Christian Challenge International

"Ask the Pastor"

We frequently receive questions in email from people about doctrine, practice, etc. From time to time we will post the questions and the answers here on the web page. If you'd like to submit a question, simply email our pastor at Bro.Buddy@ChristianChallenge.org or use the form below.

(2nd reply to Jim)

July 16, 2000

Jim,

In continuing, you said:

> If it is demonic activity that is behind my continued sexual sinning,
> and I ask God to reveal to me what spirit is behind this temptation,
> what should I expect to receive? That is, will God tell me, in my own
> head, what to do and/or pray specifically, or will He just hear my
> prayer and bless me with the will not to sin in this way, or what? I
> know you can't know God's specific response for me, but what would you
> expect in a situation like this? I don't wish to mistake an impulse for
> how to deal with this which does not spring from God with one that does.

When dealing with the demonic it is important to understand that
no demon can cause a believer to sin. All a demon can do is draw
you through a temptation, by attempting to influence your thinking
by various means. This is where the erotic materials and images
of the mind come in.

I don't want to misled you with regard to the demonic. The
apostles said very little in this regard, but they did use terms that help
us understand the role of the demonic. Expressions they used were to 'draw
away' or to 'led astray.'

In speaking to the Corinthians concerning their former state, Paul
said, "You know that when you were pagans, you were led
astray to the mute idols, however you were led." (1Co12:2)

James adds, "But each one is tempted when he is carried away
and enticed by his own lust." (James1:14)

James doesn't say who is doing the tempting, but we know that
Satan is called 'the tempter.' Cf. Matt4:3; 1Th3:5.

Another thing to understand is that the temptation itself is not a
sin. Jesus was tempted in every way that man can be tempted.
This had to include every temptation against the senses. The sin
is the end result of the temptation.

The two greatest keys to dealing with temptation is prayer and
understanding. Jesus said, "Pray that you may not enter into
temptation." (Luke 22:40) Here our prayer life is the crucial key.

But there is another issue. Temptations work through the mind.
This means that the sin begins its journey in our thought life.
Knowing this will help you deal with temptations at their root
source. Masturbation is a good example. No one masturbates
without visions of the mind. It is through our thought life that the
members of our body are aroused. So the key is a continual renewal of the
mind.

To reflect again on your question:

> will God tell me, in my own head, what to do and/or pray
> specifically, or will He just hear my prayer and bless me with the
> will not to sin in this way, or what? I know you can't know God's
> specific response for me, but what would you expect in a situation
> like this? I don't wish to mistake an impulse for how to
> deal with this which does not spring from God with one that does.

Yes, the Lord will often tell you things to do at the moment. But
often he will direct you to sources that can help. To break a sin
pattern requires watchfulness. Jesus said, "Watch and pray."

Jim, nothing is going to take the place of maintaining a spiritual
walk. Paul spoke of a warfare that goes on between the flesh and
the Spirit. The Spirit is much more powerful, but often we have
to cast the deciding vote as to 'who' will win.

James said it well enough; "Submit to God. Resist the devil and
he will flee from you." (James4:7)

In Christ,

Bro. Buddy

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What would you like to "Ask the Pastor?"

Your full name:
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PLEASE include your email address or we won't be able to send the answer to you.

Your question

(Note: Please include your full name and email address. Answers will be sent by return email. Christian Challenge reserves the right to reprint your question and edit it for clarity and content on our "Ask the Pastor" web page. Please note that we will not divulge your full name nor your email address. Typically we'll use your first name only. Not all questions are posted on this page - many more are responded to privately. Please let us know if you do NOT want your question listed or if you'd prefer it to be listed anonymously. We respect your privacy and will NOT sell/give/loan your name and email address to any other organization/business/entity.)

Back to the Christian Challenge International home page!