Fleeing Temptation: Pursuing Righteousness and Eternal Life

 

Summary

In our journey through life, we are often tempted by the allure of wealth and the comforts of this world. However, it is crucial to remember that the love of money is the root of all evil, leading many away from their faith and into sorrow. As people of God, we are called to flee from these temptations and instead pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, and meekness. This path is not only a fight of faith but a pursuit of eternal life, reminding us of our identity as a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, and a holy nation. We are called to live as strangers and pilgrims in this world, with our true citizenship in heaven.

The world is akin to Vanity Fair, filled with distractions that war against our souls. We must not be complacent or presumptuous in our faith, thinking that mere intellectual assent is enough. True assurance comes from a life that reflects the commandments and teachings of Christ. The scriptures warn us against the danger of presumption, urging us to work out our salvation with fear and trembling, always aware of the holiness of God and the reverence due to Him.

As we navigate this world, we must be mindful of the example we set for others. Our lives should reflect the glory of God, drawing others to Him rather than compromising our beliefs to fit in with worldly standards. The time is short, and we must prepare for the glory that awaits us, setting our affections on things above and living in a manner worthy of our calling. The day of the Lord is at hand, and we must be diligent in our preparation, ready for the marriage of the Lamb, where the church, as the bride of Christ, will be united with Him in glory.

Key Takeaways:

- The love of money is a root of all evil, leading many away from faith and into sorrow. As believers, we must flee from these temptations and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, and meekness, laying hold of eternal life. [22:20]

- We are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, and a holy nation, called to live as strangers and pilgrims in this world. Our true citizenship is in heaven, and we must live in a way that reflects our identity in Christ. [24:05]

- The world is filled with distractions that war against our souls. We must not be complacent or presumptuous in our faith, but rather work out our salvation with fear and trembling, always aware of the holiness of God. [26:25]

- Our lives should reflect the glory of God, drawing others to Him rather than compromising our beliefs to fit in with worldly standards. The time is short, and we must prepare for the glory that awaits us. [28:30]

- The day of the Lord is at hand, and we must be diligent in our preparation, ready for the marriage of the Lamb, where the church, as the bride of Christ, will be united with Him in glory. [44:09]

Youtube Chapters:

[00:00] - Welcome
[22:20] - The Danger of Wealth
[22:38] - Pursuing Godliness
[23:13] - The Subtle Influence of Evil
[23:47] - Our Identity in Christ
[24:05] - Called Out of Darkness
[25:06] - Strangers and Pilgrims
[26:25] - Warring Against the Soul
[27:39] - The Danger of Presumption
[28:30] - Living as Examples
[30:19] - The Perils of Complacency
[33:06] - Warnings Against Presumption
[35:05] - Fear and Trembling
[39:12] - Judgment Begins at the House of God
[41:10] - Preparing for Glory
[44:09] - The Marriage of the Lamb

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
1. 1 Timothy 6:9-12
2. 1 Peter 2:9-11
3. Philippians 2:12-13

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Observation Questions:

1. According to 1 Timothy 6:9-12, what are the consequences of desiring to be rich, and what are believers encouraged to pursue instead? [22:20]

2. In 1 Peter 2:9-11, how does Peter describe the identity of believers, and what is their purpose in the world? [24:05]

3. What does Philippians 2:12-13 say about how believers should approach their salvation, and what role does God play in this process? [34:18]

4. How does the sermon describe the world as "Vanity Fair," and what are the dangers associated with it? [26:58]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. How does the love of money lead people away from their faith, and why is it considered the root of all evil according to the sermon? [22:20]

2. What does it mean to live as "strangers and pilgrims" in this world, and how does this perspective affect a believer's daily life? [25:06]

3. The sermon warns against presumption in faith. What are some examples of presumption, and why is it dangerous for believers? [30:19]

4. How does the concept of working out salvation with "fear and trembling" challenge or affirm your understanding of faith and assurance? [34:18]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on your current relationship with money. Are there areas where the pursuit of wealth might be leading you away from your faith? How can you redirect your focus towards righteousness and godliness? [22:20]

2. In what ways can you actively live out your identity as a "chosen generation" and "royal priesthood" in your community? What specific actions can you take this week to show forth the excellencies of God? [24:05]

3. Consider the distractions in your life that might be warring against your soul. What practical steps can you take to minimize these distractions and focus on your spiritual growth? [26:25]

4. How can you ensure that your life reflects the glory of God and draws others to Him, rather than compromising your beliefs to fit in with worldly standards? [28:30]

5. The sermon emphasizes the importance of preparing for the day of the Lord. What specific changes can you make in your life to be more diligent in this preparation? [44:09]

6. Think about a time when you might have been presumptuous in your faith. How can you cultivate a more humble and reverent approach to your relationship with God? [30:19]

7. Identify one area in your life where you can work out your salvation with "fear and trembling." What steps will you take this week to address this area? [34:18]

Devotional

Day 1: The Perils of Wealth's Allure
In our journey through life, the allure of wealth and worldly comforts can be a significant temptation. The love of money is described as a root of all evil, leading many away from their faith and into sorrow. As believers, it is crucial to recognize this danger and actively flee from these temptations. Instead, we are called to pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, and meekness, laying hold of eternal life. This pursuit is not just a fight of faith but a conscious decision to align our lives with the values of the Kingdom of God. [22:20]

"For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils. It is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pangs." (1 Timothy 6:10, ESV)

Reflection: What specific steps can you take today to prioritize righteousness and godliness over the pursuit of wealth and comfort?


Day 2: Our Heavenly Citizenship
As a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, and a holy nation, we are called to live as strangers and pilgrims in this world. Our true citizenship is in heaven, and our lives should reflect our identity in Christ. This means living in a way that is distinct from the world, embracing our role as ambassadors of God's Kingdom. We are to shine as lights in the darkness, demonstrating the transformative power of the Gospel in our daily lives. [24:05]

"But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light." (1 Peter 2:9, ESV)

Reflection: How can you intentionally live out your identity as a citizen of heaven in your interactions with others today?


Day 3: Vigilance Against Spiritual Complacency
The world is filled with distractions that war against our souls, and it is easy to become complacent or presumptuous in our faith. However, true assurance comes from a life that reflects the commandments and teachings of Christ. We are urged to work out our salvation with fear and trembling, always aware of the holiness of God and the reverence due to Him. This requires a vigilant and intentional approach to our spiritual lives, ensuring that we are not merely giving intellectual assent but living out our faith in tangible ways. [26:25]

"Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling." (Philippians 2:12, ESV)

Reflection: What is one area of your spiritual life where you have become complacent, and how can you reignite your passion for pursuing holiness?


Day 4: Reflecting God's Glory
Our lives should reflect the glory of God, drawing others to Him rather than compromising our beliefs to fit in with worldly standards. The time is short, and we must prepare for the glory that awaits us. This involves setting our affections on things above and living in a manner worthy of our calling. By doing so, we become living testimonies of God's grace and truth, inviting others to experience the transformative power of the Gospel. [28:30]

"In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven." (Matthew 5:16, ESV)

Reflection: In what ways can you let your light shine today, so that others may see God's glory through your actions and words?


Day 5: Preparing for the Day of the Lord
The day of the Lord is at hand, and we must be diligent in our preparation, ready for the marriage of the Lamb, where the church, as the bride of Christ, will be united with Him in glory. This anticipation should shape our priorities and actions, motivating us to live with an eternal perspective. As we prepare for this glorious union, we are called to live in purity and devotion, eagerly awaiting the fulfillment of God's promises. [44:09]

"Therefore, stay awake, for you do not know on what day your Lord is coming." (Matthew 24:42, ESV)

Reflection: How can you actively prepare for the return of Christ in your daily life, ensuring that you are living with an eternal perspective?

Quotes


"For the Love of Money is the root of all evil which while some coveted after they have heard from the faith and pierced themselves through with many Sorrows but thou oh man of God flee these things fly away from them as far as you can and follow after righteousness godliness Faith love patience meekness fight the good fight of Faith lay hold on eternal life." [00:22:24]

"You are a chosen generation a royal priesthood and holy nation A peculiar people people for God's Own peculiar possession if you like what why are you this well that you should show forth the Praises the excellencies of him who have called you out of Darkness Into His Marvelous Light that's what you are which in time passed were not a people but are now the people of God which have not obtained Mercy but now have obtained Mercy." [00:23:53]

"I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims which is just another way of telling us that we are no longer what we used to be we no longer belong to this world we are strangers in it we are pil we are Travelers we are Journeymen we are people away from home our citizenship is in heaven we belong to that realm." [00:25:16]

"Abstain from fleshly lusts why which war against the soul they war against the soul now he's writing to Christians remember you see the artificiality that has often come in with false sanctification and Holiness teaching you've got to realize that you're still face to face with these things that war against the soul they're dangerous to you." [00:26:30]

"These things are a positive danger to us so we mustn't play with them we must live as near as we can to them so many people seem to be doing that these days there's a new thinking that has come into Evangelical circles it seems to me which seems to say get as near as you can to these things and they think they're clever they'll soon find that these things war against the soul." [00:29:05]

"The danger of presumption what do I mean by that well I mean this it's the danger of glibness it's the danger of resting the scriptures to our own destruction to use the language of Peter in what way well this kind of thing a false kind of assurance which is based only Upon a kind of intellectual deduction." [00:30:25]

"Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling fear and trembling that's Philippians 2:12 for it is God which worketh in you both the will and to do of his good pleasure fear and trembling not take it by faith not hand it all over to the Lord work it out yourself but remember with fear and trembling." [00:34:32]

"The Christian is a man who knows something about the Holiness of God so he walks always and approaches God always with reverence and with Godly fear the Apostle Paul knew more than anybody it seems to me about fear and trembling he preached in fear and trembling he lived in fear and trembling it's not a craven fear." [00:35:13]

"Judgment must begin at the house of God and if it first begin at us what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel and if the righteous scarcely be saved where shall the ungodly and The Sinner appear I need say no more all these are warnings against presumption but let me turn to another note before we conclude this evening." [00:39:12]

"Behold what manner of love the father has bestowed upon us that we should be called the sons of God therefore the world knoweth us not because it knew him not beloved now are we the sons of God and it does 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." [00:39:56]

"The shortness of the time which you and I've got to prepare for this Glory that awaits us now these Epistles are full of this kind of exhortation if you then be risen with Christ seek those things which are above where Christ sth on the right hand of God set your affections on things above not on things on the earth." [00:40:51]

"Let us be glad and rejoice and give honor to him for the marriage of the Lamb is come and his wife ha made herself ready and to her was granted that she should be arrayed in fine linen clean and white for the fine linen is what is the righteousness of saints the church is the bride of Christ and the appeal is this prepare your Tru get ready for the marriage ceremony." [00:44:09]

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Transcript
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