In James 1:14 and 15 we find the classic explanation of exactly how Satan’s “fiery darts” of temptation enter the heart (mind) of his potential victim and entices him into doing his bidding–to sin–to break God’s Law (1 Jn. 3:4). In this most informative passage the apostle writes that a person is tempted when he is led astray BY HIS OWN LUST and enticed to sin–to BREAK GOD’S LAW (1 Jn. 3:4). Then, when LUST HAS CONCEIVED it brings forth (gives birth to) sin. Sin results in spiritual DEATH which will result in eternal death if not repented of and ended by God’s free gift of justification which renders the recipient sinless–righteous. This act must be followed by true conversion and the receiving of the Holy Spirit which empowers the convert to walk in a new spiritual direction which involves a total and permanent metamorphosis from sin to righteousness and holiness which, if maintained until death or the return of Christ, will result in eternal life (Rom. 5:21/ 6:22). Anything less than this life-giving formula ends in eternal death. We must heed James’ admonition found in verse 16: “DO NOT SIN.” This is the same command Jesus gave the prostitute and the man at the well for whom He had erased all of their past sins. Now made sinless (righteous), His command was that they “SIN NO MORE” (Jn. 5:14; 8:11). What He commands of one, He commands of all who would join Him and His Father in Paradise.

Now we will do a “fine print” study of James’ vitally important statement in which he states that sin takes place when temptation meets ONE’S OWN SINFUL DESIRES. Satan cannot tempt us to do what we do not want to do. One cannot be tempted to eat a clod of dirt. Why, because no one desires to do so. However, that same person can be tempted to steal a $100 bill that is lying in someone’s yard, IF, that is, he desires to do so. If there is no lust for money, Satan’s temptation will have no effect. However, if he lusts for money, the temptation will have its desired effect–to satisfy his lust. The key is to keep lust out of our hearts (minds) by allowing the Holy Spirit to build a HEDGE–A PROTECTIVE WALL around our hearts that will not allow temptation through and will keep lust from developing. The truth of the matter is that we have a huge part to play in the construction of the WALL that keeps our hearts cleansed of lust and keeps Satan’s “fiery darts” from breaking through our natural defenses, which are not powerful enough to ward off those darts. Without the Holy Spirit, we are low-hanging fruit for Satan and his angels. I know because I have been there (without the Holy Spirit) and been that (low-hanging fruit).

In Ephesians 6:11 we are commanded to “PUT ON THE WHOLE ARMOUR OF GOD.” The Word “armour” is panoplia–the full contingent of protection worn by ancient soldiers when going into battle, which was always fought on a hand-to-hand, live or die level. The same is true on the spiritual level. Man is continuously under attack by Satan and his devils. Eternal life and death depend on our reaction to their temptations. These very powerful entities are referred to as “wickedness in high places.”

In Romans 13:12 the Apostle Paul compels US to “cast off the works of darkness (sin) and put on the armour of light.” When speaking to His disciples early on in His and their ministries, Jesus told them that, as long as He was in the world, HE was “THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD” (Jn. 8:12). In Matthew 5:14 we find Him telling the disciples that THEY were “THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD.” Note that the LIGHT He referred to in both cases was singular–LIGHT, not lights. Those 13 different men each constituted one singular light. Obviously, the light had to be something they all possessed that made each of them GOD’S LIGHT TO MANKIND.

That something was God’s word which, when consumed, makes one God’s light. Biologists tell us that the human body reproduces itself every seven years. The physical body can reproduce only by eating the material which changes into human flesh. A familiar saying is that “we are what we eat.” Though not particularly pleasant to think about, it is nevertheless true. For this reason people who do not have the right kinds of food are smaller than those who have a better food source.

The same holds true in the spiritual realm. As we consume God’s light we become what we consume–we become His light shining in this dark, religion-filled world. And as light stands out from darkness, we stand out from those who produce darkness which is called light–false Christianity. Those who know and study the Bible–who dine on the Lod’s “strong meat” found on His “table”–are more righteous and more holy than those who are fed only the Institutional Church’s “breast milk.” Read Hebrews 5:10 through 6:6. where Paul admonishes spiritual “babes” to leave the elementary teachings about Jesus Christ and go on to perfection by obeying His commands. They must stop listening to the child-level principles about Jesus Christ. They must stop listening to sermons about repenting of sin, faith toward God, baptism, laying on of hands, the resurrection of the dead and eternal judgment. These, Paul proclaimed, were things taught those who have recently been introduced to Jesus Christ (“babes”). Sadly, those subjects dominate what billions of church people hear every sun god day. Perfection requires much more than those Truths. Read The Process of Salvation. Key word–Process.

This ministry was established by the Lord to reveal to professing Christendom what they are not being told. Through his false prophets, Satan has prevents his followers from learning about the Lord’s “fine print,” without which, the promises He has made in His Holy Word cannot be received. Read Isaiah 28:9-13 to learn how to study so as to find God’s “fine print” messages which enable us to receive what He wants us to have. He reveals His will for human beings in Leviticus 26:1-3 and Deuteronomy 28:1-14. He has not changed. Neither has His desires for mankind. His love letter to mankind (the Holy Bible) tells us how to have His will for us manifested in our lives. If that isn’t love, what is? L.J.