Sexual Temptation?

There are certain disciplines that we must follow or else we will slide into sin through temptations. Our pride can definitely get in the way and keep us from having fellowship with our Father. In short, we are increased and Christ is decreased. How do we learn to stray from this idolatry and weaken our own pride and propagate humility?

Are some of you having struggles in your relationship and/or are being tempted with sexual sin?

I know that I sometimes forget about the severity of my own sin. The seriousness of our sin is nothing to take lightly.

Psalm 130:3-4... "If you, O Lord, kept a record of sins, O Lord, who could stand? But with you there is forgiveness; therefore you are feared."

I really like this quote I read a while ago from William Law, "We may justly condemn ourselves as the greatest sinners we know, because we know
more of the folly of our own heart than we do of other people's...Therefore every sinner knows more of the aggravations of his own guilt than he does of other people's, and consequently may justly look upon himself to be the greatest sinner that he knows."

The easiest way to meet the need for self-esteem in people is to tell them that "God loves you". But a closer look at the Gospel reveals that the true meaning, "grace for sinners and deliverance for the sinned-against" has been dumbed-down to "unconditional acceptance for the victims of others lack of acceptance". We must remember that the Gospel is much more than unconditional love. God accepts us just as Christ is. He bears the curse that you and I deserve. He does not accept me "as I am" but "as I am in Jesus Christ". Do you see the difference? We must stray away from the idea that we are in charge of our own salvation...which is a common idea that Christians may not be aware they are doing.

"The cross becomes simply a demonstration that God loves me. It loses its force as the substitutionary atonement by the perfect Lamb in my place, who invites my repentance for heart-pervading sin!" -David Powlison

Why have I not talked about specific sexual sin and relationships? Knowing these truths first will better equip you to recognize not only your sexual sin but other sins as well. It all points to the Gospel and salvation! A better knowledge of the substitutional sacrifice Christ has done for us will continue to draw us closer and closer to the Father and He will be the source of conquering sin in our lives. Christ is so much bigger than our own sin, so much bigger than Satan!

I Timothy 1:15... "It is a trustworthy statement, deserving full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, among whom I am foremost of all."

God bless you guys!