June 6: Spiritual Muscle and HOPE!
[We] rejoice in hope of the glory of God. And not only that, we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope. Romans 5:2b-4
We need to learn what it means to persevere according to the will of God, who doesn’t allow a single temptation to come our way without providing a way of escape (1 Corinthians 10:13). When Jesus was tempted in the wilderness following His baptism, His “escape” became the example par excellence: total reliance upon the written word and the Holy Spirit who brings it to mind (see Matthew 4:1-10).
If we think of temptation only in a negative light, we will equate it with sin. But it is not a sin to be tempted. Fallen human nature needs opportunity to exercise faith by ‘pushing back’ against anything which goes against the word of the Lord. This exercise of faith produces “spiritual muscle” known as perseverance.
The work of the One who sanctifies believers is accomplished in incremental steps. He knows in microscopic detail every individual’s innermost nature. This determines what temptations God will allow to assail him or her from the outside. Once a particular temptation is conquered, a different level of temptation will follow. We should not be surprised by this one iota, but rather allow ourselves to be continually built up in the written word by feeding upon it daily.
If I refuse to cooperate with God on whatever point He has laid before me, it will result in weakened thinking to the point of caving in. This opens the door to deliberately placing myself in situations riddled with temptations, known as casting off restraint (Proverbs 29:18). If not confessed and forsaken, this path, either rapidly or by slow degrees, dims recognition of temptation and understanding of what sin is.
The development of spiritual discernment is directly connected with hope: hope of the glory of God. We must not allow ourselves to become spiritual “couch potatoes.” How? By actively reminding ourselves and each other of the incredible, indescribable, undeserved love of God—and the power of His “love letter” to develop our characters as citizens of heaven. His love is the Source of all hope, without which we will be defeated by the very temptations that have been allowed for our growth and development.
For in that He Himself has suffered, being tempted, He is able to aid those who are tempted. For 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. Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may find grace to help in time of need. Hebrews 2:18; 4:15-16