Topic: Take heed, lest you fall!
Bible Reading: Psalm 142-144; 1 Corinthians 10:14-33.
Memory Verse: “Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall.” 1 Corinthians 10:12 (KJV)
The Christian race is not a 100 meter dash but a marathon and every believer should therefore be on guard to ensure he finishes well. Doing that is not by power or strength but by the grace of God. Anyone who thinks he has attained should watch out for trials and temptations.
A story was told of a Christian who was celebrated for his fidelity in marriage and rather than give the glory to God, he decided to enjoy all the accolades as if it was by his might. Some months after that celebration, he was caught in an adulterous relationship! Zechariah 4:6 (KJV) says, “Then he answered and spake unto me, saying, This is the word of the LORD unto Zerubbabel, saying, Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the LORD of hosts.”
It is a re-awakening call for humility and vigilance. Every human being has weaknesses and these are potentials for failure. Thus, a believer’s strength does not lie in self reliance but in acknowledging dependence on God. It is also a caution against pride and over-confidence, highlighting the dangers of thinking one is immuned to temptation or beyond falling into sin. While at Mount Olives, the Lord Jesus said to the disciples that they would fall away because of Him that night but Apostle Peter said to the Lord Jesus confidently that even if all other disciples fall away, he would not. The Lord then told Peter specifically that before the cock crows, he would deny Him three times. (Matthew 26:30-34 KJV). “Peter said unto him, Though I should die with thee, yet will I not deny thee. Likewise also said all the disciples.” Matthew 26:35 (KJV). But later that night before the cock crew, Peter denied Jesus three times and even invoked curse on himself and swore that he did not know Jesus Christ after which he remembered the words of the lord and he went out and wept bitterly! So it is important to recognise the fragility of the human body and to rely on the Holy Spirit at all times.
You need to recognise that you are able to stand only by the grace of God and that is why 1 Corinthians 10:12 (KJV) says, “Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall.” And God has also given us assurance that we will not be tempted beyond our capacity. It says in 1 Corinthians 10:13 (KJV), “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.” So be watchful and prayerful always seeking God’s strength to overcome all forms of temptation.
Prayer point:
Father, please deliver me from all forms of trials and temptations in Jesus name.
Bro. Biodun Oyapero