James 1:13 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.
[Patriarchs & Prophets pp 718] Every effort which David made to conceal his guilt proved unavailing. He had betrayed himself into the power of Satan; danger surrounded him, dishonor more bitter than death was before him. There appeared but one way of escape, and in his desperation he was hurried on to add murder to adultery. He who had compassed the destruction of Saul was seeking to lead David also to ruin. Though the temptations were different, they were alike in leading to transgression of God's law.
In closing, we are strongly advised not to take the victory for granted, nor should we presume that just because we may not have slipped up on a particular issue for many years, that we stand free and clear. As we have seen, this is not necessarily the case in every situation. The urgency of the moment calls for soul searching of no ordinary character, confession of latent, sinful tendencies, and the humbling of our hearts before God.
This has become even more necessary than previously, so that we may be victorious before the storm bursts upon us, for sacred history teaches us that God always gives the victory, before the battle, not merely during the battle. We therefore close with two passages of Scripture that we would do well to ponder, even as we see cracks beginning to appear in the new abnormal.
Psalms 139: 23 Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts. 24 And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.
May The Lord add His blessing to the study of His word. God bless!