At a loss

I haven't posted in awhile.  I apologize.

And then after this past weekend's horrifying events in Connecticut,  I wanted to say something of comfort, something of wisdom.  I even looked for a verse that might be significant.

But right now nothing seems right, except to say many prayers to God for the people and families of Newtown Ct.  To let them know that they are loved.

Topical Study, Resisting Temptation: Avoiding Temptation Part III

Now that we have looked at the Common Causes of Temptation we are going to take a closer look at how we can attempt to AVOID temptation.


The initial overview of this topical study can be found HERE.

Part I of the Common Sources of Temptation  can be found HERE. 

Part II of the Common Sources of Temptation can be found HERE. 

Part III of the Common Sources of Temptation can be found HERE. 

Part IV of the Common Sources of Temptation can be found HERE.  

Part V of the Common Sources of Temptation can be found HERE. 

Part I of Avoiding Temptation can be found HERE. 


Part II of Avoiding Temptation can be found HERE.  

You can hover your pointer over (most) any verse reference to read the corresponding verse(s).  (Scriptural cross-references are THE most important resource!)

Find Strength and Help in Fellowship

Ge 2:18

• Initial Observations  --  Right from the beginning God did not want us to be alone and knew that we needed companionship for many different reasons!  So God, in His infinite compassion made a helper.  The man and woman were (and are) perfect compliments to each other!!
• Cross-references --  Pr 18:22  Ecc 4:9-12 
• The Wycliffe Bible Commentary:    Reminds us that we were created for fellowship and companionship.

Ecc 4:9-12

• Initial Observations  --  If we have fellowship and companionship they can help to pick us up when and if we fall (more when then if!) and visa versa.  And if ONE can overpower him who is alone TWO can resist!    We need help to resist.  This passage speaks to so many things but I do believe it is relevant to temptation and our efforts to resist and avoid it!  As we shall see in the verses below we are to help others in their efforts!  And we will need help as well.
• Cross-references  --  Gen 2:18  Nu 11:14  Pr 27:17  Mk 6:7  !!  1Co 12:18-21  Isa 35:3  Lk 22:31-32  1Ki 1:1-4 

Mt 18:15

• Initial Observations  --  Jesus plainly states that we are to help each other by pointing out sins!  (IN PRIVATE...!!  This is not to be a public dressing down!)  He also admonishes us to LISTEN when we are the ones being corrected!  ( Mt 8:16-17  )
• Cross-references  --  Lk 17:3  Gal 6:1  James 5:19-20  1Pe 3:1 

Mt 18:20 

• Initial Observations  --  Gathering in the name of Jesus Christ is a blessing.  Community and fellowship are needed.  Jesus will be in the midst of that fellowship thus making a strong group even stronger!
• Cross-references  --  Rev 21:3  (surprisingly few cross-references)
• Commentaries  -- The Wycliffe Bible Commentary:  Ties this verse to Mt 18:15-19   Which makes sense!  And that confirms that strength in numbers helps all of us in dealing with temptation and sin!  But I do think (?) that Jesus was thinking a bit broader in Mt 18:10 as he used the word anything!  He did not specify that the "two or three" were just deliberating the sins of others.

Mk 6:7

• Initial Observations  --  Jesus sent the 12 out IN PAIRS!  Two are stronger than one.  They were gong out to preach the kingdom of God and to even battle unclean spirits.  One of them alone would have been weaker and less ready.  There IS strength in numbers! 
• Cross-references  --   Ecc 4:9-10 

Gal 6:1

• Initial Observations  --  Interesting passage!  Paul gives a direct command that if we see someone sin we are to help restore that person in a spirit of GENTLENESS!  AND then he admonishes us to also keep an eye on ourselves so that we will also not be tempted!!  We are responsible for our own sins and we are responsible for helping others avoid sin when we are able and to help them rise from their sin when we are able.
• Cross-references  --  2Co 2:7  2Th 3:14-15  James 5:19-20  Ro 14:1  Ro 15:1  Isa 35:3-4  Mt 9:13  Mt 18:12-15  1Jn 5:16  Jude 1:22-23  Mt 11:29  Mt 7:1-5  !!!! 

James 5:19-20

• Initial Observations  --  Continues in our theme of how important fellowship is to our continuing walk with God.  The Bible tells us to help our fellow believers see their sins!  We are to gently correct each other.  But to receive this correction and to be able to help others we must seek fellowship!  (note to self)
• Cross-references  --  Mt 18:15  Gal 6:1  Da 12:3  Heb 12:12-13  Jude 1:22-23  1Pe 4:8  Ro 11:14  Pr 11:30  1Ti 4:16 
• Commentaries  --  The AMG Concise Bible Commentary:    Reminds us that we should also be on the look out to bring non-believers to God!  We should look out for both our brothers and sisters in faith and those who are not yet saved.

Ro 15:1-3 

• Initial Observations  --  A GREAT couple of verses from Paul!  We are not here to to just please ourselves.  We are here to serve!  Jesus, the Son of God, served and He is our ultimate example.  In fellowship, we are to be strong for those who are weak.  (and this will be different people in different situations.  IE:  We all have different strengths and weaknesses!)
• Cross-references  --  Ro 14:1  Gal 6:1-2  1Th 5:14  1Co 9:22  1Co 10:24  1Co 10:33 2Co 13:9  Ro 14:9  Eph 4:29   Php 2:4-7  !!  Mt 26:39  !!!  

1Jn 5:16

• Initial Observations  --  1)  We are once again shown that we SHOULD help our fellow brothers and sisters in the faith.  We all sin!  And we all need help recovering from sin, and even better, avoiding sin!  We are to help each other.  2)  I have always wondered what John mean by "a sin leading to death."??  What is the distinction here?  And why did he not tell us?  Is it because it is not for us to worry about the distinction?  As that is not up to us anyway??
• Cross-references  --  James 5:15  Heb 10:26  Ge 20:7  Ge 20:17  Ex 32:10-14  Nu 12:13  2Ch 30:18-20  Ps 106:23  Eze 22:30  1Sa 2:25  Mt 12:31-32  Mk 3:28-30  Lk 12:10  Jn 17:9  Lk 22:31-32  !!
• Commentaries  --  The Bible Background Commentary:  THINKS that John might be saying that the 'sin unto death" is a course of action that leads away from eternal life. 
• The AMG Concise Bible Commentary:  States that Christians should be able to see the "difference between those cases where they should pray and those cases where they should not." AS as person, "through his sin, sets in motion a course of events that no amount of prayer can reverse."  I do NOT agree with the AMG commentary at all!  If this was true, John would have been more specific!  John does not state to NOT pray for the person who commits a sin leading to death.  He simply states that he is not commanding that we must pray for that person.  We are not judges of what is pardonable and unpardonable!  God does that!  If we see a brother or sister sin I think we are to pray for them and the rest is up to God!  This deserves more thought.
• The Wyclifee Bible Commentary:    Backs me up in this by stating that:  "...John is very guarded in what he recommends.  He does not forbid intercession nor does he encourage it."    The end result (forgiveness or not) is up to God!  Period.  By deciding NOT to pray we are acting as a judge in the matter.
• The NLT Study Bible:    States that John is referring to Apostasy as the "sin leading to death."  Apostasy is the utter desertion of one's faith.  Or completely turning away from God!    Mat 12:31-31  and  Heb 6:4-6     But again, how doe WE know for sure when a person has COMPLETELY turned from God?  WE don't!  Only God (and that person I guess) know for sure.  So if we see a brother or sister sin:  We pray for them!!  Again, the judgement and decision is up to God, not us!!

 2Ti 2:24-6

• Initial Observations  --  Once again we are encouraged to correct people WITH gentleness!  It is our duty to help others with their sins!
• Cross-references  -- Col 3:13  Eph 4:2  Titus 3:2  2Co 7:9-10  Gal 6:1  1Pe 3:15  1Ti 2:4 

Thoughts and Application

• Quite simply we need fellowship!  (note to self!)  We can be helped and will be stronger with people around us who can watch out for us and help us in our blind spots.  WE in turn can also help others (we are in fact commanded to help others) to see their blind spots!  But we are to do this gently and not with judgement!  For we must remember that we have blind spots and we are all sinners!  We must also be accepting of any correction we receive!
• Fellowship is a key element to avoiding and battling temptation and sin.

Bibliography

• Baker, Warren and Eugene Carpenter. The Complete Word Study Dictionary – Old Testament. Chattanooga, TN: AMG Publishers, 2003. WORDsearch CROSS e-book.
• Baker, Warren, ed. – The Complete Word Study Old Testament. Chattanooga, TN: AMG, 1994. WORDsearch CROSS e-book.
• Baker, Warren, ed. – The Complete Word Study Old Testament Chattanooga, TN: AMG, 1994. WORDsearch CROSS e-book.
• Brand, Chad, Charles Draper, Archie England, ed. Holman Illustrated Bible Dictionary Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers, 2003. WORDsearch CROSS e-book.
• Fleming, Don. Concise Bible Commentary. Chattanooga, TN: AMG Publishers, 1994. WORDsearch CROSS e-book.
• God's Word: Today's Bible Translation That Means What It Says Holiday, FL: Green Key Books, n.d.. WORDsearch CROSS e-book.
• God's Word Application Index. Holiday, FL: Green Key Books, n.d.. WORDsearch CROSS e-book.
• Hanke, Howard A. The Thompson Chain Reference Bible Companion. Indianapolis, IN: B. B. Kirkbride Bible Co., 1997. WORDsearch CROSS e-book.
• – Holman Christian Standard Bible Nashville: Holman Bible, 1999. WORDsearch CROSS e-book.
• – Holman Christian Standard Bible Nashville: Holman Bible, 1999. WORDsearch CROSS e-book.
• Keener, Craig S. The IVP Bible Background Commentary – New Testament. Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 1993. WORDsearch CROSS e-book.
• Holy Bible, New American Standard. La Habra, CA: The Lockman Foundation, 1995. WORDsearch CROSS e-book.
• Holy Bible, New American Standard La Habra, CA: The Lockman Foundation, 1995. WORDsearch CROSS e-book.
• The Holy Bible: New King James Version Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1988. WORDsearch CROSS e-book.
• NLT Study Bible Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale, 2008. WORDsearch CROSS e-book.
• Pfeiffer, Charles F. and Everett F. Harrison, ed. The Wycliffe Bible Commentary. Chicago: Moody Bible Institute, 1990. WORDsearch CROSS e-book.
• Strong, James. Strong's Talking Greek & Hebrew Dictionary. Austin, TX: WORDsearch Corp., 2007. WORDsearch CROSS e-book.
• Strong, James. Strong's Concordance. Austin, TX: WORDsearch Corp., 2007. WORDsearch CROSS e-book.
• Thompson, Frank Charles. Thompson Chain Reference Bible. Indianapolis, IN: B. B. Kirkbride Bible Co., 1997. WORDsearch CROSS e-book.
• Thompson, Frank Charles. Thompson Chain Reference Bible. Indianapolis, IN: B. B. Kirkbride Bible Co., 1997. WORDsearch CROSS e-book.
• Thompson, Frank Charles. Thompson Chain Reference Bible. Indianapolis, IN: B. B. Kirkbride Bible Co., 1997. WORDsearch CROSS e-book.
• Torrey, R. A. The New Topical Textbook. New York: Fleming H. Revell Company, 1897. WORDsearch CROSS e-book.
• Vine, William E. Vine's Expository Dictionary of Old Testament and New Testament Words. Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson, 1940. WORDsearch CROSS e-book.
• Walton, John H., Victor H. Matthews, Mark W. Chavalas. The IVP Bible Background Commentary – Old Testament. Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 2000. WORDsearch CROSS e-book.
• Zodhiates, Spiros. The Complete Word Study Dictionary – New Testament. Chattanooga, TN: AMG Publishers, 1993. WORDsearch CROSS e-book.
• Zodhiates, Spiros, ed. – The Complete Word Study New Testament Chattanooga, TN: AMG, 1991. WORDsearch CROSS e-book.
• Zodhiates, Spiros, ed. – The Complete Word Study New Testament. Chattanooga, TN: AMG, 1991. WORDsearch CROSS e-book.

Topical Study, Resisting Temptation: Avoiding Temptation Part II

Now that we have looked at the Common Causes of Temptation we are going to take a closer look at how we can attempt to AVOID temptation.


The initial overview of this topical study can be found HERE.

Part I of the Common Sources of Temptation  can be found HERE. 

Part II of the Common Sources of Temptation can be found HERE. 

Part III of the Common Sources of Temptation can be found HERE. 

Part IV of the Common Sources of Temptation can be found HERE.  

Part V of the Common Sources of Temptation can be found HERE. 




Part I of Avoiding Temptation can be found HERE. 

You can hover your pointer over (most) any verse reference to read the corresponding verse(s).  (Scriptural cross-references are THE most important resource!)

Avoid the Wrong Type of Associations

Many of the same verses found under causes of temptation that dealt with wrong associations also apply for the subject of how to avoid temptation.  I will repeat them with a few extra thoughts thrown in.

Ex 23:31-33

• Initial Observations -- God (as He has before and later in the Scriptures) is commanding His people not to make covenants with others to serve other gods and warning His people that this can and will happen if they are NOT careful!
• Cross-references -- Ex 34:12 Ex 34:15 Dt 7:1-5 Ex 23:24 Ps 106:35 2Co 6:15 Nu 25:1-2 Dt 7:16 Jos 23:13 Jdg 2:3

Ps 119:115 

• Initial Observations  --  Here the psalmist is telling the undesirable acquaintances to leave him!  So that he CAN observe God's commandments.  When we keep ourselves around those who sin and entice us to sin it makes it that much harder for us to focus on God.  Our attention cannot be THAT divided!!
• Cross-references  --  Ps 6:8  Mt 4:10  Ps 26:5  Mt 7:23  1Co 15:33  Jos 24:15 

 

Pr 4:14-15

• Initial Observations -- Fairly straight forward verses!  Here we see that it is best for us not to even ENTER the path of the wicked. The words "path" and "way" are often used metaphorically to describe one's personal journey or patterns. Especially the word "way". We should also take special note of the verses that directly precede this warning: Pr 4:11-13 God gives us the way to avoid the path of the evil! We are to pay heed to His instruction and not let it go! Jos 1:6-9
• Cross-references: -- Ps 1:1 Pr 1:15 Pr 1:10 Pr 2:11-12 Pr 13:20 Ps 26:4-5 Pr 5:8 Eph 5:1

1Co 15:33

• Initial Observations -- This is one of the most straight forward statements in Scripture regarding this subject. Paul makes it very clear: "bad company corrupts good morals." An absolutely stern and serious warning that we must watch the company we keep!
• Cross-references -- Col 2:4 1Co 6:9 Mt 24:4 Mt 24:24 (even the elect are prone to being misled!) Eph 5:6-7 1Co 5:6 Pr 13:20 2Ti 2:16-18 2Pe 2:2 Rev 2:2 2Th 3:6 1Co 5:9-11 (this is interesting! Maybe worth exploring?)
• Commentaries -- The Wycliffe Bible Commentary: Remind us that in context, Paul was specifically discussing the effects of WRONG DOCTRINE or those who preach wrong doctrine, on our own faith!

2Co 6:14-16

• Initial Observations -- Paul is again, very clear here. I think it is important to look at the words "bound together". Elsewhere, Paul reminds us that we will have some associations with unbelievers: 1Co 5:9-11 (his warning in these verses is with regards to so-called "brothers in the faith" who are on the immoral path.) So what does the term "bound together" mean?
• Terms -- "bound together"= to be unequally yoked. (coupled together) So it means unequally bound together! Unequal because of the difference in belief? This is interesting!! Definitely deserves some more attention!! Another term to look at is "fellowship". Which means=sharing or participation!
• Cross-references -- Dt 22:10 ?? 1Co 5:9 1Jn 1:6 Dt 7:2-3 Ps 139:21-22 Pr 29:27 1Co 10:21 Mt 11:29-30
• Commentaries -- The Believer's Bible Commentary: Tells us that Paul is referring to Dt 22:10 The Ox is considered a clean animal and the donkey unclean. They also had different gaits and would not work well together. This commentary also tells us that Paul is not only referring to marriage but also business or any of our relationships. How encompassing is Paul's point?? This is an important verse that needs a study of its own!! Matthew Henry: Seems a little less conservative in his view BUT at the same time he takes Paul's words VERY seriously! Henry uses the word mingle quite often in his commentary on this verse. Life Application Study Bible: Does state that business relationships are being referred to in this verse but with the caveat that we should avoid those relationships that would cause us to "compromise our faith."

Thoughts and Application

• God is very clear. We must not make covenants with those who would try to lead astray from God. Paul states we should not be "bound together".
• However, what does that mean? I do know God has put some people in my life who are not believers who are great friends of mine. And none of them have tried to lead me away from God (to the best of my knowledge). I understand the necessity of mutual belief in the marriage covenant!  But what about friendship with non-believers? I still feel that this is somewhat unclear (or it is clear and I am just not seeing it!??)
• I do see that we can not let ourselves be led astray by peer pressure or wrong associations. I do feel that this specific subject (especially 2Co 6:14-16 ) needs a closer look!
• It is also important to remember that in the end WE cause OURSELVES to sin!  We need to avoid wrong associations but they are not to blame for the eventual sin...we ARE!

Bibliography

• Baker, Warren and Eugene Carpenter. The Complete Word Study Dictionary – Old Testament. Chattanooga, TN: AMG Publishers, 2003. WORDsearch CROSS e-book.
• Baker, Warren, ed. – The Complete Word Study Old Testament. Chattanooga, TN: AMG, 1994. WORDsearch CROSS e-book.
• Baker, Warren, ed. – The Complete Word Study Old Testament Chattanooga, TN: AMG, 1994. WORDsearch CROSS e-book.
• Brand, Chad, Charles Draper, Archie England, ed. Holman Illustrated Bible Dictionary Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers, 2003. WORDsearch CROSS e-book.
• Fleming, Don. Concise Bible Commentary. Chattanooga, TN: AMG Publishers, 1994. WORDsearch CROSS e-book.
• God's Word: Today's Bible Translation That Means What It Says Holiday, FL: Green Key Books, n.d.. WORDsearch CROSS e-book.
• God's Word Application Index. Holiday, FL: Green Key Books, n.d.. WORDsearch CROSS e-book.
• Hanke, Howard A. The Thompson Chain Reference Bible Companion. Indianapolis, IN: B. B. Kirkbride Bible Co., 1997. WORDsearch CROSS e-book.
• – Holman Christian Standard Bible Nashville: Holman Bible, 1999. WORDsearch CROSS e-book.
• – Holman Christian Standard Bible Nashville: Holman Bible, 1999. WORDsearch CROSS e-book.
• Keener, Craig S. The IVP Bible Background Commentary – New Testament. Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 1993. WORDsearch CROSS e-book.
• Holy Bible, New American Standard. La Habra, CA: The Lockman Foundation, 1995. WORDsearch CROSS e-book.
• Holy Bible, New American Standard La Habra, CA: The Lockman Foundation, 1995. WORDsearch CROSS e-book.
• The Holy Bible: New King James Version Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1988. WORDsearch CROSS e-book.
• Pfeiffer, Charles F. and Everett F. Harrison, ed. The Wycliffe Bible Commentary. Chicago: Moody Bible Institute, 1990. WORDsearch CROSS e-book.
• Strong, James. Strong's Concordance. Austin, TX: WORDsearch Corp., 2007. WORDsearch CROSS e-book.
• Strong, James. Strong's Talking Greek & Hebrew Dictionary. Austin, TX: WORDsearch Corp., 2007. WORDsearch CROSS e-book.
• Thompson, Frank Charles. Thompson Chain Reference Bible. Indianapolis, IN: B. B. Kirkbride Bible Co., 1997. WORDsearch CROSS e-book.
• Thompson, Frank Charles. Thompson Chain Reference Bible. Indianapolis, IN: B. B. Kirkbride Bible Co., 1997. WORDsearch CROSS e-book.
• Thompson, Frank Charles. Thompson Chain Reference Bible. Indianapolis, IN: B. B. Kirkbride Bible Co., 1997. WORDsearch CROSS e-book.
• Torrey, R. A. The New Topical Textbook. New York: Fleming H. Revell Company, 1897. WORDsearch CROSS e-book.
• Vine, William E. Vine's Expository Dictionary of Old Testament and New Testament Words. Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson, 1940. WORDsearch CROSS e-book.
• Walton, John H., Victor H. Matthews, Mark W. Chavalas. The IVP Bible Background Commentary – Old Testament. Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 2000. WORDsearch CROSS e-book.
• Zodhiates, Spiros, ed. – The Complete Word Study New Testament. Chattanooga, TN: AMG, 1991. WORDsearch CROSS e-book.
• Zodhiates, Spiros. The Complete Word Study Dictionary – New Testament. Chattanooga, TN: AMG Publishers, 1993. WORDsearch CROSS e-book.
• Zodhiates, Spiros, ed. – The Complete Word Study New Testament Chattanooga, TN: AMG, 1991. WORDsearch CROSS e-book. 
• MacDonald, William, Believer's Bible Commentary.  Nashville, TN:  Thomas Nelson Publishers, 1995.
• Life Application Study Bible. Tyndale House Publishers, 2004.
• Henry, Matthew.  Matthew Henry's Commentary on the Whole Bible.   Public Domain.

 

 

Topical Study, Resisting Temptation: Avoiding Temptation Part I

Now that we have looked at the Common Causes of Temptation we are going to take a closer look at how we can attempt to AVOID temptation.


The initial overview of this topical study can be found HERE.

Part I of the Common Sources of Temptation  can be found HERE. 

Part II of the Common Sources of Temptation can be found HERE. 

Part III of the Common Sources of Temptation can be found HERE. 

Part IV of the Common Sources of Temptation can be found HERE.  



Part V of the Common Sources of Temptation can be found HERE. 


You can hover your pointer over (most) any verse reference to read the corresponding verse(s).  (Scriptural cross-references are THE most important resource!)

AVOIDING TEMPTATION

 

Initial thoughts on the avoidance of temptation

• Now!  We won't always be able to avoid temptation unless we never go out of the house, never talk to another human being and never open our eyes! 
• BUT!  Avoidance SHOULD be our first line of defence.  On initial thoughts I would think of avoidance as trying to steer away from obvious points of temptation:  Certain people, situations etc. etc.  And those things that we KNOW tempt us.  Our own thorns in our side so to speak.

Be on guard so that we can are not caught unawares!

Gen 2:16-17 

• Initial Observations  -- Sometimes God will make it as easy possible for us to avoid temptation. (in theory anyway, our human weaknesses still get in the way!)  In Gen 2:16-17 God clearly lets Adam and Eve know that to eat of the tree is a bad thing!  Given all that He has given them and shown them, you would think it would make sense for them to obey His command.  (...NOTE TO SELF!!...)  And yet human curiosity and desires get the best of both Adam and Eve.  In theory, this was an easy sin to avoid.  Just don't do what God had told them not to do!  (...AGAIN, NOTE TO SELF...)   If we just obey God's commands we will avoid a GREAT DEAL of temptation!!  Ps 119:5-6  and  Ps 119:9  (I really like the way the God's Word Translation reads in these two sections of Scripture)
• Cross-references --  Gen 3:2-3  (notice that Eve has misconstrued God's command.  Just a bit but it is a caution to all of us to make sure that we understand and know God's commands and His Word the absolute best that we are able!  Using God's Word as a weapon against temptation is going to come into play when we discuss how to fight temptation.  Here it is enough to know that Adam and Even should have just avoided this temptation.  They knew it was wrong!)  Dt 30:19-20 Ro 6:23  James 1:15  Eze 3:18-20 
• The AMG Concise Bible Commentary:  Reminds us that metaphorically the tree presented Adam (and us) the choice to to submit to God or try to be independent of Him.  Growth in devotion to God involves self-denial, while maturity comes through choosing good and refusing evil.  The AMG Concise Bible Commentary further states that each victory over temptation would have helped Adam grow from a state of childlike innocence into one of adult maturity and that Adam's fellowship with God would have deepened and his understanding of God's purposes would have also increased.  (I think this is wise advice!  And true for all of us.  Very true!)
• It is amazing how MUCH we can learn about the causes of sin and how to avoid and fight sin from Adam and Eve's failure to do so!  God is giving us all the information we need.  We just need to look for it and be open and receptive to it and pay heed and apply it!  (...NOTE TO SELF!...)

Gen 4:7

• Initial Observations --   Once again, God gives us very clear information:  "...sin is crouching at the door and its desire is for you, but you must master it." Gen 4:7  Not only does God tell us to be wary and ON GUARD, He even tells us that we must master sin!  And if He has taken the time to tell us that this is what we should do...well, then it MUST be possible!  That is great news!    When we look at God's statement in Gen 4:7 we see a truly loving Father!  He is not hiding anything from Cain (or us)  God gives Cain (us) very clear instruction.  (just as He had given Adam and Eve regarding what they could and could not eat in the garden!)
• Sadly, Cain was not able to master sin. Gen 4:8    And thus we are also shown what can happen when we don't heed God's warnings and instructions about sin!
• Cross-references  --  Job 11:14-15  Ro 6:12  Ro 6:16 

Dt 4:9

• Initial Observations  --  Give Heed!!  Keep your soul diligently.  We are once again being given a stern yet wonderful warning to keep ourselves focused on the things we have seen so that  we do not forget them!  Reading a passage in the Bible once and then going on our merry way is not going to be enough!  We need to be in God's Word every day to truly combat sin and stay on the path God has made for us.  Psalm 1  Jos 1:5-9 
• Cross-references -- Psalm 1   Jos 1:5-9  Dt 11:18-21  Dt 4:23  Dt 8:11  Pr 3:1  Pr 4:23  Lk 8:18 
• It is interesting to see (which we will below) just how many times God warned the Israelites as He was giving them the Law!

Dt 4:23

• Initial Observations  --  Once again we are warned to WATCH ourselves so that we don't forget the covenant of the Lord!  It is SO easy for us to "forget" all that God has done for us and all that He has commanded us!   When we are not diligent, we then forget,  and then we sin!
• Cross-references  --  Dt 4:15  Jos 23:11  Lk 12:15  Lk 21:8  Heb 3:12   Dt 8:19  

Dt 12:30

• Initial Observations  --  BEWARE!  There are SO many instances of God lovingly telling us to be on guard,. to beware!  Temptation is out there and sometimes it is sneaky!  If we aren't on guard for it we can easily get caught up in it before we are even aware of what has happened!

Mt 26:41

• Initial Observations  --  Jesus gives us a very clear explanation of why should we be on guard.  The flesh is weak!!  And Jesus lovingly tells us how to say on guard:  "....keep watching and praying..."  It is amazing just how succinct and clear all of these verses are that deal with being on guard.
• Cross-references  --  Mk 14:38  Lk 21:36  Lk 22:40  Lk 22:46  1Co 16:13  Eph 6:18  1Pe 5:8  2Pe 2:9  (we should pray because God knows how to rescue us from temptation!)  Gal 5:16-17  Ps 39:1  Col 4:2  2Pe 3:17  
• Commentaries  --  Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary:    Henry reminds us that even in His darkest hour, with His friends unable to console Him because they were too tired, Jesus STILL shows compassion and gives them a warning!  A compassionate warning!  He is STILL teaching them about the kingdom of God even now when He is about to face His greatest trial on earth.  Amazing!  God is amazing!

Lk 21:34-36 

• Initial Observations  --  Jesus has just told a parable regarding the kingdom of God and what seems like an obvious reference to the end days or His second coming!  Lk 21:29-33      And then He follows with Lk 21:34-36  --  A warning to be on guard so that our hearts will not weighed down by worries of life or drunkenness.  Not necessarily a warning to be on guard for temptation but yet it is!  We want to be ready and clean (as we are able to be) when Jesus comes back!
• Cross-references  --  Ro 13:13  1Th 5:6-7  1Pe 4:7  Lk 12:40  Mt 24:42-44  1Th 5:2  Mt 24:39-50  Mt 13:35-37  Ecc 9:12  Mt 26:41 

Ac 20:28-31 

• Initial Observations  --  This is part of Paul's speech before the elders of Ephesus.  He states clearly that once he has left them "savage wolves" will come in (and some even on the inside) to do as much as they can to draw the people away from the church of God!  Paul tells them (and us) to be on guard for themselves and the entire flock! (thus intimating that we are responsible to help others avoid temptation when and if possible!)   Be alert!  he tells them.  The Bible cannot be any clearer on this issue.  Temptations and tempters abound!  We (I!) cannot let our guard down for an instant.  Everyday we must put on the armor of God:  Eph 6:10-18 
• Cross-references  --  1Pe 2:5  Eph 1:7  Rev 5:9  Jn 21:15-17  Lk 21:34  1Co 9:26-27  1Ti 4:16  Heb 12:15  Jer 3:15  Mic 5:4  Mt 10:16  !!  Jn 20:12  !!

1Co 16:13

• Initial Observations  --  Paul tells us to be on alert AND to stand firm in the faith!  Being on alert is something I know that I need to work on!!
• Cross-references  --  Mt 24:42 Gal 5:1  Php 4:1  1Th 3:8  (we will be more alert if we are standing firm in the faih AND if we are standing firm in the faith it will be easier to be alert!!)  2Th 2:15  Ps 21:24  Eph 6:10  Col 1:11  Mk 14:37-38  Lk 12:35-40  1Pe 5:8  !!  1Co 9:25-27  Eph 6:13-17  Jos 1:6-9  Php 4:13 
• Commentaries  --  The Wycliffe Bible Commentary:    Reminds us that every action in this verse is in the present tense, meaning that they should be practiced continually!!

Eph 4:26-27  

• Initial Observations  -  Once again a clear warning to be aware and to not give the devil an opportunity!  In these verses Paul is speaking of anger (and the sins that would lead to!)  But the overall aesthetic is the same:  The devil is waiting for an opportunity to tempt us when we have our guard down!  So we must put on the full armor of God!  Eph 6:10-17  Being human we will be off our game sometimes but if we have on God's armor then we are fine, because He is never off of His game!!
• Cross-references  --  Ps 4:4  Ps 37:8  James 1:19-20  Eph 4:31-32  Nu 20:10-13  Pr 14:29  Pr 19:11  Pr 25:23  Mt 5:22  James 4:7 

Heb 2:1

• Initial Observations  --  THIS is a different kind of warning!  It is a warning to closely guard all that we have been shown and all that we have learned regarding Jesus Christ!  Besides being on guard for various ways we might be tempted we must also pay CLOSE attention to the Word of God and what He has shown to us and made known to us!!  It can easily slip from our memory!  We must guard it and meditate on it as it is the very key to walking in faith:  Ps 1  Jos 1:5-8  AND God's Word is one very important part of the full armor of God as shown to us in Eph 6:17 
• Cross-references  --  Heb 12:25  Dt 4:9  Ps 119:9  Pr 2:1-6  Lk 8:15  2Pe 3:1 

1Jn 5:21

• Initial Observations  --  Once again, a simple but stern warning to guard ourselves!  This time we are warned to guard ourselves against idols.  Notice that John refers to his readers (and us) as little children.  I do not think this is patronizing!  It is instead a reminder of how much we (like children) need warnings, and protection from sin. 
• Cross-references  --  1Jn 2:1  1Co 10:7  1Co 10:14  1Th 1:9  Ex 20:3 
• Commentaries  --  The Bible Background Commentary:    Reminds us that idols could be "anything that leads us astray from proper worship of the one true God!" 

2Ti 1:13-14 

• Initial Observations  -- Once again Paul uses the word guard!  He tells Timothy to guard, through the Holy Spirit, that which has been entrusted to him!  This entire section of 2 Timothy is Paul telling Timothy to guard and keep afresh that which is now inside him through Jesus Christ!  Once we have accepted Jesus as our Savior and Lord and He has then placed the Holy Spirit inside of us we can't just go on spiritual vacation!!  What has been given to us is life and salvation!  We MUST guard it!  (BIG note to self!)
• Cross-references --  1Ti 6:3-4  Titus 1:9  2Ti 3:14  1Ti 1:12-15  Pr 4:4-8  Pr 4:13 Php 1:27  Heb 3:6  Heb 4:14-15  Heb 10:23  1Ti 6:20  1Co 3:16  1Co 6:19 
• Further thoughts  -  I think it is becoming obvious that a big part of being on guard against sin is not just being on the lookout for  temptations so that we can avoid them!  We must also guard and hold fast to the Word of God!  And to the Holy Spirit!  We must continually guard ourselves with armor of God!  Even if we are constantly on the lookout for temptations, but are not properly equipped to handle them, we still run a high risk of succumbing to those temptations!  (I know from experience!)
• On further inspection it seems that Paul is being specific in that he is telling to Timothy to hold fast to the exact teaching that he, Timothy, received from Paul.  So that Timothy can pass on that teaching to help bring even more believers into the Church.   Very specific!!

1Pe 5:8 

• Initial Observations  --  As we learned when looking at the various causes of temptation, the devil is always looking for ways to tempt us, and he knows what tempts us most!  So Simon Peter is telling us to be of sober spirit, and to be on guard!  If we become lax for even a second the devil WILL take his shot at us!!
• sober  --   to be watchful and/or circumspect.  Combined with vigilant (or alert in the NASB) would indicate to be clear minded!! 
• Cross-references  --  1Th 5:6-8  1Pe 1:13  1Pe 4:7  Mt 4:10  James 4:7   Titus 2:12  Lk 22:31  Eph 4:27 
• The completion of this thought in 1Pe 5:9 will be looked at later in this study when we discuss resisting temptation but it is enough to know that Simon Peter tells us to be on guard AND to resist!! 

2Pe 3:17 

• Initial Observations  --  Simon Peter has just finished warning his readers about false teachers and false doctrine!  Since he has forewarned us, it is easier for us to be on guard!  But we MUST still be on guard!  Otherwise temptation could cause us to fall away.
• Cross-references  --  2Ti 4:15  Mt 24:24-25  Mt 13:24  Mt 7:15  2Co 11:3  2Pe 1:10-11  Eph 4:14 
• Simon Peter again gives us the solution in the follow up verse:  2Pe 3:18  !!  We MUST continue to grow as Christians and in our understanding of God's commands and what He wants for us to be and do!

Thoughts and Application:

• It is remarkable how just how clear God's Word is on this subject.  He lovingly tells us so many times in His Word that we NEED to be alert and to be on guard!  Sin and temptation are always there lurking around the corner just waiting for us to let our guard down. 
• The application should be simple enough:  BE ON GUARD!!  Pray!  Meditate on God's Word! Ps 1  gives us a very clear example of how we can stay on the right path.  As does Ps 119:9-11   

Next time we will look at avoiding the wrong types of associations.

Bibliography

• Baker, Warren and Eugene Carpenter. The Complete Word Study Dictionary – Old Testament. Chattanooga, TN: AMG Publishers, 2003. WORDsearch CROSS e-book.
• Baker, Warren, ed. – The Complete Word Study Old Testament. Chattanooga, TN: AMG, 1994. WORDsearch CROSS e-book.
• Brand, Chad, Charles Draper, Archie England, ed. Holman Illustrated Bible Dictionary Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers, 2003. WORDsearch CROSS e-book.
• Fleming, Don. Concise Bible Commentary. Chattanooga, TN: AMG Publishers, 1994. WORDsearch CROSS e-book.
• God's Word: Today's Bible Translation That Means What It Says Holiday, FL: Green Key Books, n.d.. WORDsearch CROSS e-book.
• God's Word Application Index. Holiday, FL: Green Key Books, n.d.. WORDsearch CROSS e-book.
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• Thompson, Frank Charles. Thompson Chain Reference Bible. Indianapolis, IN: B. B. Kirkbride Bible Co., 1997. WORDsearch CROSS e-book.
• Torrey, R. A. The New Topical Textbook. New York: Fleming H. Revell Company, 1897. WORDsearch CROSS e-book.
• Vine, William E. Vine's Expository Dictionary of Old Testament and New Testament Words. Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson, 1940. WORDsearch CROSS e-book.
• Walton, John H., Victor H. Matthews, Mark W. Chavalas. The IVP Bible Background Commentary – Old Testament. Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 2000. WORDsearch CROSS e-book.
• Zodhiates, Spiros, ed. – The Complete Word Study New Testament. Chattanooga, TN: AMG, 1991. WORDsearch CROSS e-book.
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