Deliverance from Temptation
The Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptations.
~ 2 Pet 2:9
What though fierce and strong temptations
Press around thee on the way,
And thy sinful inclinations
Often cause thee great dismay!
Look to Jesus,
Thou through him shalt gain the day.
Temptation to Be Resisted
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.
~ Eph 6:12
From strength to strength go on,
Wrestle, and fight, and pray;
Tread all the powers of darkness down,
And win the well-fought day.
Temptation to Slothfulness in Religion
Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou has left thy first love. Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works.
~ Rev 2:4-5
I need the influence of thy grace
To speed me in the way,
Lest I should loiter in my pace,
Or turn my feet astray.
Temptations — From the Love of Riches
They that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition.
~ 1 Tim 6:9
Oh lay not up upon this earth
Your hopes, your joys, your treasure,
Here sorrow clouds the pilgrim’s path,
And blights each opening pleasure.
All, all below must fade and die,
The dearest hopes we cherish,
Scenes touch’d with brightest radiancy,
Are all decreed to perish.
Affliction Succeeded by Glory
Our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory.
~ 2 Cor 4:17
All trials and sorrows the Christian prepare
For the rest that remaineth above;
On earth tribulation awaits him, but there
The smile of unchangeable love.
Benefits of Affliction — Exercises Our Faith
Ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations: that the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ.
~ 1 Pet 1:6-7
Dark are the ways of Providence,
While those who love thee groan;
Thy reasons lie conceal’d from sense,
Mysterious and unknown.
Benefits of Affliction — Brings Sin to Remembrance
If they be bound in fetters, and be holden in cords of affliction; then he showeth them their work, and their transgressions that they have exceeded.
– Job 36:8-9
My former hopes are fled,
My terror now begins;
I feel, alas! that I am dead
In trespasses and sins.
Benefits of Affliction — Contrition for Sin
I will go and return to my place, till they acknowledge their offence, and seek my face: in their affliction they will seek me early.
~ Hos 5:15
What though afflictions pierced my heart!
I bless the hand that caused the smart;
It taught my tears awhile to flow,
But saved me from eternal woe.
Christ an Example to the Afflicted
Even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps.
~ 1 Pet 2:21
Our glorious Leader claims our praise
For his own pattern given,
While the long cloud of witnesses
Show the same path to heaven.
