WithoutWax.tv by Pete Wilson | Tag Archive | temptation
Tag Archive - temptation

Deceptively Good

March 16, 2010 in Spiritual Growth with 40 Comments

We’re in a series at Cross Point entitled “Seriously” where we’re looking at some of the tough teachings of Jesus. This past Sunday (you can watch the message HERE) we talked about Luke 14 where Jesus says…

If anyone comes to me and does not hate his father and mother, his wife and children, his brothers and sisters—yes, even his own life—he cannot be my disciple.

Now clearly Jesus is not condoning hating those closest to you. He’s purposefully using hyperbole to help us understand that we must love everything else less. Following Him must be our number one priority. We can’t allow good things (even family) to become ultimate things.

As I meditated on this passage last week I felt God impressing this on me:

Your greatest temptation will not be to chase after what is ridiculously evil, but what is deceptively good.

I have a tendency to allow good things (money, success, family, ministry, etc.) to become ultimate things.

How about you. Where are you tempted to take something that is good and make it ultimate?

Haunted By Temptations

March 19, 2009 in God, Religion with 28 Comments

Only 24 days left in the 28 Day Challenge. If you’re reading along with us today you’ll be in Matthew 4. I’ve been overwhelmed by how many of you have joined in on this challenge.  If you haven’t then it’s not too late. Just start in Matthew 4 with us today. I’ve had a blast reading your observations on twitter. If you twitter use the #28dayCP hash tag on your twitters and we’ll be able to interact with each other easier.

This morning I was thinking about Matthew 4:1-11 where Jesus is tempted. There were 3 basic temptations.

1) Appeal to physical appetite. (4:3)
2) Appeal to personal gain. (4:6)
3) Appeal to power and glory. (4:8-9)

I believe Satan’s temptations of people today often fall into the same three categories (this was the same pattern of temptation Satan used against Adam and Eve by the way). Now I’m not one who believes Satan is behind every bush, but I do believe he is very much alive and active in our world today. I believe he seeks to “steal and kill and destroy” and most often it will be in the form of one of these three temptations.

The one I think he tempts me with most often is the “appeal to personal gain”.

Sometimes I’m tempted to spin a conversation where it makes me sound like a better husband or father than I actually am.

Sometimes I’m tempted to take a short cut and receive God’s promises without accepting His timing.

Sometimes I’m tempted to position myself to get more credit and in the process steal God’s glory.

Sometimes I’m tempted to think If I’m waiting on God and nothing is happening I must be wasting my time.

Sometimes I tempted to make Christianity about my ego driven, self-centered, materialistic needs!

Which one of these three areas do you think Satan tempts you most often?

What else have you been learning in Matthew the last few days?

A Lump In My Throat

May 16, 2008 in Church Leadership, Church Planting, God, Leadership, Religion with 71 Comments

I first met Brad Johnson when I was in college. He was one of the most gifted communicators and leaders I had ever seen in action. He was also an incredible Godly man. Brad was already being nationally recognized for his abilities, but graciously took the time out of his schedule to meet with me on occasion. I always left those meetings encouraged and bit in awe of what God was doing in this man’s life.

Brad would go on to leave the church where I originally met him to serve in some of the largest churches in America.

I can’t explain the shock I felt one year ago when I heard that Brad was stepping down from his church because he had an affair. This week I read the following letter on his blog. My heart still aches for him and so many other pastors I know who are no longer in ministry due to similar situations

Monday, May 12, 2008
OPEN LETTER TO CALVARY COMMUNITY CHURCH

Open Letter to the Elders and to Calvary Community Church–
One year ago today, I spoke for the last time at Calvary. For the first time since I was 17, I have gone a year and have not spoken in a church, not served in a church, not volunteered in a church, and have not been asked to…just months ago, I began attending a church again (sit in the back, head down, anonymous.)

It seems like the one year mark would be a good time and place to write this letter. I am so sorry for the pain and emotional upheaval my life and actions have caused you and the precious bride of Christ.

I’m sorry for the deceptions, the irresponsibility, and the sin of adultery that came from my life and infected others. I assume full responsibility for my actions with no excuses and no rationalizations.

(CLICK HERE TO READ FULL LETTER)

As painful as this letter is for me to read, I have read it no less than ten times today. It seems Brad might have taught me more through his failure than he ever did through his success.

I’m thinking today that sin is a powerful thing. I’m thinking it could happen to ANYONE. I’m thinking sin brings immense pain into one’s life. I’m thinking of how sin can rob one of their family and their legacy. I’m thinking sin won’t send a Christian to hell, but it will bring hell to your life here on earth.

I’m thinking there are second chances. I’m thinking of the prodigal son. I’m thinking about the woman at the well. I’m thinking of the cross. I’m thinking God is a God of grace and mercy. I’m thinking of the depths of His love.

What are you thinking?

Pete