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What did Jesus mean when he instructed his disciples to ask God not to lead them into temptation? Bill Perkins says, "I interpret His words to mean that we should ask God to prevent us from having the inclination to sin and the opportunity to sin at the same time." We mustn't "pet the Gremlin," he says." Temptations are like those cute, furry creatures from the movie." They seem innocent at first, but turn into monsters that destroy life.

Paul stresses the same thing in this section from a letter to his younger coworker, Timothy.

2 Timothy 2:20-22

1. What "anythings" (v, 22) that Paul knew nothing about stimulate lust in our days?
2. What do you need to do to "run" from these?
3. What contrasting set of "anythings" makes you want to do right?
4. What do you need to do to "follow" these?
5. What motivations (v. 21) does Paul present for keeping yourself pure?
6. What is the thrust of Paul's illustration (v. 20) about household utensils?
7. Would you say you are holding out for becoming an "expensive" utensil in God's hand right now, or settling for being a "cheap" one?

Ask God to keep you from caving in to anything that would contaminate your purity or rule out His highest and best for you.

20 In a wealthy home some utensils are made of gold and silver, and some are made of wood and clay. The expensive utensils are used for special occasions, and the cheap ones are for everyday use. 21 If you keep yourself pure, you will be a utensil God can use for his purpose. Your life will be clean, and you will be ready for the Master to use you for every good work. 22 Run from anything that stimulates youthful lust. Follow anything that makes you want to do right. Pursue faith and love and peace, and enjoy the companionship of those who call on the Lord with pure hearts.

Copyright © 2005 by the author or Christianity Today International/Men of Integrity magazine.Click here for reprint information on Men of Integrity.

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Prayer for the Week

Preserve me, Lord, from the stupidity of craving what You, for my protection, have placed off-limits.

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