Have (or do) any of the following ever applied (apply) to you:
- I am strongly tempted to sin
- I give in to temptation and choose to sin
- I feel overpowered by the pull of a particular sin in my life
- I know what God wants me to do, but just don’t have the desire to do it.
I came across this question in my continued study in Nancy Leigh Demoss’ and Tim Grissom’s Seeking Him — Experiencing the Joy of Personal Revival. — And I was initially depressed by the fact that all of these statements have applied to me at one time or another (and still do sometimes).
But, thankfully, God has something to say on this. I went on to read through Hebrews 4:14-16; Titus 2:11-12; 1 Corinthians 15:10; and 2 Corinthians 9:8.
As believers in Christ, as beloved ones of God, we have one who has been tempted as we have — who pleads our case before God. AND we have God’s grace! I urge you to read those above versus carefully — it is God’s grace which provides the power and the training. God’s grace can be a dynamic force in our lives and result in our sanctification (becoming more and more like Christ — living triumphantly in accordance with our new nature).
Imagine — in all things at all times abounding in every good work — as a result of God’s grace (2 Cor 9:8).
Some of you may be struggling with temptation and sin or wondering, “if it’s all God — all His grace, then why don’t I have the desire to obey God — to walk with Him in relationship?” You may be struggling with discouragement, despair, and wanting to give up.
In my own struggles, I’ve come to learn that we play a role! It is God’s grace, but we must be plugged into that dynamic force. Otherwise it’s like wielding a jackhammer with no power. You get nowhere and eventually give up.
Read 2 Tim 2:1; James 4:6; 2 Peter 3:18. All of these verses talk about standing in God’s grace, being strong in God’s grace and growing in God’s grace. If we’re not plugged in — not active in our relationship with Him, not taking the steps necessary to be plugged in and maintain a relationship with God and His church, we will be disconnected from that source of power.
Remember, the Lord has promised He will be found by those who seek Him; He will never forsake those who seek Him; and He will be faithful to complete the work He has started in you!
So be plugged in, ready for use, wired — stand and growing in the grace of God — and God’s grace will not be without effect (1 Cor 15:10); He will work in you to both desire and do His good pleasure (Philippians 2:13).
Ants in the Pants of Faith 