The Lure of Sin

	Being solicited and tempted to do evil (wrong) is a repeated experience for all of us. The human heart is sick (Jer. 17:9). Evil thoughts and acts of sin come as a result of us having inherited from Adam an unregenerate sin nature (Rom. 7:14). Even though we have a sin nature, our text is letting us know that there is still personal responsibility for sin (Rom. 14:12). Look at those two words "EVERY" and "OWN." That's talking personally to ALL of us. What is LUST? It is an overwhelming desire or craving. This craving can be in the realm of sex, food, greed, pleasure, popularity, and many other things. Temptation comes to each of us. It even came to Jesus (Mat. 4:1-11). Of course, Jesus quickly rebuked the devil and he had to flee. Jesus knew no sin. He did no sin. He did not have a sin nature. Even though He was a man, His nature was Divine (Heb. 7:26). This is not the case with the rest of us (Eph. 2:3). Each of us carries with us our own evil desires. We have vile lusts, impure appetites, and evil thought processes constantly urging us on to sin (Mk. 7:21). Since we are all different, we have different moral natures. All individual struggles are not the same. We all don't have the same desires, cravings, and lusts. Some are criticized for evil desires, and those doing the accusing often have different struggles that may not necessarily appeal to the one being accused. Remember the mote and the beam (Mat. 7:3-5). An evil desire to one, may be repulsive to another. This one drinks; this one overeats; this one smokes; this one is greedy of gain; this one is always seeking attention, praise, and applause; this one is always tempted in the realm of sexual sins; this one is fearful and afraid of everything; this one is sneaky, sly, cunning, always scheming; this one loves to dominate and control; this one always has temper flare ups. The list goes on and on. We must understand that, where there is no INTERNAL desire, there is no temptation. There are certain ways in which the devil just will not come to you, because he will find anything in you that will respond. He knows you will quickly rebuke him. "I rebuke you in the Name of Jesus. Get out of here Satan!" Then there are things that you secretly allow and entertain that you know you must be delivered from. These are called "pet sins." These are sins you don't want anybody to find out. When it's preached or talked about, it makes you squirm. These are the things that the devil uses against us. Temptation comes both Internally and Externally! Solicitations from without must have a corresponding response from within. Our text speaks of us being "drawn away of his (our) OWN lust, and enticed." This is the LURE! Lure is something that tempts or attracts with the promise of gaining pleasure or reward. It usually leads you into harm or wrong by exerting strong appeal or attraction. Luring or enticement seeks to overcome holy, moral resistance by craft, charm, and deceit. All that fish sees is that nice juicy worm. He does not realize that there is a sharp hook on the inside! Many times when a person is confronted with alluring temptation, and allow it to play and hang around in the mind, the price or the consequences of that sin are thrown way in the background. All they can see is the attractiveness of the desired object. Lust seeks to draw us beyond the prescribed limits of the Word of God in pursuit of objects that are forbidden. When we go beyond the Word of God in our cravings and desires, seized by the power of lust, we become guilty of transgression. Temptation will always be with us until Jesus comes. We must constantly fight the good fight of faith against the internal foe of the flesh (lust), and the external foe (lure) of Satan with all of his enticements. Against the lust and the lure of sin, are we "believers" helpless victims? NO! No outside thing or influence can make us sin, if we don't really want to (Rom. 6:14). God does not hold us chargeable when a wrong desire arises within us. Sin is going to come. We are answerable when evil desires breaks through every barrier of our resistance and we yield to sin. Through His Word, God wants us to quickly cast down every wicked imagination and high thing that tries to exalt itself against what we know to be right, true, just, honest, and pure (2 Cor. 10:5; Phil. 4:8). Against the lust and the lure of sin, it is a daily fight. We need prayer, God's Word, and fellowship with other believers. Rest assured: God does not and will not permit or allow us to be tempted beyond the power of genuine faith to endure. But with every temptation, He will make a way of escape that ye may be able to bear it and come out victorious (I Cor. 10:13). We are 'more than conquerors' because "the name of the Lord is a strong tower: the righteous run into it, and are safe (Prov. 18:10). Praise God there is victory and deliverance through Jesus Christ! He overcame and so can we. When you are being lured, ask Him to help you! He is more than willing to aid you! He will carry you through!
	♦ Our Cry ♦
	"Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: And see if there be ANY wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting." Psalm 139:23,24 "Order my steps in Thy Word: and let not ANY iniquity have dominion over me." Psalm 119:113
	♦ God's Response ♦
	"Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness." Isaiah 41:10 "If ye abide in Me, and My Words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you." John 15:7
	♦ Our Shout ♦
	"But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ." I Corinthians 15:57 "I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me." Phil. 4:13
	May God richly bless you in your walk with Him. May you put to flight every lust and lure that comes your way! Hallelujah!
	Be sure to read the continuation to this message: The Progression of Sin!

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The Lure Of Sin