1st Corinthians 10:11 Now all these things happened unto them for examples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come. 12 Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall.
Throughout the sacred pages of history, the rise and fall of nations and individuals can be traced back to just a few issues that are of common occurrence in our fallen human nature, and even those who have been on the mountaintop with God have at times succumbed to temptations in the valley. There is nothing new under the sun, and there has not been any new temptation that has occurred for the past six thousand years, for all temptations we experience today are derived from three categories that have been recycled into other formats, to suit the fancy of modern times.
The lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life are the only three categories there are because every temptation that comes our way is a subtitle of one of these three. That’s why Christ was only tempted with three temptations when He was in the wilderness, for those assaults represented the only three categories that we are tempted with. Let’s read:
1st John 2:15 Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 16 For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life is not of the Father, but is of the world. 17 And the world passes away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abides forever.
The vehicles that may bring us temptations have obviously made them more readily accessible and the variations may have morphed into a million and one to, but at the end of the day it is the same old same old. For instance, food has always presented a problem for persons since the garden of Eden, and whereas in former years, one had to go to the restaurant or fast food chain to indulge, now, in our day, Grubhub and Uber eats can bring the very same food to your doorstep, and drones can deliver in your backyard.
Therefore, when you hear individuals say that this generation have temptations to face that were non existent in former years, it is a delusion, for there is nothing new under the sun. Let’s read:
1st 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.
Ecclesiastes 1:9 The thing that hath been, it is that which shall be; and that which is done is that which shall be done: and there is no new thing under the sun. 10 Is there anything whereof it may be said, See, this is new? it hath been already of old time, which was before us.
One of the phenomena that has baffled persons for many years is why is it that a person who has been in a close relationship with God, can fall into sin, if as is assumed, the Holy Spirit is with such a person. To understand this, we must realize that The Holy Ghost in no way shape or form ever coerces one’s choice. God does not give us His Spirit as an agent of force but rather as The Agent of change and therefore, at every step of advance in the Christian’s experience, we must exercise our freedom of choice.
Jesus sets before us the good and the bad with consequences, and it is left up to us to choose. When God saw that David was just about to take in Bathsheba He did not prevent him, because in most situations, God does not intervene to stop persons from doing what they have decided to do. To ask God to prevent us from sinning is not an intelligent prayer, for if He were to do this, we would become mere robots.
God did not stop Abraham, or Jacob, he did not stop Solomon from choosing multiple wives, neither did Christ prevent Peter from using his weapon in that moment of retaliation, even though Jesus knew, of it before, and warned Peter of coming danger. If Peter desired to be victorious in that instance, he would have to pray like everybody else, for God will warn, encourage and strengthen if we are willing, but the coercion of our conscience is for all intents and purposes off the table.
In the investigative judgement it would be revealed the enormous responsibility that rests upon persons for their choices and actions. Blaming other people, systems, and circumstances will not be considered as a valid excuse for sin. Some folks even blame the devil wrongfully, but he cannot use force in getting us to sin, except we may surrender our wills to him, for doing good or evil is our own choice.
Man must choose either good or evil untrammeled by the power of the Holy Spirit, for we are all free moral agents. Yet, we can ask God to keep us from falling, with the understanding that He will enable us to do right if we so chose. But to ask Him to use force in coercing our wills is a non-starter, and He will not do it. Let’s read:
Deuteronomy 30:19 I call heaven and earth to record this day against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life, that both thou and thy seed may live. 20 That thou mayest love the Lord thy God, and that thou mayest obey his voice, and that thou mayest cleave unto him: for he is thy life, and the length of thy days.
If we chose the good, we are given assurances that we will be empowered by The Holy Spirit to put it into practice on an ongoing basis, that is if we pray and seek God continuously for grace to help in time of need. But if we assume that because of previous victories won for many years, we can run the race in our own strength, then we will absolutely fall. God, and God alone is able to keep us from falling but He does not do this without our consent.
Thus, it is incumbent upon all of us to ask and to keep on asking. Today’s victories do not necessarily prevent tomorrow’s fall, and therefore, we are never to take anything for granted, but should rather with a meek and humble spirit, seek God for grace every day. Whenever, and wherever this is done on an ongoing basis, such a person will live victoriously, and will be enabled by God to avoid those pitfalls, clamors, and indulgences so deep-rooted in fallen human nature. The promise is given and certified by God himself, that if we ask for grace we will live like conquerors. Let’s read:
1st John 5:4 For whatsoever is born of God overcomes the world: and this is the victory that overcomes the world, even our faith.
Isaiah 40:29 He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increases strength. 31 But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.
Therefore, the following is a breakdown of the main reasons why great men fall, for if we are guaranteed victory through Christ then, there must of necessity, be some other determining factors that can, and do often bring down great men, because no one who believes, and trusts in God can fall by accident.
[1] Separation from God.
This separation is often temporary in nature, but whenever it occurs it presents a golden opportunity for devils to intrude into our thought processes, the suggestions and allurements that would otherwise lose their sting, if Jesus had been in the vessel. The antidote for sin is not really resistance, a knowledge of the scriptures, or Bible studies. All of these are good and have their rightful place in overcoming, but it is only the person and presence of Jesus, and Jesus alone that can stop sin dead in its tracks.
When Christ continuously dwells in the heart, all sinful attractions lose their sting, and are replaced with upright motives, desires and feelings. Therefore, the first and most important strategy of devils is to separate us from God, even if it might be temporary in nature, for an opening is an opening, and who knows, it might very well just turn out to be the opportunity of a lifetime for them. Let’s read:
John 15:4 Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself except it abide in the Vine no more can ye, except ye abide in me. 5 I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abides in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.
Someone may ask for examples of those temporary separations from God which can often expose our vulnerabilities. We are glad that you asked, for it is important for us to understand the strategies which are used with too great success by our mortal foe. Peter was in the Spirit when he answered Christ on one occasion, but at the next moment a temporary separation took place, and without waiting, lest the golden opportunity should slip by the devil intruded himself and spoke directly through Peter.
What is truly amazing is that it can happen in a split second, and before you know it, great men can say and do things that are diabolically opposed to God’s will. What took place with Peter is often reproduced in our own experience, therefore, let those who are in danger of trusting to themselves take heed lest they fall. Let’s read:
Matthew 16:5 He saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am? 16 And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God. 17 And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven. 21 From that time forth began Jesus to shew unto his disciples, how that he must go unto Jerusalem, and suffer many things of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised again the third day.
22 Then Peter took him, and began to rebuke him, saying, Be it far from thee, Lord: this shall not be unto thee. 23 But he turned, and said unto Peter, Get thee behind me, Satan: thou art an offence unto me: for thou savourest not the things that be of God, but those that be of men. 24 Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.
[C.C pp 312] Satan is ever intruding himself between the soul of man and God.... This lesson in regard to Peter needs to be studied carefully. Peter did not desire to see the cross in the work of Christ. The impression which his words would make was directly opposed to that which Christ desired to make on the minds of His followers, and the Savior was moved to utter one of the sternest rebukes that ever fell from His lips.
Satan was trying to discourage Jesus, and turn Him from His mission; and Peter, in his blind love, was giving voice to the temptation. The prince of evil was the author of the thought. His instigation was behind that impulsive appeal.
So, the question is, how is it that The Holy Spirit can in an instant, be The Author of Peter’s first thought, when he declared in no uncertain terms that Jesus was The Christ, and then moments later, the devil is the author of a thought that is directly opposed to God’s will? It all has to do with the phenomena of temporary separation, which occurs in our own experiences too often and imperceptibly.
Being kept by God’s power through faith continuously is something that many of us are yet to experience. Here it is taking place again with lightening speed, in another format that has been recycled to suit the circumstance. Let’s read:
Luke 9: 51 And it came to pass, when the time was come that he should be received up, he steadfastly set his face to go to Jerusalem, 52 And sent messengers before his face: and they went, and entered into a village of the Samaritans, to make ready for him. 53 And they did not receive him.
54 And when his disciples James and John saw this, they said, Lord, wilt thou that we command fire to come down from heaven, and consume them, even as Elias did? 55 But he turned, and rebuked them, and said, Ye know not what manner of spirit ye are of. 56 For the Son of man is not come to destroy men's lives, but to save them. And they went to another village.
The words: “Even as Elias did” is a reference to what Elijah did under the direct inspiration of The Holy Spirit, when the enemies of God were trying to take out the prophet. But James and John fell into those snares we spoke about in a previous study, by using generic information in the scriptures and applying it across the board, without The Spirit’s direction. For reference purposes, here it is. Let’s read:
2nd Kings 1:9 Then the king sent unto him a captain of fifty with his fifty. And he went up to him: and, behold, he sat on the top of an hill. And he spake unto him, Thou man of God, the king hath said, Come down. 10 And Elijah answered and said to the captain of fifty, If I be a man of God, then let fire come down from heaven and consume thee and thy fifty.
And there came down fire from heaven and consumed him and his fifty. 11 Again also he sent unto him another captain of fifty with his fifty. And he answered and said unto him, O man of God, thus hath the king said, Come down quickly. 12 And Elijah answered and said unto them, If I be a man of God, let fire come down from heaven, and consume thee and thy fifty. And the fire of God came down from heaven and consumed him and his fifty.
What God inspired Elijah to do in a specific instance is not to be used as a template for similar situations without The Lord’s direction, even if it is written in the Bible, for being led by The Spirit of God is not monolithic in nature, but is instead tailor-made for each person in their particular circumstances.
The commandments, laws and the principles of the Bible are to be followed by all but there are specific circumstances which would at times call for God’s intervention in unique ways. Therefore, we must be wary of any momentary separation and pray God to keep our minds stayed on Him throughout the day.
[2] Idleness
Nothing is worse than having nothing to do, for the devil will find something for us to do. Temptations often assert their power when we have nothing to do, or, are at ease. Great success attends the efforts of devils when they come to us in our idle hours. Thus, it was with David who had retired to his home after leaving the conduct of the war to Joab.
As he reflected on his victories, and the riches and honor surrounding him, he began to lose sight of his total dependence on God and no sooner had the evil one succeeded in separating him, that temptation came to him, not in some night-club, but right at his own doorstep. Brethren, if you have nothing to do, find something worthwhile to do. Mow your lawn, wash your cars, take out the garbage, help the wife with cooking or folding the clothes, give out tracts, or seek to help someone in need; but whatever you do, avoid being idle at all costs. Let’s read:
Ezekiel 16:49 Behold, this was the iniquity of thy sister Sodom, pride, fullness of bread, and abundance of idleness was in her and in her daughters, neither did she strengthen the hand of the poor and needy. 50 And they were haughty, and committed abomination before me: therefore, I took them away as I saw good.
2nd Samuel 11:1 And it came to pass, after the year was expired, at the time when kings go forth to battle, that David sent Joab, and his servants with him, and all Israel; and they destroyed the children of Ammon, and besieged Rabbah. But David tarried still at Jerusalem.
2 And it came to pass in an evening-tide, that David arose from off his bed, and walked upon the roof of the king's house: and from the roof he saw a woman washing herself; and the woman was very beautiful to look upon. 3 And David sent and enquired after the woman. And one said, Is not this Bathsheba, the daughter of Eliam, the wife of Uriah the Hittite?
4 And David sent messengers and took her; and she came in unto him, and he lay with her; for she was purified from her uncleanness: and she returned unto her house. 5 And the woman conceived, and sent and told David, and said, I am with child.
[3] Lusting after Women.
This one in particular is huge and is responsible for single handedly taking down kings, church leaders, bishops, clergy, presidents, military generals and so forth. The lust of the eyes and the lust of the flesh when unbridled by God’s presence and grace will wreak havoc, even on those men who have had a real close connection with God. Sexual clamors, which often disproportionately affect men more than women, are very deep rooted in our nature, and can be quite difficult to control, since it includes urges that have been placed in us by God.
It is no respecter of persons and can affect both the married and the single alike. Abraham, David, Solomon, Jacob, were all married, and were Christians just like anybody else, yet they were haunted by the same problem. Therefore, if we are humble, we would not think of ourselves as being invulnerable, but will rather plead with God continuously, to keep us from falling. Let’s read:
Jude 1:24 Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy, 25 To the only wise God our Savior, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen.
[4] Pride.
Whenever pride is indulged in any form, it’s just a matter of time before that person will experience a fall, because pride actively prevents persons from acknowledging their dependence upon God. At the very onset of his reign, king Solomon kneeled and prayed, asking God for wisdom and discretion to direct the affairs of the kingdom.
At this time, he realized that without God he would make shipwreck of faith and practice, and thus, he prayed with the understanding for God to be in his thoughts and in the hearts of his people always, and God listened and He delivered, as He always does to those who are humble enough to ask. Let’s read:
2nd Chronicles 6:13 Solomon had made a brazen scaffold and set it in the midst of the court: and upon it he stood, and knelt down upon his knees before all the congregation of Israel, and spread forth his hands toward heaven. 14 And said, O Lord God of Israel, there is no God like thee in the heaven nor in the earth; Who keeps covenant, and shews mercy unto thy servants, that walk before thee with all their hearts. 19 Have respect therefore to the prayer of thy servant, and to his supplication, O Lord my God, to hearken unto the cry and the prayer which thy servant prays before thee.
2nd Chronicles 6: 1 Now when Solomon had made an end of praying, the fire came down from heaven, and consumed the burnt offering and the sacrifices; and the glory of the Lord filled the house. 2 And the priests could not enter into the house of the Lord, because the glory of the Lord had filled the Lord's house.
That’s all well and good, for God responded in the positive to such a prayer that was made in humility. But sadly, after the dawn of a new day Solomon, bit by bit started to eliminate God from his planning and decisions. He gloried in the thought that his wisdom had now brought kings and queens from afar to learn at his feet, and before you know it, he began to take the glory and credit to himself.
Whenever this takes place, great men will fall, and the higher the climb, the lower the fall will be. It is of very critical importance for the human agent to ascribe all the glory and every praise to God alone, for the accomplishments and fortunes bestowed, for it is God who works within us to will and do of His good pleasure.
But when we begin to think that our own might and wisdom has brought us to where we are, we are in dangerous waters, and sooner or later we will come crashing down. The wisdom Solomon displayed was the direct working of God through him. He knew it, and as such, should not have permitted his head to become swollen with pride. Let’s read:
1st Kings 10:1 And when the queen of Sheba heard of the fame of Solomon concerning the name of the Lord, she came to prove him with hard questions. 2 And when she was come to Solomon, she communed with him of all that was in her heart. 3 And Solomon told her all her questions: there was not anything hid from the king, which he told her not.
4 And when the queen of Sheba had seen all Solomon's wisdom, and the house that he had built, 5 And the meat of his table, and the sitting of his servants, and the attendance of his ministers, and their apparel, and his cupbearers, and his ascent by which he went up unto the house of the Lord; there was no more spirit in her. 6 And she said to the king, It was a true report that I heard in mine own land of thy acts and of thy wisdom.
7 Howbeit I believed not the words, until I came, and mine eyes had seen it: and, behold, the half was not told me: thy wisdom and prosperity exceeds the fame which I heard. 8 Happy are thy men, happy are these thy servants, which stand continually before thee, and that hear thy wisdom. 9 Blessed be the Lord thy God, which delighted in thee, to set thee on the throne of Israel: because the Lord loved Israel forever, therefore made he thee king, to do judgment and justice.
10 And she gave the king an hundred and twenty talents of gold, and of spices very great store, and precious stones: there came no more such abundance of spices as these which the queen of Sheba gave to king Solomon.
Watch it now, for after a day of great victory danger often lurks. It is not good to praise men, for we poor mortals cannot handle praise very well. In fact, we do more damage than good when we praise men for that which God has actually accomplished. Thus, it was with Solomon, and thus it will be with anyone who indulges in the pride of life. Let’s read:
1st Kings 11:4 For it came to pass, when Solomon was old, that his wives turned away his heart after other gods: and his heart was not perfect with the Lord his God, as was the heart of David his father. 5 For Solomon went after Ashtoreth the goddess of the Zidonians, and after Milcom the abomination of the Ammonites. 6 And Solomon did evil in the sight of the Lord, and went not fully after the Lord, as did David his father.
7 Then did Solomon build an high place for Chemosh, the abomination of Moab, in the hill that is before Jerusalem, and for Molech, the abomination of the children of Ammon. 8 And likewise did he for all his strange wives, which burnt incense and sacrificed unto their gods.
It is not inevitable that any of us should fall, nor is it necessary for great men living in our day to suffer defeat that plagued some in former years. God is more than willing and able to keep us from falling, but we must diligently follow the instructions given in His word, pertaining to living victoriously, for we are given mighty promises that we may live by.
We must pray always, not letting our guard down for a moment, and not thinking to ourselves that we are invulnerable. Jesus prayed for victory, and if we pray too, we can be victorious as He was. Also, we must fill our minds with the word of God, with that which is good and right, so that The Holy Spirit can channel our thought processes in right paths.
No one lives victoriously by accident, for it takes well directed and consistent effort, trusting in God to do so. And therefore, we will close with a few passages of scripture which will enable us so live and do, especially now, as we see things winding down in the earth. Let’s read:
Psalms 119:9 Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word. 11 Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.
Ephesians 6: 0 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. 11 Put on the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.
13 Wherefore take unto you the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. 14 Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; 15 And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;
16 Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. 17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. 18 Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints.
2nd Corinthians 10:4 (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) 5 Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ.
God Bless!