Thoughts of tempation? Or unavoidable brain wave function?

by **Test4echo101** on Sat Feb 07, 2004 11:25 am

Good day everybody!<img src=http://www.ezboard.com/images/emoticons/smile.gif ALT=":)"> 
 
I would like to speak with everyone about something that has been nagging on me for a while now. 
 
Here it is: 
 
What exactly is temptation? When does it occur? How does a person resist it? If at all possible, keep it from happening. 
 
Now the classic example of tempation is something or someone under influence of Satan whom tries to lead you from God's intended path, by way of pleasure, revenge, selfishness etc... All external, from the physical world. 
 
This form of Temptation is beyond your control. Entities (demons perhaps?) comming to you in the physical. All you can do is resist when it comes. 
 
The other form of temptation, occurs in your own head. 
There is Nothing you can do about those. 
For example: 
Big pink Elephant, smoking a cigarette on the toilet while reading the newspaper. 
 
To late....you've already pictured it in your head. 
 
It seems to me, its impossible not to have "thoughts" that may not be pure in Gods eyes. At least for me. Those thoughts can range from the person I want to smash that has 22 items in the 1-8 item isle in the grocery store, to a fine looking woman I see shopping for Lingerie. I've done nothing wrong in the physical, but I know what I've been thinking, and God does to. 
 
I've had some people suggest that as long as you don't foster those thoughts, enourage them, and definetly don't act on them, a person would be Ok. 
 
However, Jesus himself said that "to lust after a woman in your heart, you've already commited adultery". 
Therefore, when your judgement day comes around, you may well be convicted of adultery, simply because you "thought about it". 
 
I don't think this example that Jesus gave us only refers to adultery. What if you lust to punch someone in the head? What about jealousy? Hatred? 
Is even thinking about lets say Stealing something, a Sin? 
 
Now this scares the hell out of me because, if thats the case, I'm in big trouble. I would dare to say that many of you would be in trouble as well if "thoughts" could be used against us during judgment. 
 
This is my question to you all: 
Is giving into temptation and sin something that manifests itself in the physical world," YOUR ACTIONS", or can giving into temptation and sin be just as potent, just as damning, in a simple thought? 
 
Thanks, 
 
Test 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Edited by: <A HREF=http://pub149.ezboard.com/bherbsdiscussionboard.showUserPublicProfile?gid=test4echo101>Test4echo101</A> at: 2/7/04 4:52 pm

by **AngieKat** on Sat Feb 07, 2004 5:53 pm

Test, 
 
You've asked some really good questions. Definately had me thinking. I've had similar concerns-asked the pastor's wife about it at a Bible study once about thoughts being sin and what about when Jesus said you would be better off without your eyes if you look at a woman lustfully. She seemed to dismiss it and say that as long as you don't act on it its not sin. But I wasn't quite satisfied with her answer. I certainly believe if you purposely entertain such thoughts its a sin. But if those thoughts show up and you don't desire to have such thoughts-I think you become immediately convicted inside your head/heart and you do what you have to do such as pray for their removal and forgiveness, after all to me its just an indication of our sinful nature that only Christ could cleanse with his blood. I don't think there is anything we can do to stop these thoughts immediately but to keep maturing in Christ and becoming more "holy" or like him. As you mature in Christ I believe those thougts will dissipate until when we are perfected in Heaven we will not entertain those sinful thoughts anymore. 
 
I have only in the last three years began to study the Bible so unfortunately I can't pull alot of verses out to help you, but for me and my sinful thoughts-I humbly ask the Lord's forgiveness each time I'm convicted by the spirit and I know I am forgiven. I hope this helps. 
 
Angela

by **Herb** on Sat Feb 07, 2004 6:27 pm

Not all the thoughts in our head are necessarily ours? Satan tempts us by placing his thoughts in our head. So if they're not even our thoughts, they're not our sin. However, if they become our thoughts, then they can become our sin. 
 
That's why it's so important for us to saturate our minds with God's word. This is how we can tell the difference. 
 
Yet, as Angiekat said, sometimes the bad thoughts are clearly ours. And when that happens, they are our sin and we must confess them, forget them, and go forward. 
 
Herb 
Edited by: <A HREF=http://pub149.ezboard.com/bherbsdiscussionboard.showUserPublicProfile?gid=herb@herbsdiscussionboard>Herb</A> <IMG HEIGHT=10 WIDTH=10 SRC="http://www.fulfileddprophecy.com/fplogo12.jpg" BORDER=0> at: 2/7/04 8:30 pm

by **AngieKat** on Sun Feb 08, 2004 4:42 am

How do we know when they are Satan's suggestions or our latent desires coming to the surface? Herb, or anyone can you point me to passages in the Bible that talk about the influence Satan has over our thoughts. It would be greatly appreciated. wondering just how much power Satan has over us and how much he's in my head! 
 
Angela

by **Herb** on Sun Feb 08, 2004 8:11 am

Angiekat 
 
I don't know any verse that directly says Satan can place thoughts in our head. But to me, it's apparent he can by reading through Scripture. For example, when Jesus was tempted in the wilderness I think Jesus heard Satan's voice in his head. 
 
One reason I think this is because, long ago when I wasn't following the Lord, I heard a voice in my head that at first I thought was mine. But, it wasn't. And when I realized this, it really scared me. 
 
But, when we realize this it's not something that should scare us -- only concern us and cause us to draw near to our Lord and Savior. 
 
I haven't had such an experence that I know about since. And, it may not be something that occurs often for a child of God. So, it's nothing to worry about -- just to be aware of. 
 
Herb Edited by: <A HREF=http://pub149.ezboard.com/bherbsdiscussionboard.showUserPublicProfile?gid=herb@herbsdiscussionboard>Herb</A> <IMG HEIGHT=10 WIDTH=10 SRC="http://www.fulfileddprophecy.com/fplogo12.jpg" BORDER=0> at: 2/8/04 10:13 am

by **mrshalfcent** on Sun Feb 08, 2004 9:59 am

'...what comes out of the mouth proceeds from the heart and this defiles a person. For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false witness, slander.' Mt.15:18-19 (Mark 7:21) 
 
'I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.' Romans 12:1-2 
 
'...assuming that you have heard about him and were taught in him, as the truth is in Jesus, to put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through decietful desires, and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness.' Ephesians 4:21-24 
 
'...for at one time you were darkness, butnow you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light, for the furit of light is found in all that is good and right and true, and try to discern what is pleasing to the Lord." Ephesians 5:8-10 
 
'For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, joints and marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.' Hebrews 4:12 
 
'But each man is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death.' James 1:14-15 
 
'Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil.' Ephesians 6:10-11 (but read this whole chapter) 
 
As you can see, it is from the heart these things come and the enemy takes advantage of them. Herb is sooooo correct, the more you saturate yourself with the Word, the better you are able to discern the enemy and what thoughts are what. 
blessings 
laura 
 
<>< <>< <>< 
 
<a href="http://www.geocities.com/lhalfpenny2000/livingstones.html" target="top">My Homepage</a> 
 
 
<img src="http://publish.hometown.aol.com/shalfcent/myhomepage/i'm%20a%20dope!.jpg" style="border:0;"/> 
Thankyou Bascababy!

by **Test4echo101** on Sun Feb 08, 2004 10:56 am

Wow, great responses everyone! 
 
You have cetainly proven through scripture that Evil thoughts bring Evil intentions, and then lead to evil actions. 
 
However, the question is not from "where" do evil deeds come from, but does thought alone, bring condemnation in the Kingdom of God? 
 
Is it one thing to think malicious thoughts, and another to actually do in the physical? Or, are they both equally condeming? 
 
This is an important question because those who lead lives of Outward righteousness, may harbour very different thoughts that only God himself will ever be aware of. 
God calls this "wolves in sheeps clothing" 
 
So can we be comfortable as Chistians letting those "bad thoughts" come as they may, knowing that as long as we don't act on them, we're ok? 
 
Let me give you an example: 
 
I've often wondered, If I make it to Gods Kingdom with my new Body, what would happen to me if I had a bad thought while in heaven? I mean, my spiritual self would still be the same wouldn't it? I'd still have the oppertunity to have a negative thought wouldn't I? Not necessarily an "evil thought" but something like, Being given a task by the Angel of the Lord and "thinking" rats! I don't wanna do that. I wanna work in Downtown Heaven! 
 
I know this is something that no one can really answer. Its just a fun sort of topic that I like to hear opinions about 
 
Thanks, 
test 
 
 
 
 
 
Thanks, 
test 
Edited by: <A HREF=http://pub149.ezboard.com/bherbsdiscussionboard.showUserPublicProfile?gid=test4echo101>Test4echo101</A> at: 2/8/04 1:08 pm

by **Bascababy** on Sun Feb 08, 2004 12:50 pm

Here is what I think, for what it is worth. There are times when a negative thougth crosses my mind and I wonder, "where in the world did that come from?" Those are the thoughts that I don't think God holds us responsible for. However, I'll admit, I do struggle with anger some times on certain issues, and I know it is wrong and it is not what God expects from me. If I do not ask for forgiveness and for help dealing with the current situation, I do believe that God holds me responsible for those thoughts. Although I have kept my thoughts to myself and not acted outwardly it is still wrong. 
 
As far as when we get to heaven I don't think we will struggle with the flesh like we do now. If an angel tells one of us to go scrub those blasted streets of gold, I think we will say "sure." Afterall, who's been giving the angels orders all this time? They seem to do OK, so I'm sure we will as well. <img src="http://www.click-smilies.de/sammlung0903/spezial/Fool/wink.gif"/>

by **highdesert ITD** on Sat Mar 20, 2004 11:13 pm

AngieKat; 
I came across this old post (not necessarily you) and wanted to reply, hope you didn't want it to die! 
 
In the book of Corinthians I believe in chapter 10 and vs 13, we are told that with the temptation which is common to man, God will provide a way of escape!Lets say I think of a sinful thought, my spirit speaks to me and the Holy Spirit confirms the conviction. What do we as a believer do next? We use the "ESCAPE" route by confessing with our mouth to God that we have sinned, repent and the door to that temptation is gone. If we continue in the sin then we are no longer "overcoming", make sense? God's Word also says that he who does not overcome will not see the kingdom of God. And this where some debate "once saved, always saved"! 
 
ITD

by **AngieKat** on Sun Mar 21, 2004 5:13 am

Thanks ITD, 
 
I appreciate your concern. I had something else written here, but decided to change it. One of my downfalls in this world is that I am too open. It has come back to bite me in the past. 
 
Temptation. . . yes something we all deal with and from which the Lord has provided an escape. Yes, I take that verse to heart. Sometimes in my disobediance I don't want to take that way out. . .the battle between the Flesh and the Spirit. But the Lord is on my side. When I turn to Him He gives me strength. But I have to turn to Him. That's the difficult part. I am rebellious by nature. Sometimes its manifested outwardly, sometimes inwardly. I'm beginning to ramble-have had some heavy things on my heart. But I know I will be triumphant in the Lord. I have to be. I must be. I couldn't bear to face Him in heaven if I wasn't. 
 
AngieKat Edited by: <A HREF=http://pub149.ezboard.com/bherbsdiscussionboard.showUserPublicProfile?gid=angiekat@herbsdiscussionboard>AngieKat</A> at: 3/22/04 7:42 am

by **holy3** on Mon Nov 07, 2005 5:24 am

Temptation is from the devil. God will never tempt you. Most of the things we are tempted by the devil puts in our lives. But God also put storms in our lives to test our faith. Before for you decide whether its God are the devil you have to examine it for a while before you make the last decision. Because Gods storm comes to teach us patience. Just remeber everything from God is good. And the devil does bad things in our life to bring us closer to God, because we continue <img src=http://smileys.smileycentral.com/cat/23/23_13_22.gif ALT=":praise"> to call on him when things are bad.

by **brandon** on Thu Oct 05, 2006 2:41 pm

You do not sin if you are tempted. Remember, Jesus was tempted as well and He is pure and sinless forever.

The line is crossed when you make the choice to dwell upon that sin. Satan love to trip us up by planting an image in our head of a past sin (in my case, most likely something sexual in nature) and then accusing us of sinning because we had a thought.

Now, if I take a sexual thought, start to consider it and allow it to play forth, I have sinned because now Satan's thought has become my fantasy or train of thought.

See the difference? Herb's right though, the more Word you have, the more God you have, and it will slowly but surely alter your thought patterns. That doesn't mean that Satan won't throw something your way, but it means that he'll have to resort to other means of temptation.

To recap:

There is a line between temptation and sin. Satan puts something in front of you inadvertantly or you see something and he accuses you. You make a choice: rebuke him and keep your eyes on God, or take him up on the offer of thinking about it.

Another common example that we men have to deal with is seeing a beautiful woman. There's a different between seeing and leering, and that issue is when we take seeing and turn it into "checking her out" or "imagining get all up in it." Satan will accuse you the second you see her of looking at her with lust, and yet you have not even had time to think!

See how he plays the game? And then he'll give your mind something to mull over, like "since you've already sinned, what's the harm...you can just repent later."

Jesus wasted no time in the wilderness rebuking Satan. Satan would say "check THIS out" and Jesus would smack him with the Word. We lose when we consider, ponder, or check out the sin.

by **Abiding in His Word** on Thu Oct 05, 2006 8:24 pm

brandon:

the more Word you have, the more God you have, and it will slowly but surely alter your thought patterns.

Rom 12:2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.

by **Schmize** on Tue Oct 10, 2006 2:01 pm

"However, Jesus himself said that "to lust after a woman in your heart, you've already commited adultery".

Therefore, when your judgement day comes around, you may well be convicted of adultery, simply because you "thought about it"."

My goodness. I am new to this belief but I can see some areas for concern.

1) Judgement day. The unrepentant soul fears this day above all else. This is because the individual has not accepted that Jesus has paid the price for sin by dying on the cross and rising from the dead.
2) Conviction. There is ZERO reason to wait until judgemnet day to be convicted of your sins. The Holy Spirit does that right now if you will let him. Once done and you accept Jesus as your personal savior you will atone for your fruit after judgement day has been done.
3) Thought. When we think about stuff it is NOT the way Jesus/Father/Spirit thinks of things. In fact, those thoughts such as the one listed by Jesus are so repugnant to Him that He cannot allow them to go unresolved. God is Rightious. And will deal with these things. Jesus said that thinking as such is already a sin. Replace adultery with whatever you want and the answer is the same.

"Now this scares the hell out of me because, if thats the case, I'm in big trouble. I would dare to say that many of you would be in trouble as well if "thoughts" could be used against us during judgment. "

You have stated that you are in big trouble. I dare say that is because you need to accept Jesus into your life. See, here is the neet thing. Once you have been saved the Holy Spirit continually convicts you of the things done on a daily basis and leads you to repentance imidiately.

Read in your bible and find the passege the says Jesus did NOT come into the world to condemn it, but to save it.

Jesus did not come to use things against you. He came so you can be saved from that judgement and be with him forever!!

This is the thing that kept me unsaved forever! God loves us so much that he came here Himself to do what NO human could ever do. He made a path for us to take so we could be with him, in his presence and eat with him. I just had all kinds of trouble believing that! Why would he waste His time doing that? The only reason we were created from the begining of time was because He loves us! Sin seperates us from Him. He atoned for sin for you, thoughts and all!!!!! Next time you are thinking about one of those fun little sins that we are not to perform think about the fact that those are what he took a flesh tearing whipping for, Large nails trust through His hands and feet for, suffocating on the cross and dying for.

I believe in Jesus! Once we are saved the Holy Spirit changes us into someting new and we wont even want to do those things any more. Our spirits will testify to Him. How awesome for my life o testify to the almighty power of God!!!

Read the book of Job. In it you will see how Job went from just hearing of God to SEEing Him!!!!

Praise God!!

S

by **runner4jesus** on Fri Sep 14, 2007 7:04 pm

Test: We have all experienced what you have inquired about. This is what I've learned about this with our thoughts. Our minds are the battle ground for the Christian. This where the devil really has a hay day trying to tempt us to sin or condemn us. First of all before I share there is a promise you need to get a hold of.

Romans 8:1 There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.

Walking not after the FLESH IS THE KEY. Then the devil will have little to accuse us for. This verse is what you stand on when you are accused.

I John 1:9 IF we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

You notice the condition in the word IF WE CONFESS OUR SINS. We have to do that first. REPENT!!

Here's another weapon of our warfare. James 4:7 SUBMIT YOURSELVES THEREFORE TO GOD, Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.

Submitting to God first, then you deal with the devil. We have been given AUTHORITY FROM GOD TO RESIST THE DEVIL. This is your sword of the Word of God to resist the devil.

Years ago, I had a terrible battle at the hospital where I worked and was under severe attack by the devil. Our attacks can come because of our flesh, the world or the devil. Well, I had all three at once, but the Lord doesn't allow more than you can stand without giving you a way of escape. It was a training time in the Lord as a young Christian. The Holy Ghost gave me some verses to copy, memorize, & carry around in case I was attacked big time. I can't begin to tell how bad it was, but the Lord saw me through. Glory to God!!

These are the famous verses: 2 Corinthians 10:4-6 (I only memorized v.5) v.4 (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds.)

v.5 Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;

v.6 And having in a readiness to revenge all disobedience, when your obedience is fulfilled.

Last comment on your question about heaven. In heaven we will be as he is, and we will not have this sinful flesh any longer to contend with. There is no sin in heaven, so obey the Word of God now and you will be there. Just stay on the narrow way that leads to life. Matthew 7:14

This will tell you why you don't have to be concerned if you will sin in heaven or not. It's in I John 3:2 Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, WE SHALL BE LIKE HIM; for we shall see him as he is. Praise God, HALLELUJAH!!

High Desert ITD: Agree with you on OSAS. Amen, Amen

:armor:

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