God's Word as Our Way of Escape

When John Crawford was in the Navy, he often caught sight of a game called anchor pool that the fellow sailors played. Each player would bet what time the ship would drop anchor, and throw in some money to back his claim. The person closest to the time that was recorded in the logbook gained all the money put into the pot. With nothing to do, this game seemed appealing, and John did want to please his fellow sailors by being a good sport. His friends encouraged him to join, and it seemed harmless enough. But he knew his friends wanted his money more than his company, and the lust involved with gambling was not godly or something that Jesus would be pleased with.

As the temptation grew, John knew he must solidify himself against the temptation. And he knew just the thing; the Word of God. He choose to steel himself with Proverbs 13:11, which says, “Wealth gained by dishonesty will be diminished, But he who gathers by labor will increase,” and Proverbs 23:5: “Will you set your eyes on that which is not? For riches certainly make themselves wings; They fly away like an eagle toward heaven.” These verses fortified Mr. Crawford against the momentary temptations, but they also proved valuable to him throughout his life, helping to establish a pattern of integrity and honesty.

Memorization provided John with the tools he needed to fight back sin. He used the Word of God to strike the temptations of evil in his own life over the head with a sledgehammer. Whenever they popped up, he just bopped them back down again. In this manner, he was strengthened in Jesus Christ and able to have an effective ministry.

Memorizing God’s Word is the tool that keeps us from sin. Here's today's challenge: What is a sin that you struggle with? Lately, I've been struggling with thoughts occupied on things other than the Person of Jesus Christ --too many. Now, I want you to find a verse or passage that reminds you to do the right thing. For myself, I choose 2 Corinthians 10:5: "casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ." It may be helpful to choose a couple passages. Think of God's Word as the ammunition you can use to cripple the devil and your flesh. Now you need to hide God's Word in your heart. Write it on a note card and carry it with you wherever you go, reading it whenever you have a chance. 

Then, as the temptation creeps in, fight against it using the Word of God. Remember, it is your offensive weapon; your sword against the flesh and the devil. As in the case of John Crawford, God's Word is the tool we need to fight back sin. 1 Corinthians 10:13 says, "No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it." God's Word is one of the ways of escape that God has provided for His children. 

As Psalm 119:11 says, "Your word I have hidden in my heart, that I might not sin against You." Let us hide God's Word in our heart, so that we might not sin against our Holy and Just God.