October 20
JESUS, THE PATTERN SON / PART 4
ENDURING TEMPTATION
-James 1:2-4 states, … My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into divers temptations; Knowing this,
that the trying of your faith works patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that you may be perfect and entire,
wanting nothing …
-James 1:12 states, … Blessed is the man that endures temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive
the crown of life, which the Lord has promised to them that love Him …
-1st Peter 4:12,13 states, … Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which
is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: But rejoice, inasmuch as you are partakers of Christ's sufferings;
that, when His glory shall be revealed, you may be glad also with exceeding joy …
-The reason that MOST CHRISTIANS remain as spiritual babes in Christ is due to the fact that they do not apply
these scripture passages to their lives. Scripture passages such as these teach us that God has us in a process. This process
is one in which we are becoming a ( fully mature ) son of God. Those that do not see that they are in a process ( sonship
) will find themselves continually fighting against the very will of God, not understanding that the things they are going
through are for their benefit. Remember … The Son of God was tempted, went through fiery trials, and suffered. As well,
the sons of God must be tempted, go through fiery trials, and suffer as a Christian ( 1st Peter 4:16 ). IT IS THE
PATTERN THAT WAS LAID DOWN BY THE PATTERN SON. If you were to list out the recipe for the making of a son of God, it would
include temptation, fiery trials, and suffering as a Christian.
-The word “temptations” that is used in James 1:12 means trials. Surely we know that Jesus
was tempted in all points as we are, yet without sin ( Hebrews 4:15 ). So how could we be conformed to the image of the Son
of God without going through the same? It is not that we ask for, wait for, or enjoy our temptations, fiery trials, and sufferings,
but we must see why they are necessary when they do come our way. We must also see that they are for a specific purpose. THEY
ARE FOR A PURPOSE! The purpose is that we are to be conformed to the image of the Son of God, THE PATTERN SON!
-The apostle Paul understood this to a degree that most do not. Romans 5:3-5 states, … And not only so,
but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation works patience; And patience, experience; and experience,
hope: And hope makes not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto
us …
-BLESSED IS THE MAN THAT ENDURES TEMPTATION!-
