May 8. Enduring Temptation
J.R. Miller teaches that enduring temptation is a divine test that strengthens faith, but believers should avoid needless exposure to spiritual danger and trust God's guidance for protection.
In this devotional sermon, J.R. Miller explores the inevitability of temptation in the Christian life and the importance of enduring it with faith. He emphasizes that while temptation is a test allowed by God for spiritual growth, believers must not seek it presumptuously but rely on God's guidance and protection. Miller encourages Christians to find their ultimate security in Heaven and to trust God’s leading in every trial.
Text
"Lead us not into temptation — but deliver us from evil." Matthew 6:11
It is impossible to live in this world — and escape temptation. In olden times, Catholic monks fled away from active life and from human companionships, hoping thus to evade enticement to evil. But they were not at all successful; for wherever they went they carried in their own hearts a fountain of corruption, and were thus perpetually exposed to temptation.
The only door of escape from all temptation — is the door that leads into Heaven! We grieve over our Christian friends whom the Lord calls away; but do we ever think that we have far more reason for concern, possibly for grief — over those who live and have to battle with sin in this world? Those who have gone to Heaven, in the victorious release of Christian faith, are forever secure; but those yet in the sore battle, are still in peril.
This petition is a prayer that we may never be called needlessly to meet temptation. Sometimes God wants us to be tried, because we can grow strong only through victory. We have a word of Scripture which says: "Blessed is the man who endures temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life." Yet we ought never ourselves to seek any way of life — in which we shall have to be needlessly exposed to the peril of conflict with sin. Temptation is too terrible an experience, fraught with too much danger — to be sought by us, or ever encountered — except when God leads us in the path on which it lies. We must never rush unbidden or unsent into any spiritual danger. There are no promises for presumption. "It is written," said the Master, "You shall not tempt the Lord your God." When God sends us into danger, we are under His protection; when we go where He does not send us, we go unsheltered.
Sermon Outline
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I
- Temptation is unavoidable in this world
- Even isolation cannot prevent temptation
- The heart is the source of temptation
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II
- The only true escape is through Heaven
- The Christian's ultimate security is in faith
- Earthly battles with sin remain perilous
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III
- Endurance of temptation leads to spiritual growth
- God may allow trials for strengthening faith
- We must not seek temptation presumptuously
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IV
- God’s protection accompanies His calling into trials
- Avoid entering spiritual danger without God’s leading
- Presumption is condemned by Scripture
Key Quotes
“The only door of escape from all temptation — is the door that leads into Heaven!” — J.R. Miller
“Blessed is the man who endures temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life.” — J.R. Miller
“When God sends us into danger, we are under His protection; when we go where He does not send us, we go unsheltered.” — J.R. Miller
Application Points
- Trust God’s guidance to avoid needless temptation and spiritual danger.
- Endure trials with faith, knowing they strengthen your spiritual character.
- Seek ultimate security in Heaven rather than temporary escape from temptation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is temptation unavoidable?
Temptation is unavoidable because it originates within the human heart, and no external circumstance can fully prevent it.
How should Christians view temptation?
Christians should see temptation as a test from God that can strengthen faith if endured, but they must avoid seeking it unnecessarily.
What does it mean to be delivered from evil?
Being delivered from evil means being protected by God from the harmful consequences of sin and temptation when we follow His guidance.
Is it wrong to face temptation?
It is not wrong if God leads us into trials for growth, but it is wrong to presumptuously seek out temptation or spiritual danger.
How does faith protect believers in temptation?
Faith provides victory and security, assuring believers that God’s protection is with them when He sends them into trials.