Drawn Away

James 1:14
"But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed."

The intimacy so enjoyed by the first man and woman in the garden was destroyed by their act of sinful disobedience. This sin brought about spiritual death and exclusion from the intimate fellowship that they enjoyed with God. Genesis 3:6 describes this temptation, “And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make one wise, she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and gave also unto her husband with her; and he did eat” (KJV). The word desired in this scripture is translated from the Hebrew word, chamad, Strong’s Concordance # 2530 its meaning speaks of beauty, delectable, delight, covet and lust (Zodhiates, 1991, 40). Regarding the topic of personal formation, this is a vital point to understand; and therefore, be poised to overcome. The objects, desires and persons that may elicit covetous desires in our hearts are those to be aware of and avoid at all costs when they are in opposition to God’s Word. One lesson to be learned from our mutual ancestors is that which tempts us will kill us if we are not on guard against it. They had the same enemy as we, and he knows what our souls crave; and surely, this is what he will tempt us with. Says Matthew Henry of this situation, “It is the craft of Satan to speak of the Divine law as uncertain or unreasonable, and so to draw people to sin; it is our wisdom to keep up a firm belief of God’s command, and a high respect for it” (Henry, 1997, 6). Proverbs 1:17 speaks of this truth, “Surely in vain the net is spread in the sight of any bird”(KJV). Certainly, regarding the topic of personal formation, knowing our weakness, viewing the enemy as formidable and cleaving to God as our rescuer is vital.

Lord, please show us the places in our lives where we are being drawn away from You by the enemies lies and our lusts.  Please do not allow us to be overtaken by them, please show us the avenue of escape in which to flee.  Thank You for Your Word and the Life that You have given us through Your Son Jesus Christ.  I love you and pray for Your Spirit to fill me with Your fullness.  In Jesus name, Amen.

Patti