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You have noticed it many times. A young child struggles with something he is trying to do. Dad offers his help, but the child wants to do it himself. Finally, after struggling over and over, the child will give in and let Dad help. Job well done with the proper encouragement! 

Relate that to our spiritual lives. We all struggle at times with temptation and sin. James recorded that the devil will flee from us if we resist, but that is sometimes easier said than done. I can relate. I resist the sweets most of the time, but when the dessert begins with “chocolate,” it is much harder for me to do so. One must realize that there is more to what James recorded, “Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you” (James 4:7). God will help us with our temptations. Yet, we must submit to Him if it is to do us any good. 

And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.  Matt 6:13 ESV 

...then the Lord knows how to rescue the godly from trials,... 2 Peter 2:9 ESV 

Let God help you with your struggles. Ask Him. He will.  Have a great week and live holy before Him. 

***

The God we serve and worship is a just God. Think about that. Justice requires that unrighteousness be punished. Many do not realize or refuse to believe that God can be severe, but all one need do is to read the Old Testament. The New Testament speaks of His wrath as well (Romans 2:4-5). He has shown Himself as severe toward those who disobey Him. But thankfully, God is a loving God who has provided for us to escape His wrath through His Son Jesus (Romans 5:8-9). Being obedient by confessing our faith in Him as our resurrected Lord (Romans 10:9-10), repenting our sins (Acts 17:30) and being baptized into Christ (Acts 2:38), we do not have to fear the consequences of His wrath. 

O Lord God the Almighty! Just and true are your ways, O King of the nations! Who will not fear, O Lord, and glorify your name? For you alone are holy. All nations will come and worship you, for your righteous acts have been revealed.  Rev 15:3-4 ESV 

Will you assemble and worship God? He has revealed His righteous acts. He has revealed His glorious plan for our salvation. Let us assemble and worship Him. 

Have a wonderful weekend. Live to His glory each day. 

TLM

Sermon Outlines

For your consideration: Printable PDF Version

The New Birth	What About the Resurrection?	A Way of Life
It Is a Tight Squeeze	The Day I Die	I have Found the Book
Jesus Christ: The Prince of Peace	I'll Do It Myself	The Good Shepherd
The Faith to Endure	The God that Sees	Jesus: The Great I AM
The Humility of Jesus	When Time Ends	Christians Are Special
Made in the Image of God	The Mighty One of Jacob	Feelings Felt by a Suffering Servant
I'm too Young	Why Do We Believe Jesus Is the Christ?	Jesus' Passion for the Lost