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| Originally inspired by "Men of the Word" chapter by Andrew Gutierrez |
Society puts unrealistic expectations on men and defines masculinity in ways that are not in accordance with the Word of God. The Biblical perspective on what it takes to be a man could perhaps be summed up in the words of Paul in 1 Corinthians 16:13. "Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong." (ESV)
Men don't idolize sports figures, status symbols, money or pleasure. Boys are capable of that! It is the luxury of the immature to be irresponsible and self-indulgent. Men do the HARD things in life. Men don't argue and fight over whose job it is. They are mature enough to know that jobs just have to be done -- and they do them.
Being tempted IS NOT a sin!
Sin is what lies on the other side of temptation (Genesis 4:7)!
Pray
Our flesh is weak, but we can call on God for help.
He understands the concept of temptation.
He requires "boldness" in our approach to him.
Remember the Gospel
Jesus came to "save sinners".
When we continually fall into sin through temptation, we are living as if God doesn't exist.
We live in defeat, not because we HATE God, because we FORGET Him.
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2 Timothy 2:22 -- "Flee also youthful lusts:
but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace,
with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart."
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Run with Godly People
We all need one another.
We fail to live in victory when we are always "fleeing" bad things.We would be much better off to engage ourselves in the "pursuit" of good things.
And when you are doing one, you are doing the other by default-- it just is a shift of perspective!!
When you run with someone else, you find an accountability that has the potential to spur you on to greatness!
Don't always be talking about what you DON'T WANT to be!
Talk instead about what you WANT to become!
Resist the Temptation
Flee the temptation and combat it in your spirit with the WORD of God.
No -- it's not too hard!
There is no temptation overtaken you but such as is common to men -- AND GOD IS FAITHFUL and won't allow you to be tempted above what you can bear!
The road to victory over temptation is not always going to be easy, but it WILL BE WORTH IT!
