THROUGH THE BIBLE IN THREE YEARS
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A boxer was having trouble with his opponent. He couldn't get close enough to jab and punch, but the other guy was hitting him easily.
He looked over to his ring man for help. About that time a big glove hit him on the chin and knocked him out.
When he came around, he asked the ring man why the other guy was hitting him, but he couldn't get in a decent shot.
The ring man said, "Well, first, you gotta keep your eyes on the OPPONENT!"
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2 Peter 3:17-18
17 Ye therefore, beloved, seeing ye know these things before, beware lest ye also, being led away with the error of the wicked, fall from your own stedfastness.
18 But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen.
KJV
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All too often Christians, especially young Christians, let their soul's eyes get to looking back at the world, and not ahead at God's path. Lot's wife let that happen and it cost her her life.
Peter says not to be "led away by the error of the wicked." There are many things and people that will lead us away from God's path.
One way to avoid this problem is to "GROW!" Grow in GRACE. Learn how to say "NO" in kindness and with a Biblical explanation. Learn how to extend kindness even when being firm. One can be gracious and still say "NO!"
Another way to help avoid temptation is to grow in the knowledge of Christ. Grow in the knowledge of His Word. Study, pray, attend church, be fixed on God's path. Grow until you find a place of ministry. Ministry means serving the Lord in a way that benefits others. When you find a place of ministry, you'll not have TIME to waste on worldliness.
The OPPONENT is worldliness. And the REASON we want to grow in "grace" and in the "knowledge" of our Lord is so we can be alert to the opponent's tricks!
"Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever." (1 John 2:15-17)
Stay focused!
Love ya,
Bruce