What is Temptation?

I had previously written a blog on 1 Corinthians 10 which I read again this morning. The question I have is why did a whole generation of Israelites die in the desert if God had promised them this:
"No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it." (1 Corinthians 10:13)
Especially this: "he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear"
So what is temptation? What is God's role in allowing temptation to come and yet making sure it isn't too much for us to bear?

I started with the commentary from BibleStudyTools.com. On 1 Corinthians 10:13 it has this to say:
13 - Consolation to them, under their temptation; it is none but such as is "common to man," or "such as man can bear," "adapted to man's powers of endurance". 
faithful--( Psalms 125:3 , Isaiah 27:3 Isaiah 27:8 , Revelation 3:10 ). "God is faithful" to the covenant which He made with you in calling you ( 1 Thessalonians 5:24 ). To be led into temptation is distinct from running into it, which would be "tempting God" ( 1 Corin. 10:9 , Matthew 4:7 ). 
way to escape--( Jeremiah 29:11 , 2 Peter 2:9 ). The Greek is, "the way of escape"; the appropriate way of escape in each particular temptation; not an immediate escape, but one in due time, after patience has had her perfect work ( James 1:2-4 James 1:12 ). He "makes" the way of escape simultaneously with the temptation which His providence permissively arranges for His people. 
to bear it--Greek, "to bear up under it," or "against it." Not, He will take it away (2 Corith. 12:7-9 ).

It seems to me that there are two meanings to the word "temptation". One meaning is similar to "the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life" (1 John 2:16). This temptation is NOT from God. The second meaning is similar to "trials and tribulations" - difficult circumstances, persecution, hardship etc. God has allowed such hard times to fall on us for a purpose - sometimes to test our faith, other times to train our patience.

The first kind of temptation is "common to man". As long as we carry this sinful nature within us we will be tempted in various ways. I don't think this is what 1 Corinthians 10:13 is talking about but then it still carries a promise which we can use when we are tempted this way. And the promise is that we can be reassured that the temptation won't overwhelm us. God is faithful to His covenant people. By trusting Him we will be able to overcome it, or run away from it. The Israelites succumbed to such temptations by their willful disobedience. It's a warning to us.

The second kind of temptation may or may not happen to all people. We all have known someone who just seems to "have it all", never seems to have any bumps along life's journey. This is where you won't find "good people will always have a smooth sail". But God is there too. He is faithful and will sustain us through it, although we may suffer through it. 1 Corinthians 10:13 does not promise that this kind of temptation will not come to us. In fact God allows such temptation to come to us to make us a people He wants us to become.

The way to handle both kinds of temptation is nicely described by this article from BibleInfo.com summarized here:

• Temptation does not come from God, but comes from our own sinful desires (James 1:13-15)
• You cannot have both God and your sinful desire (Matthews 6:24)
• When you are faced with temptation, run the other direction! (2 Timothy 2:22)
• Joseph is an example of someone who successfully resisted temptation (Genesis 39:6-20)
• Prayer strengthens us against temptation (Mark 14:38)
• Meet temptation with God’s Word (Matthew 4:1, 3, 4)
• God will not allow us to be tempted beyond our ability to resist (1 Corinthians 10:13)
• Don't be discouraged when you are faced with temptations, God is doing His work in you (James 1:2-3)
• Avoid all things that might lead to compromising situations and sin (Romans 13:13-14)
• The spiritual battle begins in the mind (2 Corinthians 10:4-5)
• My thoughts are flooded with temptations! What can I do? (Philippians 4:8)
• It is our love for God that holds us back from sin and pushes us to do what is right (2 Corinthians 5:14)
• Come to Jesus; He knows what you are going through (Hebrews 4:15-16)
• Jesus is your strength in weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9-10)
• Keep God's Word close to your heart (Psalm 119:11)
• Be vigilant in the last days, as the temptations and snares will only increase nearer to the end (Luke 21:34-36)
• Those who do not yield to temptation will be rewarded (James 1:12)

Paul's view on Sex and Marriage

I am enjoying a week off at the cottage. There are two married couples and a single woman who was never married. Later into the week two more couples are to join us, one married and another not (yet). Also a conversation came up a couple of days ago following a hike with my hiking group. We were reflecting on how special the group has been for all of us. Other than sharing a common interest on healthy exercises I had noticed that all of us were men who had been married to the same women for a very long time. This is becoming less and less common in our culture. So this morning's scripture reading is somewhat timely, even as I am surrounded by God's wonderful creation.

1 Corinthians 7 is very interesting and is often quoted when it comes to the Christian institution of marriage. What is particularly interesting to me this morning is to understand whether:
(1) Paul was answering the questions that were raised by the Corinthian church
(2) Paul was stating mostly his own view or preference in light of his own situation
(3) Paul was teaching God's best intention for us when it comes to sex and marriage

The chapter began with 'Now for the matters you wrote about: “It is good for a man not to have sexual relations with a woman.”' (7:1)
It appeared that Paul had previously received a letter from the Corinthian church asking him to explain or give his view on a matter that may have caused a dispute in the church. There seemed to be a view that it is "good" for a man to live a celibate life. The word "good" has, in its context, the meaning of "being expedient", i.e. because of "the present crisis" (verse 26) - the unsettled state of the world at that time. Christians were being persecuted for their faith by both the Romans and the Jews. Remaining single would avoid marriages being torn apart in such difficult times. So celibacy was not considered more superior and therefore should be pursued by all men. This is further supported by Hebrews 13:4 which stated that "Marriage should be honored by all,". However, Paul did suggest that in some cases celibacy may be a matter of Christian expediency. In 1 Corinthians 7:34-35, being single had the advantage of being able to live "in a right way in undivided devotion to the Lord".  But these are exceptional cases, and in exceptional times, such as those of Paul.

Paul did state some general rules concerning sex and marriage:
(1) Married or unmarried - avoid Sexual Immorality (7:2-5) - apparently sexual immorality was very prevalent at Corinth. In fact in 1 Corinthians 5:1-2 we learned that "It is actually reported that there is sexual immorality among you, and of a kind that even pagans do not tolerate: A man is sleeping with his father’s wife. And you are proud!". So being married and having partners fulfilling their duties to satisfy each others sexual needs may avoid sexual immorality. But Paul did say also that "I say this as a concession, not as a command." And for those who have been given celibacy as a gift they can remain single and still be able to avoid sexual immorality (7:6-7). Likewise, get married if singleness is difficult: "But if they cannot control themselves, they should marry, for it is better to marry than to burn with passion." (7:8-9)

(2) Divorce is always a bad idea (7:10-11) - this wasn't just Paul's idea. "To the married I give this command (not I, but the Lord): A wife must not separate from her husband. But if she does, she must remain unmarried or else be reconciled to her husband. And a husband must not divorce his wife." It appeared that there may be situation when a wife may choose to separate from her husband (e.g. in an abusive situation). In this case she must remain unmarried. It is interesting that Paul's view on this is based on the Lord Jesus and not necessarily based on Jewish tradition (Matthew 5:31-32).

(3) Stay married between a believer and a unbelievers (presumably the believer came to faith after marriage) - this was Paul's view only (7:12-14). "To the rest I say this (I, not the Lord): If any brother has a wife who is not a believer and she is willing to live with him, he must not divorce her. And if a woman has a husband who is not a believer and he is willing to live with her, she must not divorce him. For the unbelieving husband has been sanctified through his wife, and the unbelieving wife has been sanctified through her believing husband. Otherwise your children would be unclean, but as it is, they are holy." I really like the idea that staying married to an unbeliever has the influence of "setting this relationship apart" (which is what the word sanctification means) and has a definite influence on their children. This has the similar effect on Christian marriages when one believer is further down the path of faith than the other. Staying together is better, in general. I don't think Paul was endorsing the choice of divorce here. He was simply stating a "better way".

(4) If the unbeliever leaves, let it be so (7:15-16) - "the brother or the sister is not bound in such circumstances; God has called us to live in peace. How do you know, wife, whether you will save your husband? Or, how do you know, husband, whether you will save your wife?" There may be the situation when the way of peace means a divorce. We have to trust God that salvation may still come to the spouse who has left. I would imagine the same situation may be true if a believer leaves (despite the Lord's clear command not to - see (3)). In this case, Jesus seemed to command that the believer should remain single unless the one who left the marriage was remarried, or was having sexual relationship with someone else (Matthews 19:3-9).

There is no doubt Paul (and the Christian church) was under great persecution. He advocated a number of expedient rules mostly based on the uncertainty the church was facing at the time, these include:
(1) Don't change your status if you can help it (on matters of circumcision, slavery, and marital status)
"This is the rule I lay down in all the churches. Was a man already circumcised when he was called? He should not become uncircumcised. Was a man uncircumcised when he was called? He should not be circumcised. Circumcision is nothing and uncircumcision is nothing. Keeping God’s commands is what counts. Each person should remain in the situation they were in when God called them."(7:18-20)
"Were you a slave when you were called? Don’t let it trouble you—although if you can gain your freedom, do so. For the one who was a slave when called to faith in the Lord is the Lord’s freed person; similarly, the one who was free when called is Christ’s slave. You were bought at a price; do not become slaves of human beings. Brothers and sisters, each person, as responsible to God, should remain in the situation they were in when God called them." (7:21-24)
"Now about virgins: I have no command from the Lord, but I give a judgment as one who by the Lord’s mercy is trustworthy. Because of the present crisis, I think that it is good for a man to remain as he is. Are you pledged to a woman? Do not seek to be released. Are you free from such a commitment? Do not look for a wife. But if you do marry, you have not sinned; and if a virgin marries, she has not sinned. But those who marry will face many troubles in this life, and I want to spare you this." (7:25-28)

(2) Time is short. Put all our concern as to the Lord
"What I mean, brothers and sisters, is that the time is short. From now on those who have wives should live as if they do not; those who mourn, as if they did not; those who are happy, as if they were not; those who buy something, as if it were not theirs to keep; those who use the things of the world, as if not engrossed in them. For this world in its present form is passing away." (7:29-31)

What do I take from all this? Our situation is quite different now. I think the "wisdom" is that whether we are at peace or under persecution, and whatever situation we find ourselves in, we should still do the best we can in this present life as "unto our Lord". We should "number our days" (Psalms 90:12) and fulfill our duties while we are still on this earth. When it comes to marriage - divorce is not an option. My marriage is a sacred gift from God. Here is Paul's further teaching on being a husband:
"Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her, that he might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, so that he might present the church to himself in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she might be holy and without blemish. In the same way husbands should love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself." (Ephesians 5:25-28)

Finding my purpose for "retirement"

I will sing of the Lord’s great love forever;
    with my mouth I will make your faithfulness known
    through all generations.
I will declare that your love stands firm forever,
    that you have established your faithfulness in heaven itself. (Psalms 89:1-2)

These verses in  scripture really spoke to me this morning. It is taken from the only Psalm written by this rather obscure song writer Ethan the Ezrahite. Gotquestions.org has this to say about him:
"Ethan the Ezrahite is the songwriter-author of Psalm 89. The title of that psalm says it is “a maskil of Ethan the Ezrahite.” In addition to Psalm 89, Ethan the Ezrahite is mentioned in 1 Kings 4:31 as a wise man, yet not as wise as King Solomon, who “was wiser than anyone else, including Ethan the Ezrahite.” First Chronicles 2:6 gives the added information that Ethan had four brothers and was the son of Zerah (called Mahol in 1 Kings 4:31). He was of the tribe of Levi."

I was seeking wisdom and emotional support when I was approached by my work this last couple of days to make drastic changes to my work, and therefore my income. I was so troubled by this that I nearly had a car accident! In any case, thanks to my dear wife and a number of wise colleagues, I made a number of decisions and made them clear to my boss. I am quite at peace now and whatever the outcome maybe I will learn to deal with it. Basically I offered to retire(!) after my current contract expires in June of 2016.

I have been preparing for this moment for the last couple of years. I took a 20% income cut in order to find more time to relax and to participate in volunteer activities. I have learned to find fulfillment doing these and I will most certainly be able to do more when my full retirement comes. So I will still keep myself reasonably busy doing meaningful things but not so busy as to feel overwhelmed.

Reading Psalm 89 this morning was like hearing the most reassuring words from God! So my main purpose in life (as in all the 60+ years before) is to praise God and to enjoy His love forever! My life on earth is to train and prepare for the very reason why I want to live forever with God.
Ethan the Psalmist further says:
"The heavens praise your wonders, Lord,
    your faithfulness too, in the assembly of the holy ones.
For who in the skies above can compare with the Lord?
    Who is like the Lord among the heavenly beings?
In the council of the holy ones God is greatly feared;
    he is more awesome than all who surround him.
Who is like you, Lord God Almighty?
    You, Lord, are mighty, and your faithfulness surrounds you." (verses 5-8)
God is faithful. He has provided all my needs to now and he will continue to provide. The recent events that triggered the changes at work did not happen without God's sovereign control. Indeed,
"Righteousness and justice are the foundation of your throne;
    love and faithfulness go before you.
Blessed are those who have learned to acclaim you,
    who walk in the light of your presence, Lord.
They rejoice in your name all day long;
    they celebrate your righteousness.
For you are their glory and strength,
    and by your favor you exalt our horn.
Indeed, our shield belongs to the Lord,
    our king to the Holy One of Israel." (verses 14-18)
This is the purpose for my retirement - having done well in one job now I move on to another. Praise to the One who will go with me. May I continue to find delight and strength in Him!

Praise be to the Lord forever!
Amen and Amen. (verse 52)

This lovely tune will stay with me all day today!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7-q6z5fpgNk

Romans 9 and God's Sovereignty

In all my (Christian) life whenever the topic of Free Will versus Sovereignty of God came up, I would refer to Romans 8. Listen to these words:
"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters. And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified." (Romans 8:28-30)

These words just speak to me that God is in it throughout the process of me coming to know Him, to love Him, and to bet my eternity on Him. Now over the years I also have heard arguments from the Free Will camp, especially from our current pastor Bruxy Cavey, how by interpreting these words differently you can explain it all using the free will argument.

Today my scripture reading is from Romans 9. I have read these passages many times before but I have never been as impressed as today how the chapter gives an even stronger argument for God's sovereignty. Listen to these words:
For he (GOD) says to Moses,
“I will have mercy on whom I have mercy,
    and I will have compassion on whom I have compassion.”
It does not, therefore, depend on human desire or effort, but on God’s mercy. For Scripture says to Pharaoh: “I raised you up for this very purpose, that I might display my power in you and that my name might be proclaimed in all the earth.” Therefore God has mercy on whom he wants to have mercy, and he hardens whom he wants to harden. (verses 15-18)

As he (God) says in Hosea:
“I will call them ‘my people’ who are not my people;
    and I will call her ‘my loved one’ who is not my loved one,”
and,
“In the very place where it was said to them,
    ‘You are not my people,’
    there they will be called ‘children of the living God.’”
 
Isaiah cries out concerning Israel:
“Though the number of the Israelites be like the sand by the sea,
    only the remnant will be saved.
For the Lord will carry out
    his sentence on earth with speed and finality.” (verses 25-28)

But this is the strongest line:
Just as it is written: “Jacob I loved, but Esau I hated.” (verse 13)

It is very easy and a common reaction to then accuse God as being unjust and unfair. But reading it through the entire chapter and seeing how the apostle Paul puts out the arguments, the message is in fact the Good News! For those of us who are believers, it is wonderful to know that God has chosen us (and who am I to deserve this?). And that it is a powerful and sovereign God who will keep me to the end.

I came across this article by John Piper called "The Absolute Sovereignty of God: What Is Romans Nine About? ". He described two events that not only completely changed his mind on the topic, but also changed the course of his life. He said "Romans 9 is like a tiger going about devouring free-willers like me." 

He quoted from Jonathan Edwards' testimony and is worth repeating here:
"From childhood up, my mind had been full of objections against the doctrine of God’s sovereignty, in choosing whom he would to eternal life, and rejecting whom he pleased; leaving them eternally to perish, and be everlastingly tormented in hell. It used to appear like a horrible doctrine to me. But I remember the time very well, when I seemed to be convinced, and fully satisfied, as to this sovereignty of God, and his justice in thus eternally disposing of [dealing with] men, according to his sovereign pleasure. But never could give an account, how, or by what means, I was, thus convinced, not in the least imagining at the time, nor a long time after, that there was any extraordinary influence of God’s Spirit in it but only that now I saw further, and my reason apprehended the justice and reasonableness of it. However, my mind rested in it; and it put an end to all those cavils and objections. And there has been a wonderful alteration in my mind, in respect to the doctrine of God's sovereignty, from that day to this; so that I scarce ever have found so much as the rising of an objection against it, in the most absolute sense, in God’s shewing mercy to whom he will show mercy, and hardening whom he will. God’s absolute sovereignty and justice, with respect to salvation and damnation, is what my mind seems to rest assured of, as much as of any thing that I see with my eyes, at least it is so at times. The doctrine has very often appeared exceeding pleasant, bright, and sweet. Absolute sovereignty is what I love to ascribe to God." (Jonathan Edwards, Selections [New York: Hill and Wang, 1962], pp. 58-59).

I do experience such sweetness in my heart to trust and obey such a merciful and loving God. This hymn came to mind:

    When I survey the wondrous cross
    On which the Prince of glory died,
    My richest gain I count but loss,
    And pour contempt on all my pride.

    Forbid it, Lord, that I should boast,
    Save in the death of Christ my God!
    All the vain things that charm me most,
    I sacrifice them to His blood.

    See from His head, His hands, His feet,
    Sorrow and love flow mingled down!
    Did e’er such love and sorrow meet,
    Or thorns compose so rich a crown?

    Were the whole realm of nature mine,
    That were a present far too small;
    Love so amazing, so divine,
    Demands my soul, my life, my all.