“Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows this he will also reap.”
(Galatians 6:7)
The Rebuild steps when practiced diligently will make us much stronger in our walk with the Lord and will put us in a much better position to resist temptation when we are tempted by it day by day. The first step in resisting temptation is to clearly recognize when we are being tempted and what the sin is we are being tempted to commit. Many Christians habitually sin and either are not aware that they are sinning or have become complacent and have lost consciousness that a particular behavior quenches the Spirit and is sin. Perhaps we have been deceived by ideas like “everyone does it,” “I can’t help myself,” “they make me so.…,” “God understands,” “I’m not hurting anyone…,” etc. – God will hold us accountable for every sin, even every careless word (Matthew 12:36, 2 Corinthians 5:10). We must diligently seek out and root out all behavior that is sin and cease with the excuses and complacency. Yes, God is love, but He also calls us to holiness and a very high standard, even perfection (Matthew 5:48). Not out of a nervous paranoia but from a true yearning for His holiness in our lives, we are to “work out your salvation, with fear and trembling” (Philippians 2:12-13).
We must get to the point where we recognize exactly when and how we are being tempted to sin; we must be crystal clear about what sin is and how it comes about. An example of this is getting angry.
It is all too easy to slip into the habit of allowing ourselves to become worked up, irritated, angry, or frustrated about usually relatively insignificant things and then say hurtful things or behaving in a sinful manner altogether unbecoming of a person indwelt by the Spirit of Jesus Christ. Or we allow ourselves to grumble or complain or be dissatisfied when in reality we as Christians have been undeservedly blessed beyond our wildest imaginations and should be grateful and thankful at all times for all things
(1 Thessalonians 5:16-18). Not controlling our anger or not having a thankful attitude are examples of sins we need to become conscious of and root out.
We also must consider the effect of our words and actions on others, particularly young people or those with weaker faith. It is common for so called “secret” sins and things that we try to hide to come to light at some point in time; we should count on someone at some time finding out about what we are doing. We must evaluate all thoughts, words, and actions by the highest of standards. The first priority, then, in resisting temptation when it comes is to clearly know what sin is and when we are being tempted to sin.
· Learn to recognize all that God considers to be sin.
Exodus 20:1-17, 1 Samuel 15:22-23, Matthew 5:21-7:27, 15:18-20, Romans 12-13, 1 Corinthians 10:6-14, 15:34, Galatians 5:19-21, 26, Ephesians 4:25-5:18, Colossians 3:5-25, 1 Thessalonians 4:3-8, 5:14-20, James 1:19-22, 3:6-4:17, 1 Peter 2:11-3:7, 4:1-16, 1 John 2:4-6
· Do not be ignorant of Satan’s schemes or the deceptive words and ways of his servants.
1 Corinthians 15:33, 2 Corinthians 2:11, 11:14-15, Ephesians 2:1-3, 5:5-10
· Examine everything carefully, and be willing to ask yourself tough questions about your actions.
1 Thessalonians 5:21-22
· Ask, “Am I motivated by jealousy, pleasure, or selfish ambition? Does this thing result in strife and quarrelling? What is the fruit and benefit of this thing?”
Colossians 3:11-14, James 3:13-4:4
· Ask, “Am I motivated by a love for the world, the lust of the flesh and eyes or the boastful pride of life?”
1 John 2:15-17
· Ask, “Is it good for my neighbor or could it make someone, especially a little one, stumble?”
Matthew 18:6-7, Romans 14:13-21, 1 Corinthians 8:7-13
· Ask, “Is this thing lawful, profitable, and edifying?”
1 Corinthians 6:12, 10:23-24, James 1:25-27
· Ask, “Is this thing able to control me?”
1 Corinthians 6:12, 9:24-27
· Ask, “Am I making the most of my time, and do I understand what the will of the Lord is?”
Colossians 3:15-17
· Ask, “Am I able to do this thing by faith, without fear?” Whatever is not of faith is sin.
Romans 14:23, 1 John 4:18
· Ask, “Do I manifest the fruit of the Spirit when I do this thing? If not, why not?”
Galatians 5:22-23
· Ask, “Am I doing this out of love for the Lord and others?”
Matthew 22:36-40, John 15:11-12, Romans 14:15, 1 Corinthians 13:1-8, Ephesians 5:1-2, Colossians 3:12-14, James 2:8, 1 Peter 1:22, 1 John 4:7-12
· Is your conscience bothered by this thing or trying to warn you not to do or say this thing? If so, STOP and do not do or say this thing. Learn to be sensitive to you conscience and God’s leading.
Acts 24:16, Romans 2:14-16, 8:14, Galatians 5:16-18, 25, 1 Timothy 1:5, 18-19, Hebrews 13:18, 1Peter 3:16
· Can you imagine Jesus doing or saying this thing? If not, then STOP and think through why not. Develop the habit of filtering your actions and words by the highest of standards.
Matthew 5:48, 1 Corinthians 11:1, Philippians 4:8-9,
· Would you do or say this thing if Jesus were with you? If your family and friends were with you? Would you be pleased if others knew you did or said this thing? If not, then this thing may very well be sin.
Matthew 10:26, Mark 4:21-23, 9:33-34
· Is this thing being done or said in haste or in anger? Learn to think things through ahead of time and to pause before speaking or taking action. Learn to control your anger.
Proverbs 10:19, 16:32, 17:27-28, Ephesians 4:26-27, James 1:19