END TIMES READING PLAN: Micah 2, 4-5
SCRIPTURE READING
1 Corinthians 10:13 (NIV); No temptation has seized you except what is common to man.
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 stand up under it.
Dietrich Bonheoffer said, “The heart of man is revealed in temptation. Man knows his sin,
which without temptation he could never have known; for in temptation man knows on
what he has set his heart.” In other words, when a sin is appealing the desire of our heart
is revealed. This could be taken as a real let-down; however, when our sinful desires are
brought to light, we have a choice to conquer them!
Bonheoffer goes on to say, “The coming to light of sin is the work of the accuser, who
thereby thinks to have won the victory. But it is sin which is become manifest which can be
known and therefore forgiven. Thus the manifestation of sin belongs to the salvation plan of
God with man, and Satan must serve this plan.”
Satan thinks that in temptation, we will fall into sin, which is often the case. But the upside
is that we can recognize our sin and find forgiveness and victory over the temptation. In this
way God thwarts what the enemy meant for evil, and uses it for our victory and His glory
PRAYER and MEDITATION
1) Take time to think about what temptations have been thrown at you lately. Sometimes
we don’t recognize temptation, so really listen for God to reveal unknown areas,
and write them down.
2) With each temptation, ask yourself, “What is the fleshly desire that is being revealed
here?” (In other words, why is this idea so tempting?)
3) Bring these desires before God. Be honest in telling Him why they appeal to you.
Confess sin that is revealed, and ways that you have given into temptation already,
and ask for His forgiveness.
4) Ask God to help you resist temptation through the power of His Spirit. Ask Him to take
what Satan has meant for evil and turn it into a testimony of His glorious good.
