Yield not to Temptation

by Jeff Curtis

     The Hebrew writer tells us that; “…we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin.” (Hebrews 4:15). He is our High Priest that understands, He has empathy. So, when we are tempted, depressed, or suffering from anxiety or any number of other problems, Jesus is able to help us through.

     We sing a song that is titled “Yield not to Temptation.” In the verses of this song we can read; “Ask the Savior to help you to comfort, strengthen and heal you
oh, He is willing to aid you Jesus will carry you through.” As Christians, we have a privilege that the rest of the world doesn’t have, prayer. This song, as well as the Hebrew writer, tells us that Jesus can understand and will help us through.

     Empathy is defined as; “the ability to understand and share the feelings of another.” To be able to relate to what others may be going through. To be able to help others to possibly cope with trouble, anxiety, depression, the death of a loved one, etc.

     The life that Jesus lived, His ministry, His temptations and His trials as well as His suffering on the cross, help Him to have empathy for His disciples. Whatever we may be going through, “He is willing to carry you through.”

     Yet, there is something we must do. When we look back at the song, we need to understand that we are to; “Yield not to temptation, for yielding is sin each victory will help you or some others to win fight manfully onward, dark passions subdue look ever to Jesus and He'll carry you through.”

     Jesus will help us to overcome whatever this old world may throw at us, but we have to do our part. We have to “Yield not to Temptation.” But, if we do, then we must come to Christ and lay our problems at His feet. Hebrews 4:16 (NKJV), says; “Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” To come boldly before the throne of grace to obtain mercy. We must put aside whatever may prevent us from laying our prayers before God.

     The chorus in “Yield Not to Temptation” sums it help. “Just ask the Savior to help you to comfort, strengthen and keep you He is willing to aid you and He will carry you through,” just ask the Savior. In Luke 18:1-8, Jesus tells us about the “Persistent Widow.” Continually going to God with our prayers is the lesson Jesus is trying to teach us. Do you suppose this is what the Apostle Paul had reference to when he says to “pray without ceasing” in 1Thessalonians 5:17? Don’t stop asking God for help. Don’t stop telling God thank you. Don’t stop offering our pleas for others. Don’t stop letting God know about everything going on in our lives.

Whom do We Serve?

by Jeff Curtis

     In John 8:31, Jesus speaks of the “Truth” making you free. The Jews responded to this statement by saying, “We are Abraham’s descendants, and have never been in bondage to anyone. How can You say, ‘You will be made free’?” (v.33). The Jews were a proud people and they had understood throughout the history of the Old Testament that they were God’s chosen people. Yet, Jesus was ushering in a New Covenant. In order to be a participant in this New Covenant, they would have to learn submission.

     Submission: 1) the action or fact of accepting or yielding to a superior force or to the will or authority of another person. 2) an act of surrendering to a hold by one's opponent. 3) humility; meekness. With all of these definitions, the Jews were going to have to change their lives. They viewed themselves, even under Roman bondage, as being freemen.

    The same is true with you and I today. We have a choice to make. Who we will serve? Will we serve the “Truth” that makes us free or will we serve that which is offered by the world?

   John speaks of the three “avenues of temptation” in 1John 2:15-17, and tells us that we have a choice to make. If we give in to these avenues of temptation, then we are serving the world. He says after describing these avenues that they are of the world and not of the Father. “16…is not of the Father but is of the world. ¹⁷ And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever.”

    There are any number of ways that we can give in to these avenues. As individuals, we are to allow the Truth to set us free. This world, not being of the Father, is more than willing to lure us with things that are only enticing to us. When we love the praise of this world it becomes easier to do the things that please the world.

     Paul said in Romans 6:16; “¹⁶ Do you not know that to whom you present yourselves slaves to obey, you are that one’s slaves whom you obey, whether of sin leading to death, or of obedience leading to righteousness?” He tells us that we HAVE to make a choice. The choice we make will determine who we serve, our Father or the Devil. Remember, the devil is the Father of lies and wants to believe that the offerings of the world are good, innocent and rewarding.

    Some things that the world offers are good, but as Christians, we must refrain from doing them. They may be innocent, but do they bring honor and glory to our Father in heaven? If they are rewarding, then who are we seeking a reward from? If we are going to wear the name Christian, then we are live, act, work, dress and talk in a way that brings Him honor.

     Paul stated in 1Thessalonians 4:1; “Finally then, brethren, we urge and exhort in the Lord Jesus that you should abound more and more, just as you received from us how you ought to walk and to please God; ² for you know what commandments we gave you through the Lord Jesus.” Paul is here making a plea for spiritual purity. Are we living a life of spiritual purity?

     Who do you serve? Are you the Father’s children? If so, does it show in your life as an individual Christian? Does it show in your life when you are on the job? Does it show in how we serve the Lord each week? Does it show in the way we raise our children?