The crown of life is the reward for those who love God enough to resist temptation (James 1:12).
Happy is the man who doesn’t give in and do wrong when he is tempted, for afterwards he will get as his reward the crown of life that God has promised those who love him. James 1:12 TLB
To resist temptation is not to give room, nor entertain evil thoughts and desires which are the baiting points that when acted upon lead to evil actions. We have the counterforce by actively fixing our thoughts on what is true, good and right (Philippians 4:8 TLB).
These are the test questions:
- is this true?
- Is this good, or is this right?
You have the Spirit of God who will alert you to what is pure and lovely, and as you dwell upon this the same Spirit is working within you to help you do what He wants (Philippians 2:13).
Always stay away from complaining and arguing so no one can speak a word of blame against you, and as demanded by the responsibilities imposed in Matthew 6:9,10 you must live innocent lives as children of God in a dark world full of people who are crooked and stubborn. Shine forth as beacons of light holding out to them the word of life (Philippians 2:14-16) as this is the hour of letting the will of God in heaven be done on earth.
Don’t compare yourself with others so you are not hardened in their ways because you failed to take a stand for so long that you compromise these things (Galatians 6:4; 2 Corinthians 10:12).
But let every man prove his own work, and then shall he have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another. Galatians 6:4
For we dare not make ourselves of the number, or compare ourselves with some that commend themselves: but they measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise. 2 Corinthians 10:12
These words must go beyond being read to being applied (James 4:17). Knowledge without obedience is sin. Walk the talk. Don’t substitute communication for transformation. Selah
Pastor Afolabi Oladele
Leave a Reply