Chapter 20—Resisting Temptation
Those who are partakers of the divine nature will not give way
to temptation. The enemy is working with all his might to overcome
those who are striving to live the Christian life. He comes to them
with temptations, in the hope that they will yield. Thus he hopes to
discourage them. But those who have planted their feet firmly on
the Rock of Ages will not yield to his devices. They will remember
that God is their Father and Christ their Helper. The Saviour came to
our world to bring to every tried, tempted soul strength to overcome
even as He overcame. I know the power of temptation; I know the
dangers that are in the way; but I know, too, that strength sufficient for
every time of need is provided for those who are struggling against
temptation.
Needless Temptations to Be Shunned
“God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that
ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape,
that ye may be able to bear it.” And we also have a part to act. We
are not to place ourselves needlessly in the way of temptation. God
says, “Come out from among them, and be ye separate, ... and touch
not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, and will be a Father
unto you, and ye shall be My sons and daughters.” If by associating
with worldlings for pleasure, by conforming to worldly practices, by
uniting our interests with unbelievers, we place our feet in the path of
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temptation and sin, how can we expect God to keep us from falling?
Keep yourselves away from the corrupting influences of the world.
Do not go unbidden to places where the forces of the enemy are
strongly entrenched.
Do not go where you will be tempted and led astray. But if you
have a message for unbelievers, and if you live so near to God that
you can speak to them a word in season, you can do a work that will
help them and will honor God. “I pray not,” Christ said, “that Thou
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