Matthew 15:18 But those things which proceed out of the mouth come forth from the heart; and they defile the man.
19 For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies.
20 These are the things which defile a man.
The human family is tempted in two main ways: [1] Via our five senses, through which we communicate with the outside world. [2] Through temptations or cravings that are cultivated internally, in the mind.
And while temptation in and of itself is not a sin, the much more dangerous of the two previous methods mentioned, is the temptation which often occurs internally, without any provocation from devils, for while it is true that they continue to do their dirty work relentlessly, the fact is that if left alone, folks can run on automatic, without any external input.
This issue must be addressed head-on, for far too long folks have blamed devils wrongfully, when in very many instances, devils did not interfere nor did they trigger the evil thoughts that set into motion the temptation with which one was tempted in his or her mind.
Individuals do not necessarily need to be tempted externally in order for sinful thought to be triggered or for any sinful suggestions to reach maturity into actions. The human mind will run involuntarily in a downward trajectory so that without Christ, no one has to be tempted, provoked or encouraged to sin.
Thus, because of our fallen nature, and all the latent tendencies it comes with, persons naturally follow the lead of carnal cravings and desires, unless they are constrained by the presence and power of God continually.
In other words, if God were to destroy devils in the morning, and if God were to put them permanently out of commission, or consign them to never-land, phantom temptations would continue to exist, and would continue to morph into evil words and deeds, just the same as if the devil was alive and well.
This means that the problem with temptation is not so much external as it is internal as the first passage makes plain. Jesus pointed poignantly to this issue of the human experience, as the cause of the sinful action in most instances, and then He further makes mention of the fact that persons often sin in their minds, without any follow-up overt actions.
This fact above all else should cause each one of us to engage in deep and thorough soul-searching, to determine and know whether the temptations we are afflicted with are being engineered externally, or if perchance, they are being churned out in our own private factory.
In the case of Christ’s temptations, we would read in the scriptures that “the devil came to him”. But in our situation, the devil does not necessarily have to come to us; he can leave us all by ourselves, and if we are not rooted in Christ, the sinful outcome will become inevitable. Two deeply troubling passages on this point are worthy of our consideration. Let’s read:
Matthew 15:18 But those things which proceed out of the mouth come forth from the heart; and they defile the man.
19 For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies.
20 These are the things which defile a man.
James 1:12 Blessed is the man that endures temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him.
13 Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempts he any man.
14 But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed.
15 Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.
Both of these passages point to internal temptation as the main driver, and producer of most external evils and, James states unequivocally that there is also a gestation period of sorts where evil thoughts, temptations, and decisions do converge, before the entire process ruptures into open sin.
It almost never occurs in a vacuum as many persons claim as a cop-out that “the devil made me do it”. Thus, before we proceed, we must understand the meaning of the word “Phantom”: Something that is not real and exists only in a person's mind.
This definition, as given by the dictionary, does not capture the full scope or the severity of the problem because, although temptations in the mind may not produce tangible effects, they are indeed palpable, and they are as real as if they literally existed in the physical world.
Both men and women do suffer from this syndrome and the honest in heart will be first to admit that it is real, for it was the reason why God had to bring a flood upon the antediluvian world. In that episode, the internal problem of the mind loomed large, and it prompted God to make the following declaration. Let’s read:
Genesis 6: 5 And God saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually.
David recognized the seriousness of the problem, after he fell on the issue of fatal attraction, and as we stand upon the borders of the heavenly Canaan, internal and external foes will endeavor to get our minds bent in a downward trajectory, by indulging or cultivating phantom temptations.
As David considered the extent, and the depths to which he fell, he penned words that all who would live victoriously in these last days, would do well to consider, and appropriate to ourselves, wherever the situation may warrant such consideration. Let’s read:
Psalms 51:1 Have mercy upon me, O God, according to thy lovingkindness: according unto the multitude of thy tender mercies blot out my transgressions.
2 Wash me thoroughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin.
6 Behold, thou desirest truth in the inward parts. and in the hidden part thou shalt make me to know wisdom.
10 Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.
It’s very worthy of note, that throughout the entire chapter of Palms 51 not a single mention is made of the devil. That is because, like Christ later stated, it isn’t really a “devil” problem as such, it is a latent, internal problem of the mind, phantom temptations if you will, and unless it’s addressed and understood as such, our mitigation efforts would certainly lead to failure and ruin.
However, Jesus does not teach us to grovel in our human weakness, because dwelling on our failures and errors does not strengthen us to face problems within the mind. In fact, the opposite is true, for if we dwell on our weaknesses, they would loom even larger, and before you know it, our fears would then crystalize our faith, which is an outlook on life which God never endorses. Let’s read:
2nd Timothy 1:7 For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.
This leads us to our study for this evening: “Overcoming Phantom Temptations”
There are certain facts in the spiritual realm that are to be clearly understood by all, especially those who are a part of the remnant people of God, for these facts will greatly strengthen our resolve to keep on fighting the good fight of faith and would ultimately empower us to live victoriously from day to day.
[1] A mind that is constantly stayed on God is kept by His power from dwelling on, and cultivating external or internal temptations which occur, for they could, and should be signally dismissed by the word of God, and by the power of His Holy Spirit dwelling in us.
The gospel of Jesus Christ is never a make-believe gospel; it is a living, breathing power which enables all who so desire to live victoriously on an ongoing basis. Some persons become frustrated, and others become disappointed with themselves because the desired outcome, after accepting the gospel might seem to have not been materialized.
On this point, we must state unequivocally that God does not work and plan as we do. He brings His own omnipotent and creative power to the table, so that all who are found in Christ will become partakers of His victory. This point is clearly stated in the Bible. Let’s read:
2nd Corinthians 4:3 But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost.
The real problem is never with the true gospel; it is always with the human agent because every person who truly believes in Jesus, who would follow all the rules of engagement by God’s grace, as written in the Bible, will be victorious on all levels. Christ did not die to grant us a spurious victory as a figment of our imagination; He died so that we could live like conquerors. Let’s read:
Romans 1:16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to everyone that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.
John 10:10 The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.
John 10:27 My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me.
28 And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.
29 My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father's hand.
30 I and my Father are one.
[2] Phantom temptations would be signally dismissed and overcome through a constant connection to the power of Christ, who will work in collaboration with our freedom of choice to rat out every real, or imaginary temptation.
No need to worry or grovel in our weaknesses, for if we look to Jesus throughout the day, it will become very difficult, if not nearly impossible for individuals to be overthrown by either external or internal foes. This fact about Christ’s salvation needs to be given due consideration, for some people dwell too much upon what devils can do, and not upon what Christ has done, and will continue to do. Let’s read:
2nd Corinthians 10:3 For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh.
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.
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.
[Desire Of Ages pp 324] When the soul surrenders itself to Christ, a new power takes possession of the new heart. A change is wrought which man can never accomplish for himself. It is a supernatural work, bringing a supernatural element into human nature.
The soul that is yielded to Christ becomes His own fortress, which He holds in a revolted world, and He intends that no authority shall be known in it but His own. A soul thus kept in possession by the heavenly agencies is impregnable to the assaults of Satan.
Impregnable: (Cambridge English dictionary) A building or place that is impregnable is so strongly built and defended that it cannot be entered by force. Powerful and impossible to beat.
The previous statement of fact begs the question: why then had David fallen so low, when he had had so many mountaintop experiences. David fell and all others will fall, whenever persons allow themselves to become unhinged from the source of power.
Just two weeks ago, we were forced to cancel our broadcast because we were disconnected from the cable company, through no fault of our own, and as a result we lost the power to perform. A few weeks ago, we had a power outage in our neighborhood, and it temporarily took all of our computers out of commission.
Then, when power was restored, we had to reboot our equipment, so that they could function again at full capacity. But while they were down, because of a lack of vital power, we could do no surfing or work because being disconnected from the power source rendered them incapable of doing what they would normally be able to do.
The same is true for any light bulb, or floodlight or any electrical equipment, including this little light of mine, I’m going to let it shine; if it gets disconnected from the source of its power it will inevitably lose its ability to function, and thereby resist the incursions coming from without and within.
This is exactly what took place with David, when he temporarily got disconnected from God. He lost the power to resist the phantom temptations that were lurking in his mind, which were only waiting for the opportune moment to become unhinged, and thus, to converge into actions that caused his downfall.
The next obvious and logical question is: What then causes God fearing persons to become temporarily disconnected from the source of their power? This question and the two answers that would be given must be clearly understood by all.
Answer: [1] Anything or anyone that is allowed the first place in our affections, will ultimately engage our utmost attentions and energies, and if it is not Christ or the interests of His kingdom, we may know for certain that separation has already begun. Let’s read:
John 14:4 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 who abides in me, and I in him, the same brings forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.
[Patriarchs & Prophets pp 717] As soon as Satan can separate the soul from God, the only Source of strength, he will seek to arouse the unholy desires of man's carnal nature.
The word “arouse” must be given due consideration at this time, because something cannot be aroused except it be present and/or dormant. For example: “The pit-bull was “aroused” when it heard the mail-man at the front door”. The pit-bull in question would first have to be present, in order for it to be “aroused”
As it pertains to phantom temptations, every sinful tendency and craving that is cherished, which then remains in a latent state within our minds, can and will absolutely be aroused into action whenever the right set of circumstances converge.
And that’s why the Bible study today is so critically important for us to grasp, for some of us might be walking around, thinking that we’re ok when we’re not, just because there may not be any overt sinful action.
[Patriarchs & Prophets pp 717] The work of the enemy is not abrupt; it is not, at the outset, sudden and startling; it is a secret undermining of the strongholds of principle. It begins in apparently small things—the neglect to be true to God and to rely upon Him wholly, the disposition to follow the customs and practices of the world.
This temporary separation is often accomplished by devils using what we refer to as good temptations. For clarity, a “Good temptation” is one that is not inherently bad, in and of itself, but at the end of the day, it ultimately serves the purpose of drawing us away from Christ, sometimes almost imperceptibly.
Case in point is the situation which obtained when Jesus became very hungry, and went to the home of Mary and Martha to do lunch. At this time Martha became quite busy with preparing the meal because there was an important need to be addressed, for The Creator of the universe was very hungry, and was and was sitting in her living room.
But although her cooking was important, it was not that important in the bigger picture, because, as the Lord soon pointed out if one has to choose between cooking a meal for The Creator, and listening to the words of life coming from His lips, cooking becomes less of a priority, even though it is something good. Let’s read:
Luke 10:38 Now it came to pass, as they went, that he entered into a certain village: and a certain woman named Martha received him into her house.
39 And she had a sister called Mary, which also sat at Jesus' feet, and heard his word.
40 But Martha was cumbered about much serving, and came to him, and said, Lord, dost thou not care that my sister hath left me to serve alone? bid her therefore that she helps me.
41 And Jesus answered and said unto her, Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things.
42 But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part which shall not be taken away from her.
Another example of a good temptation, occurred just as Christ was delivering a sermon to the people. He was in the middle of speaking important truths when His family showed up, and instead of joining the throng to listen in, they waited on the outside, and sent messengers to ask Jesus to come to them.
But doing so would have cut short His sermon, and even though, seeing His mother, and His brethren was important, again, it wasn’t that important, for whenever the work of the gospel is interrupted for reasons, other than those ordained by God, there we will have a good temptation sitting at our door. Let’s read:
Matthew 12: 46 While he yet talked to the people, behold, his mother and his brethren stood without, desiring to speak with him.
47 Then one said unto him, Behold, thy mother and thy brethren stand without, desiring to speak with thee.
48 But he answered and said unto him that told him, Who is my mother? and who are my brethren?
49 And he stretched forth his hand toward his disciples, and said, Behold my mother and my brethren!
50 For whosoever shall do the will of my Father which is in heaven, the same is my brother, and sister, and mother.
It is worthy of note that the timing of this particular interruption occurred just as Jesus was making such a revelation about the work of devils on the human heart, that would warrant from them an immediate response to try if possible, to divert the attention of the multitudes from truths that would be critically important to their understanding of the invisible world.
So, let’s observe in context and timing, what’s really taking place, when out of the blue, the request to stop speaking, and attend to some family matters took place. If we’ll receive it, it’s just another good temptation coming from the enemy of souls. Let’s read:
Matthew 12: 43 When the unclean spirit is gone out of a man, he walketh through dry places, seeking rest, and finds none.
44 Then he saith, I will return into my house from whence I came out; and when he is come, he finds it empty, swept, and garnished.
45 Then goeth he, and takes with himself seven other spirits more wicked than himself, and they enter in and dwell there: and the last state of that man is worse than the first.
46 While he yet talked to the people, behold, his mother and his brethren stood without, desiring to speak with him.
Disturbances and temptations such as these often take place at a critical moment when the pastor or an elder may be delivering some sacred truths that would make a difference in some person’s life. It is most often a good temptation that’s occurring even though some may be none the wiser.
[2] The soul can also be separated from God by what we choose to feed upon mentally.
If persons desire to live victoriously over phantom temptations, we must be very careful about what we choose to see or hear, because the five senses are the avenues to the soul, and because of this, the information and images coming into the mind could exert a deleterious effect on those who are careless upon this aspect of spiritual warfare.
To put it bluntly, if phantom temptations are to be held at bay and uprooted, there are certain things one cannot do. For example, deliberately looking at pornography in any form will effectually render the work of the Holy Spirit null and void, for situations such as this sets up an antagonistic atmosphere in the mind that pits the carnal against the spiritual.
And wherever this takes place, the soul will become separated from God; temporarily at first, and then, permanently if the practice is never surrendered. It must be stated here that porn is a cancer that’s now eating out the soul of millions of persons, including members of the clergy. Thus, it creates a tug of war between good and bad impulses within one’s soul. Let’s read:
Galatians 5:16 This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh. 17 For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other, so that you cannot do the things that you would.
As knowledge and inventions increase over time, evil will become more readily available, even at our fingertips, and thus, the Christian living in today’s world will have to follow God’s instructions on how to avoid the many pitfalls and snares that are being laid for the feet of the unwary.
Phantom temptations in particular will need to be addressed, and overcome, by the grace of God, in preparation for the latter rain. We are told in the Bible that “As a man thinks in his heart, so is he” which means that the thoughts and imaginations would need to be cleansed from the stains of sin, whether real or phantom. Let’s read:
[The Great Controversy pp 622] Now, while our great High Priest is making the atonement for us, we should seek to become perfect in Christ. Not even by a thought could our Savior be brought to yield to the power of temptation.
Satan finds in human hearts some point where he can gain a foot-hold; some sinful desire is cherished, by means of which his temptations assert their power. But Christ declared of himself, “The prince of this world comes, and has nothing in me.” [John 14:30.]
Satan could find nothing in the Son of God that would enable him to gain the victory. He had kept his Father's commandments, and there was no sin in him that Satan could use to his advantage. This is the condition in which those must be found who shall stand in the time of trouble.
The path to victory, as it pertains to overcoming phantom temptations, is by the word, and through the indwelling Spirit of God. Those who do not see the necessity of prayer will find out sooner or later that cherished, latent tendencies would eventually place the mind in an iron grip, from which it will be very difficult to escape.
But God has made available to every believer, the power to overcome on a daily basis, if persons will only watch and pray. Having one’s mind stayed on God throughout the day is the equivalent of living in the Spirit, and all who will submit themselves to the instructions given on this point, would not be made the sport of temptations, whether they be internal or external.
We therefore end with a passage of scripture that calls on us to throw in our two cents, together with God’s 100 %, for it is by cooperating, and laying the framework for an atmosphere that will be favorable to spiritual growth, that we would live victoriously over phantom temptations. Let’s read:
Philippians 4:8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.
God Bless!