Denial Is Not A River In Egypt

"Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall. No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it." - 1 Corinthians 10:12-13

Martie and I were talking about Frodo and Bilbo Baggins. What an example of temptation and the struggle we all have with lust of the eyes, lust of the flesh and the pride of life. (1 John 2:16) Bilbo wanted to believe that he was free from the power of the Ring - yet he was not. Gandalf asked him for the ring and he resisted giving it up. When he saw it again hanging from Frodo neck, he momentarily turned on Frodo when denied the opportunity to embrace the ring once again.

So what does this have to do with us? You and me? Our old, sinful nature and its desires is crouching at the door.

"So the Lord said to Cain, “Why are you angry? And why has your countenance fallen? If you do well, will you not be accepted? And if you do not do well, sin lies at the door. And its desire is for you, but you should rule over it." - Genesis 4:6-7

Don't fool yourself, like Bilbo, and believe that you are above all that. Don't believe that you can control it on your own. You could not control it before you were born again, and you can't now. The "way to escape" is spiritual not willful.  And when you do sin, and you will, don't deny it. Martie and I helped start a Celebrate Recovery ministry in Waveland while we were there.  One phrase that stuck with me was "Denial is not a river in Egypt". It is easy to pretend that we are someone we are not. Especially if our sins are limited to our thought life or our alone time. As children of God, we are never alone.

"Do you not know that you are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you?" - 1 Corinthians 3:16

So why tell you this? Because I want to encourage you in your faith. To know that you are not alone in your struggle. And to remind you of God's promise to you when you do sin.

"If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say that we have not sinned, we make Him a liar, and His word is not in us." - 1 John 1:8-10

To confess means to agree with not reveal. It means that you have once again yielded to the Lordship of Jesus with a broken and contrite heart.

"For You do not desire sacrifice, or else I would give it; You do not delight in burnt offering. The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit, A broken and a contrite heart— These, O God, You will not despise." Psalm 51:16-17

Think about it – Pray about it – Believe it – Walk in it. Let your light shine and give God the glory.

By Faith Alone By His Grace Alone And For His Glory Alone