Thursday 21 April 2011

TEMPTATION

'Temptation is so strong in our lives precisely because it's not about us. Temptation is an assault by the demonic powers on the rival empire of the Messiah. That's why conversion to Christ doesn't diminish the power of temptation - as we often assume - but actually, counterintuitively, ratchets it up. If you bear the Spirit of the One the powers rage against, they will seek to tear down the icon of the Crucified they see embedded in you (1 Pet.4:14; Rev.12:17). Ultimately, the agony of temptation is not about you and me. We're targeted because we resemble Jesus, our firstborn brother.'
Russell D Moore, Tempted and Tried, p.21.