Larry Lilly's Journal How to Overcome Temptation Vol 19 Issue 3 March 2017
Larry & Joyce
Luke 4:1 Then Jesus, being filled with the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness,
2 being tempted for forty days by the devil. And in those days He ate nothing, and afterward, when they had ended, He was hungry.
3 And the devil said to Him, "If You are the Son of God, command this stone to become bread."
4 But Jesus answered him, saying, "It is written, 'Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word of God.'"
5 Then the devil, taking Him up on a high mountain, showed Him all the kingdoms of the world in a moment of time.
6 And the devil said to Him, "All this authority I will give You, and their glory; for this has been delivered to me, and I give it to whomever I wish.
7 "Therefore, if You will worship before me, all will be Yours."
8 And Jesus answered and said to him, "Get behind Me, Satan! For it is written, 'You shall worship the LORD your God, and Him only you shall serve.'"
9 Then he brought Him to Jerusalem, set Him on the pinnacle of the temple, and said to Him, "If You are the Son of God, throw Yourself down from here.
10 "For it is written: 'He shall give His angels charge over you, To keep you,'
11 "and, 'In their hands they shall bear you up, Lest you dash your foot against a stone.'"
12 And Jesus answered and said to him, "It has been said, 'You shall not tempt the LORD your God.'"
13 Now when the devil had ended every temptation, he departed from Him until an opportune time.
It’s interesting to note that the temptation specifying 3 areas of assault by Satan are the summing up of a testing period that lasted for 40 days. State the exact nature of the temptations would be speculation at best. We do know by implication that humans being of trifold nature, as is God, that all temptation will fall in one of 3 areas, the physical, the soul, or the spirit. Body, soul and spirit are mentioned throughout the scripture and thus the writer of Hebrews states concerning Jesus Christ, our High Priest: Hebrews 4:15:
“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.”
No matter what you are tempted by, Christ also had forbidden fruit dangled before him, and He resisted and therefore the “how” we are to use in times when we are “forsaken by the world and Satan tempts us sore” as the song brings out. I am told by scholars who dig deep that 40 in the Bible is the number of severe testing as with the Israelites wandering in the desert for 40 years. So, Christ endured and overcame the severest temptation, over a forty day span intensive physical, emotional and spiritual torments. This is important for us to know and understand.
I pause to note the counter theory from the Humanist perspective: Abraham Maslow, the Apostle of Humanism, i.e., Man is the Measure of all things. Maslow taught his hierarchy of needs using a five point formula, with number 1 being our most basic “needs” and when these are met we move upward toward the next rung.
1. Biological and Physiological needs - air, food, drink, shelter, warmth, sex, sleep.
2. Safety needs - protection from elements, security, order, law, stability, freedom from fear.
3. Love and belongingness needs - friendship, intimacy, trust and acceptance, receiving and giving affection and love. Affiliating, being part of a group (family, friends, work).
4. Esteem needs - achievement, mastery, independence, status, dominance, prestige, self-respect, respect from others.
5. Self-Actualization needs - realizing personal potential, self-fulfillment, seeking personal growth and peak experiences.
The progression may or may not be true, thus we see, not surprisingly that Humanism and Christianity are at serious odds as brought out by the Satanic temptation of Jesus Christ.
Going 40 days without eating would certainly weaken in an area of basic need. Hunger is a prime motivator. Wise people know not to mess with a “Hungry” person.
Satan will always come at you with what he perceives to be your weakest point. Christians are to know that being true to the spiritual is to be more desired than to fulfill even basic needs. The “Hunger” temptation, as well as Maslow’s second tier of needs is to give way to what God says in His Word. Simple? Certainly, but try it.
When you claim the strength to refuse Satan’s onslaught he will resort to tier 3-4 and offer to fulfill the emotional needs we all have to some degree, Many so-called religious groups are merely meeting needs in 3&4 as is revealed in the lack of true biblical teaching. To prove my point, any time you compromise a true belief for of “What will they say,” Satan has tricked you.
Thirdly, Satan comes at the human need, the inner burning desire, to rise above others and demonstrate his/her superiority above the pack. People in this group usually are very gifted in some area, a gift that whether saved or lost is to be used for the benefit beyond self. If you read Maslow’s 5th level you will note it is all about self.
It’s impossible to judge, so we shouldn’t try, how many real “world beaters” are totally wrapped in themselves. Even Christians.
We learn, or should learn, that we can and must overcome the “wiles of Satan, by knowing the Word of God, within the context, and purpose, and always refuse to cut a corner or be led astray by misapplying God’s Word for the sake convenience or self-aggrandizement. (Unbridled ambition).
As to judging, here’s help: How are you doing in the battle? LML
****
“I am tempted to think that I am now as established Christian, that I have overcome this or that lust so long, that I have got into the habit of the opposite grace, so that that there is no fear; I may venture very near the temptation, nearer than other men. This is a lie of Satan. One might as well speak of gunpowder getting by habit of resisting fire so as not to catch spark; but when it becomes dry, it is ready to explode at the first touch. As long as the Spirit dwells in my heart, He deadens me to sin, if lawfully called through temptation, I may reckon upon God carrying me through. But when the Spirit leaves me, I am like dry gunpowder. Oh for sense of this! “
Robert Murry McCheyne.
****
“Those who flee temptation generally leave a forwarding address!” Lane Olinghouse.
2 being tempted for forty days by the devil. And in those days He ate nothing, and afterward, when they had ended, He was hungry.
3 And the devil said to Him, "If You are the Son of God, command this stone to become bread."
4 But Jesus answered him, saying, "It is written, 'Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word of God.'"
5 Then the devil, taking Him up on a high mountain, showed Him all the kingdoms of the world in a moment of time.
6 And the devil said to Him, "All this authority I will give You, and their glory; for this has been delivered to me, and I give it to whomever I wish.
7 "Therefore, if You will worship before me, all will be Yours."
8 And Jesus answered and said to him, "Get behind Me, Satan! For it is written, 'You shall worship the LORD your God, and Him only you shall serve.'"
9 Then he brought Him to Jerusalem, set Him on the pinnacle of the temple, and said to Him, "If You are the Son of God, throw Yourself down from here.
10 "For it is written: 'He shall give His angels charge over you, To keep you,'
11 "and, 'In their hands they shall bear you up, Lest you dash your foot against a stone.'"
12 And Jesus answered and said to him, "It has been said, 'You shall not tempt the LORD your God.'"
13 Now when the devil had ended every temptation, he departed from Him until an opportune time.
It’s interesting to note that the temptation specifying 3 areas of assault by Satan are the summing up of a testing period that lasted for 40 days. State the exact nature of the temptations would be speculation at best. We do know by implication that humans being of trifold nature, as is God, that all temptation will fall in one of 3 areas, the physical, the soul, or the spirit. Body, soul and spirit are mentioned throughout the scripture and thus the writer of Hebrews states concerning Jesus Christ, our High Priest: Hebrews 4:15:
“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.”
No matter what you are tempted by, Christ also had forbidden fruit dangled before him, and He resisted and therefore the “how” we are to use in times when we are “forsaken by the world and Satan tempts us sore” as the song brings out. I am told by scholars who dig deep that 40 in the Bible is the number of severe testing as with the Israelites wandering in the desert for 40 years. So, Christ endured and overcame the severest temptation, over a forty day span intensive physical, emotional and spiritual torments. This is important for us to know and understand.
I pause to note the counter theory from the Humanist perspective: Abraham Maslow, the Apostle of Humanism, i.e., Man is the Measure of all things. Maslow taught his hierarchy of needs using a five point formula, with number 1 being our most basic “needs” and when these are met we move upward toward the next rung.
1. Biological and Physiological needs - air, food, drink, shelter, warmth, sex, sleep.
2. Safety needs - protection from elements, security, order, law, stability, freedom from fear.
3. Love and belongingness needs - friendship, intimacy, trust and acceptance, receiving and giving affection and love. Affiliating, being part of a group (family, friends, work).
4. Esteem needs - achievement, mastery, independence, status, dominance, prestige, self-respect, respect from others.
5. Self-Actualization needs - realizing personal potential, self-fulfillment, seeking personal growth and peak experiences.
The progression may or may not be true, thus we see, not surprisingly that Humanism and Christianity are at serious odds as brought out by the Satanic temptation of Jesus Christ.
Going 40 days without eating would certainly weaken in an area of basic need. Hunger is a prime motivator. Wise people know not to mess with a “Hungry” person.
Satan will always come at you with what he perceives to be your weakest point. Christians are to know that being true to the spiritual is to be more desired than to fulfill even basic needs. The “Hunger” temptation, as well as Maslow’s second tier of needs is to give way to what God says in His Word. Simple? Certainly, but try it.
When you claim the strength to refuse Satan’s onslaught he will resort to tier 3-4 and offer to fulfill the emotional needs we all have to some degree, Many so-called religious groups are merely meeting needs in 3&4 as is revealed in the lack of true biblical teaching. To prove my point, any time you compromise a true belief for of “What will they say,” Satan has tricked you.
Thirdly, Satan comes at the human need, the inner burning desire, to rise above others and demonstrate his/her superiority above the pack. People in this group usually are very gifted in some area, a gift that whether saved or lost is to be used for the benefit beyond self. If you read Maslow’s 5th level you will note it is all about self.
It’s impossible to judge, so we shouldn’t try, how many real “world beaters” are totally wrapped in themselves. Even Christians.
We learn, or should learn, that we can and must overcome the “wiles of Satan, by knowing the Word of God, within the context, and purpose, and always refuse to cut a corner or be led astray by misapplying God’s Word for the sake convenience or self-aggrandizement. (Unbridled ambition).
As to judging, here’s help: How are you doing in the battle? LML
****
“I am tempted to think that I am now as established Christian, that I have overcome this or that lust so long, that I have got into the habit of the opposite grace, so that that there is no fear; I may venture very near the temptation, nearer than other men. This is a lie of Satan. One might as well speak of gunpowder getting by habit of resisting fire so as not to catch spark; but when it becomes dry, it is ready to explode at the first touch. As long as the Spirit dwells in my heart, He deadens me to sin, if lawfully called through temptation, I may reckon upon God carrying me through. But when the Spirit leaves me, I am like dry gunpowder. Oh for sense of this! “
Robert Murry McCheyne.
****
“Those who flee temptation generally leave a forwarding address!” Lane Olinghouse.
Letters & Comments From Inside & Out!
Robertson and Muriel
Here’s a copy of the most moving letter I have received in the last quarter of a century!
Back in March of 1990 I received the following letter from Dr. Robertson McQuilken, President of Columbia Bible College. I wept when I first read this letter and I still weep after all these years.
Dear Friends,
"My dear wife, Muriel, has been in failing mental health for about eight years. So far, I have been able carry both her ever growing needs and the leadership responsibilities at CBC. But recently it has become apparent that Muriel is contented most of the time when she is with me and almost none of the time I am away from her. It is not just discontent. She is filled with fear-even terror-that she has lost me and always goes in search of me when I leave home. Then she may be full of anger when she cannot get to me. So, it is clear to me that she needs me now, full time.
Perhaps it would help you to understand if I shared with you what I shared at the time of the announcement of my resignation in chapel. The decision was made, in a way forty-two years ago, when I promised to care for Muriel, "in sickness and in health. - till death do us part." So, as I told the students and faculty, as a man of my word, integrity has something to do with it. But so does fairness. She has cared for me fully and sacrificially all these years; if I cared for her for the next forty years I would not be out of debt. Duty, however, can be grim and stoic. But there is more; I love Muriel. She is a delight to me-her childlike dependence and confidence in me, her warm love, occasional flashes of that wit I used relish so, her happy spirit and tough resilience in the face of her continual distressing frustration. I do not have to care for her. I get to! It is a high honor to care for so wonderful a person.
Robertson McQuilken
Dr. McQuilken and Muriel had been married for 55 years when she passed in 2003. He later remarried, wrote 19 books and went to be with Jesus June 2016. If you want a real marriage strengthener check this.
http://www.christianitytoday.com/gleanings/2016/june/died-robertson-mcquilkin-columbia-president-alzheimers-ciu.html
Be sure to have a hanky.
Columbia Bible College is now Columbia International University.
***
Pastor Larry,
We had four men pass away last month. It seems like every week, we’re having another “Memorial Service” for someone. One many that passed away was in jail for fifty-five years. This man’s death was really troubling to our new chaplain, because he didn’t know where the man stood with Jesus. But a brother that knew him well, gave the report that he believed in Jesus as his Savior! So when our new chaplain heard the report at the Memorial Service, you could see the relief he felt. He’s trying to get the administration here, to allow family members to attend the Memorial Services. Then they will see the respect and love that the man had from the men behind the wall had for their loved one. We’re truly blessed that the administration here really works with us on a lot of issues.
The canine service training program here is going well It’s amazing to see how fast these dogs are growing. They are so cute, it’s always a joy anytime you see them. Three more will be coming this month, that will make it six. The three that are here are Black Labs. The one bad thing that I see about this project is that they have the dogs for about a year. It is so sad to see them leave. But we know they are very important to the person they are trained to help along life’s way. We really get attached to the pups. C.A.W.
Editor’s Note. C.W. is a longtime correspondent and is making the best of his situation now for over 25 years. I ask that you send up prayers for him and thousands of other men and women who bloom where they are planted! LML
Back in March of 1990 I received the following letter from Dr. Robertson McQuilken, President of Columbia Bible College. I wept when I first read this letter and I still weep after all these years.
Dear Friends,
"My dear wife, Muriel, has been in failing mental health for about eight years. So far, I have been able carry both her ever growing needs and the leadership responsibilities at CBC. But recently it has become apparent that Muriel is contented most of the time when she is with me and almost none of the time I am away from her. It is not just discontent. She is filled with fear-even terror-that she has lost me and always goes in search of me when I leave home. Then she may be full of anger when she cannot get to me. So, it is clear to me that she needs me now, full time.
Perhaps it would help you to understand if I shared with you what I shared at the time of the announcement of my resignation in chapel. The decision was made, in a way forty-two years ago, when I promised to care for Muriel, "in sickness and in health. - till death do us part." So, as I told the students and faculty, as a man of my word, integrity has something to do with it. But so does fairness. She has cared for me fully and sacrificially all these years; if I cared for her for the next forty years I would not be out of debt. Duty, however, can be grim and stoic. But there is more; I love Muriel. She is a delight to me-her childlike dependence and confidence in me, her warm love, occasional flashes of that wit I used relish so, her happy spirit and tough resilience in the face of her continual distressing frustration. I do not have to care for her. I get to! It is a high honor to care for so wonderful a person.
Robertson McQuilken
Dr. McQuilken and Muriel had been married for 55 years when she passed in 2003. He later remarried, wrote 19 books and went to be with Jesus June 2016. If you want a real marriage strengthener check this.
http://www.christianitytoday.com/gleanings/2016/june/died-robertson-mcquilkin-columbia-president-alzheimers-ciu.html
Be sure to have a hanky.
Columbia Bible College is now Columbia International University.
***
Pastor Larry,
We had four men pass away last month. It seems like every week, we’re having another “Memorial Service” for someone. One many that passed away was in jail for fifty-five years. This man’s death was really troubling to our new chaplain, because he didn’t know where the man stood with Jesus. But a brother that knew him well, gave the report that he believed in Jesus as his Savior! So when our new chaplain heard the report at the Memorial Service, you could see the relief he felt. He’s trying to get the administration here, to allow family members to attend the Memorial Services. Then they will see the respect and love that the man had from the men behind the wall had for their loved one. We’re truly blessed that the administration here really works with us on a lot of issues.
The canine service training program here is going well It’s amazing to see how fast these dogs are growing. They are so cute, it’s always a joy anytime you see them. Three more will be coming this month, that will make it six. The three that are here are Black Labs. The one bad thing that I see about this project is that they have the dogs for about a year. It is so sad to see them leave. But we know they are very important to the person they are trained to help along life’s way. We really get attached to the pups. C.A.W.
Editor’s Note. C.W. is a longtime correspondent and is making the best of his situation now for over 25 years. I ask that you send up prayers for him and thousands of other men and women who bloom where they are planted! LML
The Book Worm's Corner. Comments From Helpful Books
The Great Blond
The Kingdom of The Cults. Walter Martin. Bethany House. 20 Chps 541 Pages.
This book by Dr. Martin has been around for a long time, but it is as fresh as though it was written yesterday. It offers profound insight in the confusion of “cults,” those groups that have totally departed from the truth of Christianity, and many that never had any idea of the truth once delivered unto the saints.
I am amazed at the dearth of teaching about false cults. When Larry and I were saved fifty-five years ago come May 10th, most if not all, Bible believing churches had continuing classes concerning the cults. Many “new” cults have arisen in the ensuing years, yet all cults bear similarities as “Kingdom” points out so graphically.
The major contribution that Dr. Martin gave to Biblical Apologists is the clear difference between some very deceptive cults in their efforts to appear Orthodox, thus deceiving many who are not well versed in biblical truth. He makes clear the dangerous difference between feeling and fact. He wrote from the foundation of biblical truth, thus the comparison of what the Bible says, verses any particular feeling. One classic mark of cults is the weaving of a web that results in total thought control by the leader of the cult. Tragically some cult methods have crept into pseudo Christian groups. Dr. Martin points out the danger in this, and time, since the book was written reveals many such soul shrinking branches.
Larry mentioned to me that some of the Cults mentioned have made a pretense of becoming Orthodox, yet when examined they have simply changed the terms and still promote the same old heresy.
Every serious Bible Student should have this book or the updated version. Joyce Lilly TgB.
This book by Dr. Martin has been around for a long time, but it is as fresh as though it was written yesterday. It offers profound insight in the confusion of “cults,” those groups that have totally departed from the truth of Christianity, and many that never had any idea of the truth once delivered unto the saints.
I am amazed at the dearth of teaching about false cults. When Larry and I were saved fifty-five years ago come May 10th, most if not all, Bible believing churches had continuing classes concerning the cults. Many “new” cults have arisen in the ensuing years, yet all cults bear similarities as “Kingdom” points out so graphically.
The major contribution that Dr. Martin gave to Biblical Apologists is the clear difference between some very deceptive cults in their efforts to appear Orthodox, thus deceiving many who are not well versed in biblical truth. He makes clear the dangerous difference between feeling and fact. He wrote from the foundation of biblical truth, thus the comparison of what the Bible says, verses any particular feeling. One classic mark of cults is the weaving of a web that results in total thought control by the leader of the cult. Tragically some cult methods have crept into pseudo Christian groups. Dr. Martin points out the danger in this, and time, since the book was written reveals many such soul shrinking branches.
Larry mentioned to me that some of the Cults mentioned have made a pretense of becoming Orthodox, yet when examined they have simply changed the terms and still promote the same old heresy.
Every serious Bible Student should have this book or the updated version. Joyce Lilly TgB.
Page 4 Ruminations!
Dale Byers
A Bible WATCH Dale Byers
WAIT- Much of your life will be spent in waiting.
You wait to be old enough to walk - You wait for Christmas Day-
You wait to be strong enough to ride a bicycle- You wait to obtain your drivers license-
You wait to graduate- You wait to marry- You wait to be become parents-
You wait for your kids to come home from school-You wait for your kids to marry-
You wait to become grandparents- You wait for the kids to call.
This watch should remind you that the years pass a tick at a time. Make the most of your life and your time. You only have today to use the time. Enjoy your family and friends.
AROUND YOU- Look at what is around you. Whatever God has given to you will be sufficient. Learn to be contented and thankful. Enjoy whatever God gives you. Material things do not give purpose or contentment. There will always be others who have more or better, but those things do not bring value to life. Don’t look at what you do not have, but at the things you do have. Realize that as the clock ticks all of those things are wearing out. All of those trinkets, gadgets, gimmicks and possessions will end up at the dump or be replaced by something better. We spend our lives on what we consider to be important. Look at the people around you. They will live forever and your memories will be dividends of how you have spent your time.
TIME is the greatest gift you can give. Time is God’s gift to you, thus when you spend time on another person you are giving to them your greatest gift. Time is something you can never regain. Your time is a resource that will bless the lives of others. Of all the ways to spend time, your family has the greatest need of you. Resting is not wrong and divergence is not a waste, but an essential part of your life. It is not a waste of time to sharpen the blade of an ax or a knife. Treasure every tick of your watch and thank God for each precious gift.
CHRIST is an eternal person without beginning or ending. We are designed to worship and serve Him and we live by the clock. It is appointed unto men once to die and after this comes the judgment. Remember that each tick of the watch reminds us that we will give an account to Him as to how we have used our time, talents and treasures. Only one life will soon be past and only what’s done for Christ will last.
HANDS and HEART- The hands and heart work together. Don’t blame the hands if they are wrong. The hands only reflect what is going on inside. If the hands are giving a wrong report, the problem is not with the hands, but the processes that are occurring behind the scene. The hands only tell the story of what is happening inside. Keep the inside clean and all works well. The hands tell the story and reflect the reliability of the watch. But, oh what a blessing when a watch works accurately and makes us away of how quickly the time is passing.
WATCH for His coming -Answer His Call-Trust in Him- Call on Him in your need- Help others!
Blogsite for past articles: http://dalebyers.wordpress.com/
Contact Dale via the above link and get on his mailing list.
WAIT- Much of your life will be spent in waiting.
You wait to be old enough to walk - You wait for Christmas Day-
You wait to be strong enough to ride a bicycle- You wait to obtain your drivers license-
You wait to graduate- You wait to marry- You wait to be become parents-
You wait for your kids to come home from school-You wait for your kids to marry-
You wait to become grandparents- You wait for the kids to call.
This watch should remind you that the years pass a tick at a time. Make the most of your life and your time. You only have today to use the time. Enjoy your family and friends.
AROUND YOU- Look at what is around you. Whatever God has given to you will be sufficient. Learn to be contented and thankful. Enjoy whatever God gives you. Material things do not give purpose or contentment. There will always be others who have more or better, but those things do not bring value to life. Don’t look at what you do not have, but at the things you do have. Realize that as the clock ticks all of those things are wearing out. All of those trinkets, gadgets, gimmicks and possessions will end up at the dump or be replaced by something better. We spend our lives on what we consider to be important. Look at the people around you. They will live forever and your memories will be dividends of how you have spent your time.
TIME is the greatest gift you can give. Time is God’s gift to you, thus when you spend time on another person you are giving to them your greatest gift. Time is something you can never regain. Your time is a resource that will bless the lives of others. Of all the ways to spend time, your family has the greatest need of you. Resting is not wrong and divergence is not a waste, but an essential part of your life. It is not a waste of time to sharpen the blade of an ax or a knife. Treasure every tick of your watch and thank God for each precious gift.
CHRIST is an eternal person without beginning or ending. We are designed to worship and serve Him and we live by the clock. It is appointed unto men once to die and after this comes the judgment. Remember that each tick of the watch reminds us that we will give an account to Him as to how we have used our time, talents and treasures. Only one life will soon be past and only what’s done for Christ will last.
HANDS and HEART- The hands and heart work together. Don’t blame the hands if they are wrong. The hands only reflect what is going on inside. If the hands are giving a wrong report, the problem is not with the hands, but the processes that are occurring behind the scene. The hands only tell the story of what is happening inside. Keep the inside clean and all works well. The hands tell the story and reflect the reliability of the watch. But, oh what a blessing when a watch works accurately and makes us away of how quickly the time is passing.
WATCH for His coming -Answer His Call-Trust in Him- Call on Him in your need- Help others!
Blogsite for past articles: http://dalebyers.wordpress.com/
Contact Dale via the above link and get on his mailing list.