How to Keep Sanctified

By Charles J. Fowler

Chapter 13

TEMPTATION

Keeping sanctified demands that we overcome the varied temptations of life.

We need, furthermore, to be forearmed against temptation by remembering its great purpose in our probation. James utters a startling word when be says: "Count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations." But he gives a reason for this strange exhortation when he says "that the trying of your faith worketh patience."

Temptation is a process of discipline. There is no substitute for it in developing our spiritual nature, whether it be the temptation of testing that God directly brings to the believer (Heb. 11:17), or the soliciting to evil which comes from the devil, which God allows. The fact is the same; it is for our spiritual bettering. These experiences of varied nature are not inviting in themselves, and pleasant, but they result in that which reveals their value (Heb. 12:11). The writer to the Hebrews further emphasizes the "profit" of what he calls being "chastened," in that it is that "we might be partakers of His holiness" (Heb. 12:10).

Temptation, then, is to be expected, and we should be prepared for it. And indeed, while not sought, it should be welcomed; and we are assured it shall not be too severe for our faith. (1 Cor. 10:13).