The Subtlety of Temptation
The sermon emphasizes the importance of discernment in recognizing and resisting the subtlety of temptation.
John Henry Jowett warns about the deceptive tactics of the enemy of our souls, who disguises evil as good, offering promises of life but delivering death, and hiding chains in beautiful flowers. He emphasizes the importance of having clear discernment to see through the enemy's mirages and traps, even when he appears as an 'angel of light.' Jowett stresses the need for a refined moral sense to distinguish between truth and falsehood, which can be obtained through the wisdom of God, enabling believers to recognize the enemy from afar.
Text
JAMES i. 12-20.
Evil enticements always come to us in borrowed attire. In the Boer War
ammunition was carried out in piano cases, and military advices were
transmitted in the skins of melons. And that is the way of the enemy of
our souls. He makes us think we are receiving music when he is sending
explosives; he promises life, but his gift is laden with the seeds of
death. He offers us liberty, and he hides his chains in dazzling flowers.
"Things are not what they seem."
And so our enemy uses mirages, and will-o'-the-wisps and tinselled crowns.
He lights friendly fires on perilous coasts to snare us to our ruin. And
therefore we need clear, sure eyes. We need a refined moral sense which
can discriminate between the true and the false, and which can discern the
enemy even when he comes as "an angel of light." And we may have this
wisdom from "the God of all wisdom." By His grace we may be kept morally
sensitive, and we shall know our foe even when he is a long way off.
Sermon Outline
- I points: - Understanding the nature of temptation - Recognizing the deceptive appearance of evil - The role of discernment in resisting temptation
- II points: - Historical examples of deceit in warfare - Lessons learned from the Boer War - Application to spiritual warfare
- III points: - The importance of moral sensitivity - Seeking wisdom from God - Developing a refined moral sense
- IV points: - Identifying the enemy's tactics - Understanding the consequences of yielding - The need for vigilance in faith
- V points: - The promise of liberty versus hidden chains - The allure of temptation and its true nature - The call to discernment and wisdom
Key Quotes
“Evil enticements always come to us in borrowed attire.” — John Henry Jowett
“He makes us think we are receiving music when he is sending explosives.” — John Henry Jowett
“We need clear, sure eyes.” — John Henry Jowett
Application Points
- Seek God's wisdom daily to strengthen your moral sensitivity.
- Be vigilant in identifying the deceptive nature of temptation in your life.
- Learn from historical examples to better understand spiritual warfare.