INTRODUCTION

The average believer might never consider the word joy as an appropriate term to associate with temptations. The reason for this perplexity has to do with the fact that far too many believers fail to experience the God-intended victory when tempted. Temptations put a man’s faith on trial. When his faith stands the test, he learns patience. Therefore, he sees temptation as a means by which he can grow in the Lord and experience added virtues such as patience. It is not that he finds joy within the temptation itself, but that God can and will use that temptation to make him “perfect and entire, wanting nothing” (James 1:4But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.
See All...). Believers who fight through and obtain victory find joy in knowing that their faith pleases God (Hebrews 11:6But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.
See All...).

DEVOTIONAL THOUGHTS

• (For children): When we think of Romans 8:28And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.
  See All..., we can have joy in hard times. The Lord found joy in His temptations (Hebrews 12:2Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.
  See All...). Paul had many temptations (2 Corinthians 11:23Are they ministers of Christ? (I speak as a fool) I am more; in labours more abundant, in stripes above measure, in prisons more frequent, in deaths oft.
  See All...b-28). Consider his attitude (Acts 20:24But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God.
  See All...; 2 Timothy 4:7I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:
  See All...).
• (For everyone): Have you ever found joy in the midst of temptations? What moved you to this joy? How has God used your temptations to draw you closer to Himself?
• How is the joy of temptation (James 1:2My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations;
  See All...) different from the “pleasures of sin” (Hebrews 11:25Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season;
  See All...)? Which one is enduring and righteous? Which one is most often sought by men?

PRAYER NEEDS

• Ask God to help you rejoice in the victories over temptation.
• Thank the Lord for helping you during difficult times.

HYMN

YIELD NOT TO TEMPTATION

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