Hour of Temptation III

The Hour of Temptation
Part III

Because thou hast kept the word of my patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation,
which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth.
Revelation 3:10

I highly encourage anyone who has not heard the 'introduction' to this series,
that you listen to part I & part II before you get into this final one!

Tonight, in part III, we will look at how temptation fit into the life of Paul, the lives of the martyrs along with the Christians during the church age of Philadelphia. Then finally, we will look at temptation as it affects you and me today!

Let me say this, folks - it isn't a command given to us to pray that we enter not into temptation! Although we can surely pray for our specific temptation problems on a daily basis, we can't expect to get out of temptation totally - because we are already IN the Hour of Temptation! That awful time is here - now. A time that your grandparents didn't have like we have today.

Remember, I am not speaking of the Tribulation - just an 'hour of temptation!' The Tribulation is a punishment, this hour is a 'trial.' Just read Revelation 3:10 again - you can't miss it!

Now, do you realize that according to Paul, this 'hour' really ought to be a marvelous time of rejoicing?
Read on and you will see what I mean!

Paul and Temptation It was tough on Paul to preach what he had to preach as he had his physical problems and they certainly could have hindered his ministry. But, the people overlooked it all and allowed him to be a blessing anyway. But things eventually changed!!!
Galatians 4:13-16 Ye know how through infirmity of the flesh I preached the gospel unto you at the first. And my temptation which was in my flesh ye despised not, nor rejected; but received me as an angel of God, even as Christ Jesus. Where is then the blessedness ye spake of? for I bear you record, that, if it had been possible, ye would have plucked out your own eyes, and have given them to me. Am I therefore become your enemy, because I tell you the truth?

Among his list of difficulties and disasters that gave his flesh a hard time, he says the word temptations! We can see the application of the meaning 'trial' here for 'temptations.'
Acts 20:18-21 And when they were come to him, he said unto them, Ye know, from the first day that I came into Asia, after what manner I have been with you at all seasons, Serving the Lord with all humility of mind, and with many tears, and temptations, which befell me by the lying in wait of the Jews: And how I kept back nothing that was profitable unto you, but have shewed you, and have taught you publickly, and from house to house, Testifying both to the Jews, and also to the Greeks, repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ.

(PS - note that we need to teach our own children repentance toward God, not just about Jesus!)

Paul certainly had the trials and temptations! II Corinthians 1:8 For we would not, brethren, have you ignorant of our trouble which came to us in Asia, that we were pressed out of measure, above strength, insomuch that we despaired even of life:

The Martyrs and Temptation

Hebrews 11:36-38 And others had trial of cruel mockings and scourgings, yea, moreover of bonds and imprisonment: They were stoned, they were sawn asunder, were tempted, were slain with the sword: they wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins; being destitute, afflicted, tormented; (Of whom the world was not worthy:) they wandered in deserts, and in mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth.

Acts 15:26 Men that have hazarded their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

The Philadelphian Church age and Temptation- (15001900)

Revelation 3:10 Because thou hast kept the word of my patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth.
They didn't have to go through this hour - God said He would keep them from it! If He can KEEP someone from it, He can ALLOW someone else to get into it (us, today!)

TODAY - Us and Temptation!
Knowing the HOUR OF TEMPTATION is upon us should help us understand
why there is so much temptation & trial in our daily lives.

These temptations aren't reserved for Christians only.
The whole world is being hit, WE are the only ones who can and should and WILL get the final victory!!! (see Revelation 3:18)

Remember, this is NOT the Tribulation. See the words to try in Rev 3:10? That is not in reference to the Tribulation. The Tribulation will be a punishment, etc. We are experiencing temptations and the trying of our faith only, etc. - no punishment from God! If folks think this is punishment from God, they don't know God!

Let us learn from the OT church of the wilderness, from the Gospels and from Jesus Christ as that was all there FOR US; but now and most importantly, let us learn from Paul in a rightly divided manner for that which is TO US!
I Corinthians 10:1-11 Moreover, brethren, I would not that ye should be ignorant, how that all our fathers were under the cloud, and all passed through the sea; And were all baptized unto Moses in the cloud and in the sea; And did all eat the same spiritual meat; And did all drink the same spiritual drink: for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them: and that Rock was Christ. But with many of them God was not well pleased: for they were overthrown in the wilderness. Now these things were our examples, to the intent we should not lust after evil things, as they also lusted. Neither be ye idolaters, as were some of them; as it is written, The people sat down to eat and drink, and rose up to play. Neither let us commit fornication, as some of them committed, and fell in one day three and twenty thousand. Neither let us tempt Christ, as some of them also tempted, and were destroyed of serpents. Neither murmur ye, as some of them also murmured, and were destroyed of the destroyer. Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come.

And what is the purpose of learning from these folks as well as from Paul? vs 12 Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall.

It is great that we don't have to die; or be overthrown; or be destroyed by serpents; or be destroyed by the destroyer, etc., but we can fall through pride, etc. Any death and destruction could come because God would allow it, but He wouldn't cause it.

- Today -

Manifold temptations today!
I Peter 1:6 Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations:

God Knows How to Deliver Us!

II Peter 2:9 TheLord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptations, and to reserve the unjust unto the day of judgment to be punished:

I Corinthians 10:13 There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but 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.

We Ought to Know How Ourselves

Romans 11-14 And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed. The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light. Let us walk honestly, as in the day; not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and envying. But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof.

The Devil Knows How TO Tempt Us!

Don't forget that the Devil knows how to tempt us!
I Thessalonians 3:5 For this cause, when I could no longer forbear, I sent to know your faith, lest by some means the tempter have tempted you, and our labour be in vain.

He will give us anything and everything if he needs to! See Luke 4 and all that he offered Christ.
II Corinthians 2:11 Lest Satan should get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices.

II Corinthians 11:15 Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works.

He wants our worship - He will do anything to get it!
Isaiah 14:13,14 For thou hast said in thine heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north: I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the most High.

Luke 4:5-7 And the devil, taking him up into an high mountain, shewed unto him all the kingdoms of the world in a moment of time. And the devil said unto him, All this power will I give thee, and the glory of them: for that is delivered unto me; and to whomsoever I will I give it. If thou therefore wilt worship me, all shall be thine.

And he will use people to accomplish HIS goals! (I John 2:15,16 - pride of life; eyes/images; flesh)
Revelation 16:14 For they are the spirits of devils, working miracles, which go forth unto the kings of the earth and of the whole world, to gather them to the battle of that great day of God Almighty.

The devil wants to either prevent salvation; make us fall away; or get 'all choked up" and rob the 'garden' of fruit!
Luke 8:11-14 Those by the way side are they that hear; then cometh the devil, and taketh away the word out of their hearts, lest they should believe and be saved. They on the rock are they, which, when they hear, receive the word with joy; and these have no root, which for a while believe, and in time of temptation fall away. And that which fell among thorns are they, which, when they have heard, go forth, and are choked with cares and riches and pleasures of this life, and bring no fruit to perfection.

I Timothy 6:9,10 But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition. For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.

The Brethren Can Be a Help! We need to 'be there' for each of us, in case we ourselves fall away under temptation!
Galatians 6:1,2 Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted. Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.

Romans 15:1 We then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves.

Believe it or not, but in spite of it all...
...we should REJOICE!
Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be,
ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations:

Why?

I Peter 1:6
For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time
are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.
Romans 8:18
For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also aboundeth by Christ.
And whether we be afflicted, it is for your consolation and salvation,
which is effectual in the enduring of the same sufferings which we also suffer:
or whether we be comforted, it is for your consolation and salvation.
II Corinthians 1:5,6
And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness.
Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities,
that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
II Corinthians 12:9

Revelation 3:18 I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see.

Do you see that in Revelation 3:18, God fulfills our three lusts,
only He fulfills them in correct fashion!

mayest be rich - lust of the flesh - led by Spirit to receive spiritual blessings and gifts!
mayest be clothed - pride of life - His righteousness from God and from Jesus Christ!
mayest see - lust of the eyes - see the deep things of God with understanding and wisdom!

Specific Temptations and Trials in today's Hour of Temptation!
go ahead, fill in the spots with your own that you are aware of...
(the following are just a few suggestions that I have seen)

Earth:

trials from "nature" are changing the scene all around the earth. Global warming? ha - God's hand!

World:

'gone' with any godliness, etc.
already keeping out any Christian influence in Europe Constitution and Iraq, etc.
They are tempted to try to build a country/world like America 'was' only without God - only THEM being the gods!

America:

temptations to joining in with the world government and ungodliness that goes with it - no Book!

States:

Losing to federal blackmail and pressure - tempted to throw out the Christian influence 'in the courts' now - a few states staying with it - sort of, anyway.

City:

Tempted to give in to ACLU for any small signs of 'godliness' even if it is "without the power thereof..."

Schools:

Houses of perverted instruction with perverted instructors and subtle brainwashing to change what is good to bad and what was bad to good!
Tempted to go politically correct and Biblically incorrect.

Tempted in the Workplace to:

live on two incomes, ship the kids off to someone else - or 'use' a friend to do the same - while you slave away bringing in the bucks! Then you try to buy the kids off with toys and perverted garbage that destroys WORDS in their brains and replaces it all with images!
make as money as you can so you can live with what you WANT instead of living on what God provides - then having a family together!
to do 'any' kind of work just so you can provide for your wants!
work that extra overtime and wonder why your family 'died' without you around!
make more money, more hours, more work, more more more - almost like it is an escape from the reality & responsibility of the home (not the house)!
argue with your boss!
work the power of the union!
work ONLY in a godly atmosphere - Paul says to work IN the world and Jesus says to stay away from the evil of the world, but to still be in it.

Tempted in the common denominational Church to:

do social issues only
do anything with everybody to get more money and to build a bigger congregation

Temptations in the Bible Believing Church:

back off the KJB to get folks to consider the church
emphasize the church and not the Bible
'use' the Bible to lift the church
entertain folks - appeal to their flesh - perk their minds through psychology and mental 'relaxation'
do what worked for someone else somewhere else
do it 'our' way, no matter what the Book says
rescue families with psychology and flatteries
arts and crafts, even if means doing worldly and demonic designs - just keep them busy and feeling needed and welcome...
back off on faith and show more to see!
lower standards and morals to attract 'others' in, even if it goes against the Book and against the other church family. Not a good trade-off!

Temptations in the Home:

reject the biblical purpose and design of the home (II Tim 2:2, for one)
put emphasis on outward happiness so parents feel successful ...and kids 'appear' happy, anyway
buy 'life' with toys, crafts, luxuries, riches, etc. = choking!
drop standards and lower morals
allow worldliness in the famous 4-H's - Houses, Horses, Hobbies and Hollywood!
blending & even switching roles
visual learning replacing words and thinking/writing, etc. Images win over words - thus entertainment becomes the final authority

Temptations in our Personal lives:

be lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God
Eve in the garden - follow through with all lust of the eyes, lust of the flesh and pride of life! (that covers a lot, eh!)
provide for wants, not satisfied with needs being met!
independence - no submission to anyone, including God, especially to a BOOK!
be happy on the outside and keeping 'within' the inner stress, lack of joy, etc.
spoiled and keep it in stride instead of in check
being liked / being accepted by all

Temptations in being a Pastor:

Be the pastor like you want, not like God wants!
Back off and let folks do what they want to do, anyway!
Become that hireling - do it all for the money!
Getting a job that has health insurance and a retirement program instead of listening to others complain about theirs!
Judge your ministry on other pastors and churches!
Giving in to get more folks to come - but then you know you couldn't feed them what they would want, so they would leave anyway, so why have them come in the first place!
Tell internet folks to look to this church as their home church and send money as if they were in a church at home - haha (just seeing if any internet family reads this far)

Temptations in being a Preacher:

to tell it like you want, not like God wants!
Put the whole meal on one plate! See if folks could withstand a 3-6 hour sermon like in the early days...
As your life winds down, just preach the "final sermon" - and let your flesh flail everyone with the sword!
Hold back because you know folks just can't take the whole truth, even though they say they can!
Become bitter towards those don't come all the time, and then wonder why they don't understand some things in the church.
Become bitter towards those don't come all the time, and then wonder why their kids went so sour!
Become bitter towards those don't come all the time, and then get mad at you for not preaching everything they say they needed to hear!
Become bitter towards those don't come all the time, yet they continue to ask for help...
Become bitter!

Temptations to a Pastor/Teacher:

Give tests to make sure they are learning the stuff you are teaching!
Ask questions orally to make sure they are learning the stuff you are teaching!
Find a way to make sure they are learning what you are teaching!
Teach what you know and not seek anything new yourself!
Act like you know it all already!
Act like you are the best thing to come along to that town!

Temptations to an Evangelist:

Get involved with other issues that are none of your business.
Preach only what pleases the church folks so you can get support!
Tell the pastor what he needs to do differently!
Use music as a tool to attract and to make folks emotionally flattered!

Temptations to a Father:

Temptations to a Mother:

Temptations to a Husband:

Temptations to a Wife:

Temptations to a single/widower/divorced man:

Temptations to a single/widowed/divorced lady:

Temptations to a Grandparent:

Kids:
Temptations to a boy -

teen -

young adult man -

Temptations to a girl -

teen -

young single adult lady -

And wisdom and knowledge shall be the stability of thy times,
and strength of salvation:
the fear of the LORD is his treasure.
Isaiah 33:6

Don't give in to temptations! Make no provision for the flesh!
Rejoice
I Corinthians 13:6 Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth;

Be Bold - Go for the Gold!!!
Even if you are OLD!
Revelation 3:18

If you fall, get up!
Be renewed daily - hourly - by the minute, if you need to...

You are always 'are become new'!

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you, Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.
Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations: That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ: Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory: Receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls.

I Peter 1:3-9

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