Waging War.

Sin, it began with temptation.

Where did it come from?

God?

“Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am being tempted by God,” for God cannot be tempted with evil, and he himself tempts no one.”- James 1:13

No.

Satan?

Why do we have the need to shift blame for our sinful desires and actions? We see this done right after the fall of man, Adam blames God for giving Him woman, and the woman gave him the fruit; and then Eve blames the Devil for deceiving her. They shifted blame.

By saying the serpent deceived her and she ate, gave Satan glory for winning over one of God’s people. We need to stop giving Satan glory by saying he is the one who leads us into sin!

“But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire.” -James 1:14

We are lured away by our own desires! It’s time to stop making excuses and blames for sin but to make war against it! Lou Priolo described this luring in his book “Pleasing People” in this way:

“Like a largemouth bass that is lured away from the safety of it’s covering into captivity by a flashy new artificial bait, our inordinate desires can draw us away from the safety of obedience to Christ into many different captivating sins.”

These are our own desires waging war within our flesh against the Spirit! The blame of misconduct must be entirely on us, “neither the devil nor any other person or thing is to be blamed so as to excuse ourselves; for the true original of evil and temptation is in our own hearts.” (Matthew Henry)

It’s time to move from blame and into action.

“Let the goodness of God excite us to a sacred jealousy and to a holy revenge against those iniquities which are hateful in His sight.”-Charles Spurgeon

For God’s glory may we desire to overcome sin, not our own! And there is no reason to not strive after battling sin because:

“No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.”- 1 Corinthians 10:13

We are weak in the flesh, but God is gracious not only to forgive our sins but also help us fight against them! May we never put down our armor and sword, always “dressed for action” in the midst of war!

"Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over m this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and s having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints." Ephesians 6:10-18