Expecting Peace
For a child is born to us, a son is given to us. The government will rest on his shoulders. And he will be called: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6 NLT
The pursuit of intimacy with God happens in the context of adversity.
... I do not do the good I want to do, but the evil I do not want to do—this I keep on doing. Romans 7:19 NIV
If life is a struggle, how do we struggle well?
... The Son of God appeared for this purpose, to destroy the works of the devil. 1 John 3:8 NASB
The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me, because the LORD anointed me ... to proclaim release to captives and freedom to prisoners ... Isaiah 61:1 NASB
“When a strong man, fully armed, guards his own house, his possessions are undisturbed. But when someone stronger than he attacks him and overpowers him, he takes away from him all his armor on which he had relied and distributes his plunder.” Luke 11:21-22 NASB1995
Because Jesus has been victorious, so can we.
You haven’t been freed from the fight. You’ve been freed for the fight.
Flee the evil desires of youth and pursue righteousness ... along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart. 2 Timothy 2:22 NIV
... he made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross. Colossians 2:15 NIV
But each one is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desires. James 1:14 NET
Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death. James 1:15 ESV
What you think about is what you care about.
And what you care about, you will chase.
Watch your life and doctrine closely. ... 1 Timothy 4:16 NIV
The enemy’s going to come at you. Know how he does it.
What Do We Do in Response?
1. Eliminate the moment.
“Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation. ...” Matthew 26:41 ESV
Don’t let shame impede strategic thinking.
... make no provision for the flesh ... Romans 13:14 ESV
Attack sin when it’s small. Don’t wait till it’s fully grown.
2. Paddle downstream.
... desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death. James 1:15 ESV
3. Paddle upstream.
Do not be deceived, my beloved brothers. James 1:16 ESV
Downstream from temptation is destruction; upstream from temptation is deception.
Every good ... and ... perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father ... with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change. James 1:17 ESV
Of his own will he brought us forth ... James 1:18 ESV
... the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord ... Philippians 3:8 NASB