Jesus revealed that all will be tested. God tests our hearts. He inspects our desires and wills. He looks for integrity and faithfulness; to see if we can overcome what James called “double-mindedness” or ambivalence. He shared that the way to pass God’s test is to remain steadfast, submit to God and resist the powers of darkness that appeal to the flesh and pride of life and tempt us.
“Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded” (James 4:7-9).
RELEVANCE
The Bible records (in Acts 6:8-13) a story of Stephen, a man “full of faith and power” who “did great wonders and signs among the people.” Some people came against him but scripture says “they were not able to resist the wisdom and the Spirit by which he spoke.” So they set him up in a trap.
Stephen, like Elisha, walked in wisdom and Spirit. He shared the truth about those who opposed him: “You stiff-necked and uncircumcised in heart and ears! You always resist the Holy Spirit; as your fathers did, so do you” (Acts 7:51).
We have a choice: to resist temptation or resist the Holy Spirit. Paul knew how crucial it is to choose to yield to the Spirit, not resist the Spirit. He therefore exhorted believers: “And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice. And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you” (Ephesians 4:30-32).
REFLECT AND RELATE
“Ask the LORD how the Holy Spirit is grieved; how we resist Him. He will help you come to truth so you can become strong to resist the forces of darkness. “God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it” (1 Corinthians 10:12-13).
REFERENCES
Ephesians 4:1-5:33