a thousand hypocrites.
One acceptable prayer to God does more than the million that He rejects, even if the righteous’ prayer is simple, broken, and unpolished.

“I don’t like to use the label ‘religious’, as it usually brings up connotations of something man-made, not necessarily God-ordained. I prefer the term “biblical.” — Bill Brinkworth

When to Go
John Bate

When considering being saved, some people imagine they should bring themselves into a condition of moral excellence before they seek salvation. That is like:

A sick person waiting until he is well before he sees the physician;
Or an invalid waiting until he fully recovers before he seeks a change of air and place;
Or a hungry man waiting until his appetite is satisfied before he sits down to eat;
Or a person shivering with cold, waiting until he is warm before he lights a fire.

You go to the physician because you are sick, to the fresh air to improve your health, to the food because you are hungry, and to the fire because you are cold. In the same way, you should seek the Saviour as you are because you have a great need.

“All that the Father giveth me [Jesus] shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out.” John 6:37

The Bible View #837 — Fighting Our Battles

In This Issue:
A Battle Rages

Volume: 837 December 6, 2021
Theme: Fighting Battles

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A Battle Rages
Bill Brinkworth

“Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places….” Ephesians 6:11-13

“Christian, be careful. Get out of harm’s way. Don’t you see or hear what the enemy is doing out there? A battle surrounds us. Stay with me in this safer place. Believers need to stick together in times of trouble.
“Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.” Heb. 10:25

“You can’t see it? Why open your eyes, man! Can’t you hear it? Why we’re facing a frontal attack. The enemy is aiming right at you. They’re trying to get us to doubt our faith. They’re throwing everything they have at us.

“Why, can’t you hear the fellow over there trying to get you to quit because you don’t have a chance and that you are outnumbered? That guy way over there is even questioning if you are a Christian. He must know you because he is shouting that he has watched you and believes you are acting more like his side than a Christian.

“You are a child of God, aren’t you? You have been saved? You do know that just going to church doesn’t make you a Christian?

“Well, I thought so, but I was just checking and making sure you knew that for sure. When those on the other side lob insults and hurl more doubts, you will need to be certain you’re a child of God and on the winning side.
“Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.” I Cor. 15:58
“For we are made partakers of Christ, if we hold the beginning of our confidence stedfast unto the end;” Heb. 3:14

“Oh no. Turn around. Some of who we thought were on our side are attacking us from the rear. Why, they even claim to be born-again. That fellow charging behind us attended my church. Now he’s ganging up on us, too!
“Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience.” Eph. 6:6
“For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ.” II Cor. 11:13

“They’re showing us their true colors. They never were one of us. That must be why they only acted ‘Christian’ on Sunday, but acted like the world the rest of the week. Why they’re shouting the same things we’re hearing from the frontal assault. Ignore, them brother. If they learn anything from us, it should be that a Christian is “Christian’ all the time and that we will not back down from our convictions.

“Look out! I can’t believe it. Now we’re being flanked on the right. Get really low because they’re launching temptations, and they’re coming our way. Don’t look because the flash of some of what they want us to see will be etched in our minds, and those thoughts are hard to forget. That missile that landed behind us was loaded with filth; it’s a good thing we were looking in a different direction.
“I will set no wicked thing before mine eyes: I hate the work of them that turn aside; it shall not cleave to me.” Psalm 101:3

“We’re being attacked from the front, rear, and even our flanks that we never expected to be breached. But don’t get discouraged, warrior. We are on the winning side. We have weapons far superior to theirs. For every projectile hurled at us, counter it with the promises from our great Commander. His Words are the only truths. When the enemy hears His Words, they sometimes get mad and confused. Often, they never heard such truths that go against all they have ever been told.
“For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” Heb. 4:12

“Several times, I have replied to their sneers and accusations with His great words, and the advancing army stopped dead in their tracks. Some became confused and did not know what to do next. Some shook their heads and retreated. His Word is a powerful weapon.

“Do you have a copy? You do, but you don’t know where it is? Here, use mine. It is well worn, but it has all the answers for every attack you will ever face.

“No, you can’t keep it, but you can use it while we are under attack. It is my old friend, and I cherish and rely on it. Many of its principles are stored in my heart. When I face predicaments like this, they automatically come to mind in my time of need. They always guide me through these battles.

“Our Commander is also the greatest warrior that ever lived. He promised that even when all looks bleak that we would be victorious. Onward we must attack with the weapons He has issued us. When He gives the Word, we will move. For now, we must resist the attacks and fight them with His Truths. Be steadfast, unmovable. We will persevere!
“Ye shall observe to do therefore as the LORD your God hath commanded you: ye shall not turn aside to the right hand or to the left.” Deut. 5:32

“Oh my. The enemy is not giving up. Now’s he’s air-dropping more discouragements. Their bombardment by radio waves and television programs won’t sway me. I will not look or hear the wicked things they put before my ears and eyes, nor should you. Keep your eyes on the attack and don’t let yourself be distracted.
“Be ye therefore very courageous to keep and to do all that is written in the book of the law of Moses, that ye turn not aside there from to the right hand or to the left;” Joshua 23:6
“… 21 And turn ye not aside: for then should ye go after vain things, which cannot profit nor deliver; for they are vain.” I Sam. 12:20-21

“Hang in there, Christian. It looks like we’re surrounded, but still, our commanding officer has a plan. He is not idle. Wait patiently until He gives the Word! You may not see Him, but our great Leader has also sent a great Comforter, and as we speak, He is doing something to help and protect us. He may even be working in the minds of our enemies to turn them to His side. The Comforter has done that many, many times.
“For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting. 9 And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.” Gal. 6:8

“Although you think it is just you and me in this trench, we are not alone. We can talk to our great Leader, and He will hear our pleas wherever we are.

“No, we don’t have a radio for communications. We don’t need one. We can talk to Him right now. Here, join me as we bow our heads in respect and call upon his help. I told you our Commander was the greatest.”

Both soldiers bowed their heads and pleaded for their leader’s mercy and help in their time of need. They shared their greatest fears and feelings with their unseen Protector.

After their time of fellowship with their unseen Leader, the two warriors continued to engage the enemy. Soon, something unbelievable happened.

The attacks of the enemy halted as quickly as they started. A great silence cloaked the area where previously confusion, temptations, and mayhem rained upon the faithful men. The two battle-worn infantrymen poked up their heads from their places of safety to see why there was suddenly silence.

To their amazement, they saw the enemy fleeing, but it was unclear why their adversaries retreated. It did not appear anyone was pursuing them. Perhaps the enemies pulled back to attack other Christians, hoping they are weaker than those they had just faced. Perhaps they were frightened or confused. The two may never know why the calm, but they were sure the conflict had ended.

However, one can be assured that the battle may have been won, but the war continues. Somewhere and somehow, the enemy is attacking other soldiers of the Great Commander.

Often there are casualties. At other times, there are not. But still, the war rages. The next battle may be close to or involve you. Are you armed and ready for action?

The war will continue until one day our Great Leader no longer tests and seasons His followers and ends the battle forever! There will one day be an end to this great battle between the forces of good and evil. Until then, which side will you be on, or will you retreat?
“Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:” I Peter 5:8
“Wherefore I desire that ye faint not at my tribulations for you, which is your glory.” Eph. 3:13
“For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day.” II Cor. 4:16

“Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses.”
I Timothy 6:12