Occasionally satan will attempt to bring us down with a surprise temptation. It could be an offer for casual sex, a glimpse of pornography that wasn't sought out, a connection with someone that feels exciting and fresh. It could come at work, home, on a business trip, at the gym. Satan wants to catch us in a "moment of weakness". There will be a time when a surprise temptation pops up and you will want to pursue it. What will you do then?
The problem comes when we haven't prepared our hearts. Truly mortifying the flesh isn't simply stopping a behavior or even disciplining one's thoughts. It is valuing the commandments of God above all else and submitting to His lordship. This means that no matter what the temptation, pressure, or persecution comes against us we are willing to stand and die for the truth.
How then could I do this great evil and sin against God?” -Genesis 39:9
Joseph valued his relationship with God above all else. He refused the advances of Potiphars wife and fled when she tried to pull him in. He had prepared his heart to withstand the temptations of the world.
Proverbs 7 talks about the adulterous woman who solicites a young man to sleep with her. Notice that the young man wasn't seeking an adulterous affair, it came to him, and "all at once" he decides to be led astray.
With persuasive words she led him astray; she seduced him with her smooth talk. All at once he followed her like an ox going to the slaughter, like a deer stepping into a noose till an arrow pierces his liver, like a bird darting into a snare, little knowing it will cost him his life. - Proverbs 7:21-23
How do we prepare our hearts? (Preparation) Solomon begins Proverbs 7 this way:
My son, keep my words and store up my commands within you. Keep my commands and you will live; guard my teachings as the apple of your eye. Bind them on your fingers; write them on the tablet of your heart. Say to wisdom, “You are my sister,” and to insight, “You are my relative.” They will keep you from the adulterous woman, from the wayward woman with her seductive words. -Proverbs 7:1-5
and
Your word I have treasured in my heart, That I may not sin against You - Psalm 119:11
Cherishing the Word of God, valuing God's commands above all other wisdom and authority and determining to be obedient no matter what the cost.
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