27th Mar 26 | 16:08
Studies by Book
01 Acts 05 01-11 THE FEAR OF GOD IN HIS CHURCH 05 Acts 05 03-04 Victorious in Christ Jesus
📖 Acts 05:01-11
Romans
05 – 21Mar2023 – *Victorious in Christ Jesus* - _Acts 05:01-11_ - THE FEAR OF GOD IN HIS CHURCH - Bible reading: _Revelation 03:10-11_
“Lord Jesus, thank You that as we are in the end times, there will be tests on us. This is the time for us to be rested in our faith in You. In Your name, we pray. Amen.”
_Acts 5:3-4 But Peter said, "*Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit* and keep back part of the price of the land for yourself? (4) While it remained, was it not your own? And after it was sold, was it not in your own control? Why have you conceived this thing in your heart? You have not lied to men but to God."_
We continue to look at the matter of overcoming temptations.
The Lord is always interceding for us. He has sent us out into the world, where the devil is active in tempting us, making us fall and then destroying us in eternal fire. Our Lord is praying for us to be protected and have faith in Him to overcome the evil one. *_John 17:15 I do not pray that You should take them out of the world, but that You should keep them from the evil one._*
The Lord will establish and guard us against the evil one. *_II Thessalonians 3:3 But the Lord is faithful, who will establish you and guard you from the evil one._*
Apostle Paul is able to see this entire process with deep understanding. He goes to the extent of telling us that he takes pleasure in trials for Christ’s sake for when he is weak, then he is strong. _II Corinthians 12:7-10 And lest I should be exalted above measure by the abundance of the revelations, a thorn in the flesh was given to me, a messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I be exalted above measure. (8) Concerning this thing I pleaded with the Lord three times that it might depart from me. (9) And He said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness." *Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. (10) Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ's sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong*._
Paul is longing to experience the power of Christ, more and more, to rest in him, as he goes through trials and tests. This is where we need to be in our walk with Jesus, not struggling through temptations.
The 11th chapter of the book of Hebrews is about the heroes of faith. Many of them were able to see miracles and deliverance happening in their lives, but rescue and relief did not take place for everyone. They were still the heroes of faith.
_Hebrews 11:36-40 Still others had trial of mockings and scourgings, yes, and of chains and imprisonment. (37) They were stoned, they were sawn in two, were tempted, were slain with the sword. They wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins, being destitute, afflicted, tormented— (38) of whom the world was not worthy. They wandered in deserts and mountains, in dens and caves of the earth. (39) And *all these, having obtained a good testimony through faith*, did not receive the promise, (40) God having provided something better for us, that they should not be made perfect apart from us._
They went through these trials without experiencing rescue. Yet their faith life strengthens us, who read of what took place in their life and how they remained trusting in God. Since we have been blessed by their life journey, they are perfected.
The Lord is assuring us not to be afraid as we go through temptations for the Lord is our deliverer. _II Peter 2:9 then *the Lord knows how to deliver the godly out of temptations* and to reserve the unjust under punishment for the day of judgment,_
Our victory over temptation has eternal rewards. *_Revelation 2:10 Do not fear any of those things which you are about to suffer. Indeed, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and you will have tribulation ten days. Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life._*
As we approach the very end of the age, we must know that there will be greater tests for His church. Why is this so? The devil intends to take as many as possible with him to the eternal fire.
_Revelation 20:10 *The devil, who deceived them, was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone* where the beast and the false prophet are. And they will be tormented day and night forever and ever._
It is our faith in Christ Jesus that will rescue us from being condemned. *_Revelation 20:15 And anyone not found written in the Book of Life was cast into the lake of fire._*
The Lord is showing us that He is coming quickly and therefore we must be rested in the Lord to overcome the hour of trial that has come on the whole world.
_Revelation 3:10-11 Because you have kept My command to persevere, I also will keep you from the hour of trial which shall come upon the whole world, to test those who dwell on the earth. (11) Behold, I am coming quickly! Hold fast what you have, that no one may take your crown._
```Let us be victorious over temptations in Christ Jesus.```