Defining Boundaries – ITM 09/03/2018

In Charles Stanley’s, In Touch Ministries Daily Devotion today, September 3^rd, titled, Setting Boundaries Against Temptation, he refers to Paul’s 2^nd pastoral letter to Timothy when talking about the love/hate relationship we have with some sins.  These are the sins that, he writes:  You really want to overcome it, but as soon as you’re tempted, the anticipated pleasure erases all your willpower. 

He proposes that sometimes part of the problem is our lack of boundaries. We should take steps to protect ourselves from wandering into a danger zone. These are not ‘physical’ boundaries. After all, I can list a hundred different physical ways of resisting the temptation to gamble when in Vegas, but they have all failed! Quitting smoking? A similar pattern of failed history.

In 2 Timothy 2:22, Paul tells Timothy to Flee the evil desires of youth and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart. Paul is both warning and encouraging Timothy to expect trials, but to stand firm.  In his ‘spiritual’ youth, he may have been tempted to lie or manipulate words to please others, but those ways don’t work anymore for a more mature believer. He is encouraged to remain faithful to what he knows is right.

There are other verses in today’s devotion that remind us to keep our focus on God in times of trials and temptations:

James 4:7 Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.

Romans 12:2 Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.

Ephesians 6:17 Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

This last verse, being part of The Armor of God, Ephesians 6:10-18. This is God’s Word describing how we are to prepare and fight in spiritual battles.  It is important to remember, that all the parts of this armor are defensive except, the sword of the Spirit. The Sword is the only offensive weapon; the SWORD of the Spirit is the WORD of GOD.

Today’s devotion ends with a reminder that God showed us the boundaries behind which we are safe. He’s warned that if we toy with our cravings and place ourselves in the way of temptation, we will fall. So draw near to God (James 4:8) and the protection of His Word, wisdom, and power.

Grace, love, and peace to you.