march in connection with every one of these sins. Satan knows our most vulnerable point and will at tack us there as often as possible. We have no reason whatsoever to be proud of our human or moral strength. While things that may confront another do not bother us, we have our own troubles in other areas of life (vs. 12). There are many things which can cause us to be ineffective in this race for the Lord's glory. By belittling someone else there is the feeling that somehow self has been elevated. Any self-conceited position of honor is only a form of false security. You have met those rather obnoxious individuals who seem to feel that nobody is as spir itual as they are. Others did not pray as long, study the Bible as intensely, or hand out as many tracts. That is a dangerous position to get into. Their pride eventually brought them to downfall, and a loss of testimony altogether. There is an obvious danger at the other end of the spectrum which is also erroneous. We should be students of the Word who enjoy freedom from condemnation in Christ. At the same time, we must ever be wise, discreet, loving and depen dent upon our Lord. Keep in mind that no person is ever trapped into falling or into sinning (vs. 13). How triumphant to realize Cod has a "way of es cape." This is particularly comfort ing to those in the throes of defeat. We cannot deny that we are in the world, having to rub shoulders every day with the problems of temptations. We are no different than others. Such testings are com mon to all of us. God knows the pressure you are under. There are
many others, too, in the same boat. Face up to the task! Stand true and strong and in the power of the Holy Spirit, win the race that is before you. Having the same resources in Christ we can all be victorious in Him. Cod intervenes in the normal flow of life to limit the force of temptation so that we can handle it (vs. 13). In this way we are left without excuse. God knows your individual ability to withstand the pressure. We can be grateful that there are godly alternatives. You cannot say, "I was trapped, there is no way out." God is true to His word; there is always a way to escape. The question is, are we really interested in finding it. Some people find so much enjoyment in entertaining thoughts which run contrary to God's Word that they are not about to give them up. We must take the initiative, exploring to find the way out. No one is ever trapped because the temptation is common. There are godly provi sions which are amply available. What we need to remember is that when we get into a bind we should not try to find some other way out, apart from God's will. Our needs should be met only in Jesus Christ. We must run as God would have us run. We need a keen desire to suc ceed in reaching and in strength ening others in the faith. Defeat for the believer is not necessary. Although we have tremendous freedom in Christ, we still have the responsibility to live exemplary lives for the Lord. There must be a willingness to adjust to the needs and oddities of others. Paul ex presses it to the Corinthian believ ers, "All things are lawful for me, but all things are not expedient"
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