Temptation + Provision= Acts of Sin

 

I was meditating the other day and this scripture where Jonah was running away popped back up in my mind again. 

I had gone over it in my studies and there was something about it sticking out to me, but I couldn't figure it out until now. 

Jonah 1:3

"But Jonah ran away from the Lord and headed for Tarshish. He went down to Joppa, where he found a ship bound for that port. After paying the fare, he went aboard and sailed for Tarshish to flee from the Lord.

I found it interesting that when Jonah decided to run away, that transportation was readily available for him. 

The devil doesn't bring the temptation, he brings the provision for it. 

"Woah, Woah, Woah"

"But, he is a tempter"

Yes, he is, but stick with me for a while before you press that Exit button. 

Let's lay down the foundation. 

Psalm 51:5

"Behold, I was shapened in iniquity, and in sin did my mother conceive me."

This scripture proves that we ourselves are fleshy. We are sinful creatures and prone to do that which is evil as an instinct. 

We as humans would always desire to lean into sinful things. 

It's in our nature. 

We would always want. We would always desire what our flesh wants. 

Therefore, we are always presented with temptations. 

We are always tempted, however, the enemy's provisions are what makes us sin. 

Still not convinced?

Let's look at Eve.

The devil didn't present Eve with fruit and told her to eat. No! 

He knew her desire was to be knowledgeable like God or curious and provided her with the means to do so. 

Not good enough?

Let's look at our star story today, Mr. Jonah. 

Jonah's desire or natural instinct was to run away and what did the enemy provide for that to happen?

A ship!

One that just so happened to be docked and ready to sail after he paid his fare.

Still not good enough?

Okay, let's look at the time Jesus fasted for 40 days and was simultaneously tempted by the enemy.

The first temptation stated that Jesus was hungry. 

So, what did the devil decide to do?

He provided stones and told Jesus to have them turn into bread. 

His goal was for Jesus to operate on His fleshly nature. His instincts. Hungry? Then make something to eat.

The Bible said that the devil took Him to a high place. The devil provided a whole tour to the highest building in hopes of Jesus abusing the power God has given Him. 

In the last attempt, it says that the devil provided Him a show of all the land he can give Him. Another attempt for Jesus to sin and curse God. 

Temptation + Provision= Acts of Sin.

I'm exposing the enemy today and showing you how he operates so that we can stop falling for his traps. 

Yes, we are sinful creatures, but what's inside of us doesn't defile us its what the enemy provides as a vessel for it to come out that defiles us. 

Let's stop walking wide eye into the hands of the enemy. 

He knows what we desire that is not of God, he knows what we struggle with and needs deliverance from. 

See, us wrestling with these issues inside isn't the issue. The devil knows this. 

His plan is for us just to act it out. 

He makes the provisions for us to commit sin. 

He stirs up the confusion and chaos for us to dip into gossiping or discord. 

He sets up the places and makes the time convenient for us to go to places we shouldn't be. 

He provides the environment for us to commit adultery and fornication. 

He provides the final jabs to make us think less of ourselves and who we are. 

He provides the way for that addiction. 

And, if we are not strong enough to withstand or say no to that door covered in barbwires, then we'll fulfill that which the enemy wants us to do. 

We must be vigilant!

We must be strong!

Turn away!

Change the environment!

We must resist!

How can we do this?

By standing on and practicing the Word of God!

By the assistance of God!

1 Corinthians 10:13

"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"

God is so good!

It tells us that not only is the devil making provisions, but that God provides the way out!

He knows that we can be overcome by our sinful nature. He said he won't put more on us than we can bear. 

He will ensure that you aren't only facing one door, but another that will provide you the help you need.

So, in the midst of it all, He will open the door that is spotless and safe to pass by. 

Which door will you choose?

Which provision will take?

~TheRay