Word of Encouragement (10/1/2020)

We continue the list of truths that we should remember in times of temptation.

“9.       When you fall, remember that the Lord knows those who are His….

“10.     When you are overtaken by temptation, remember that it does not matter how much it wounds you, for Christ the Great Physician who will heal you and restore your strength. [This, of course, should not be seen as an invitation to fall into temptation and sin. Though Christ is the great Healer, the scars from our wounds will remain, at least in this life. We have to keep in mind that the assurance of Christ’s healing is given so that we do not fall into despair after we stumble and sin.]

“11.     If you are guilty of a multitude of sins, remember that God has a greater multitude of mercies, according to His promise in Romans 5:20 [“Now the law came in to increase the trespass, but where sin increased, grace abounded all the more…”]. Believe with David that those mercies are for you, and call upon Him as he did (Ps. 51:1).

“12.     Remember that neither the foulness of sin, nor the multitude of sin, nor long continuance in sin can prejudice His goodness. [The problem is not any deficiency in God’s goodness; it is what those things do to us—weakening our assurance of salvation, making us prone to despair, strengthening the grip of our habitual sins, etc. So, instead of flirting with sin, we must learn to despise it. The most effective way to do so is to become more and more acquainted with God’s surpassing goodness.]

“13.     Meditate much upon Ezekiel 34:16, which says, ‘I will seek that which was lost, and bring again that which was driven away, and will bind up that which was broken, and will strengthen that which was sick.’ Christ is the Good Shepherd who keeps watch over your soul. If you are lost, He will find you. If you have been driven away by any violence of temptation, He will bring you back. If sin or lust has wounded your heart, He will bind you up, for He has promised to make you faithful in His covenant, and He will surely do it.” Let us give heed to His voice and follow Him closely!

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