On Temptation

How often has temptation led you to a time of praise? This question may seem a little odd, but just think about it a moment. Have you ever been tempted by something, which in your former life you would have given into? I had one of those experience in the last couple of days. When I turned my head and walked away, I first thought that I was the biggest idiot in the world. But, as I thought about the events I was brought to the realization that I had just been shown by God the greatness of the changes in my life. I was brought low and found myself in a period of praise to God for the miraculous transformation he works in peoples life.
I think, that this is a part of what Paul meant when he told the Philippian church, "Work out your salvation with fear and trembling. For it is God who is at work in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure." When we find ourself being tempted by the things we found delight in before we knew Christ, we must work to avoid those things as well as realize that God is working in us as well. Is this not also a part of what Paul meant when he also commanded us to, "conduct (our)selves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ?"
I guess what I am trying to say is best understood in light of a comment made by C.S. Lewis in his book, Mere Christianity. "We never find out the strength of the evil impulse inside us until we try to fight it: and Christ, because he was the only man who never yielded to temptation, is also the only man who knows to the full what temptation means- the only complete realist." When we fight temptation, and at least do not give in with in five minutes, we become more aware of the hardness of avoiding sin and running to God. Do not loose heart brothers, God desires to work in us.
Bottom line: The next time you are tempted by sin, allow that temptation (once overcome) to drive you to a place of thankfulness and praise for the work of Christ.
Suggested Reading:
John Owen, Mortification of Sin
J.C. Ryle, Holiness