Book 01: Sect. 01: Ch. 13: Resisting Temptation

Scout · #1 Aug 18, '05, 10:59 am

Ch. 13: Resisting Temptation

Scout

The online version of Section 1: Chapter 13 is available here:
http://www.ccel.org/ccel/kempis/imitation.ONE.13.html

WanderAimlessly · #2 Aug 18, '05, 6:21 pm

“So long as we live in this world we cannot escape suffering and temptation.” Oh how true that is for today’s world. We cannot turn on the TV or read a magazine (well maybe not This Rock magazine and the likes) with out getting blasted with temptation. We cannot resist these temptations on our one. I know from experience. We need god help to persevere against temptation.

PF

Grace and Glory · #3 Aug 19, '05, 5:06 pm

Some, guarded against great temptations, are frequently overcome by small ones in order that, humbled by their weakness in small trials, they may not presume on their own strength in great ones.

I feel like this really applies to me. I have been fortunate not to have had many great temptations thus far in my life, but I find myself so often succumbing to small ones. My power of resistance seems to be very low, and it is surely only by the grace of God that I have avoided falling into serious sin, because I don't know if I could resist temptation to serious sin if it ever afflicted me for a sustained period of time. I pray that this will teach me humility, but I have a long way to go. I fear I haven't yet learned not to presume on my strength, because I all to easily fall into the trap of priding myself on my external righteousness.

antiaphrodite · #4 Aug 20, '05, 10:12 pm

Often we do not know what we can stand, but temptation shows us what we are.

now, if only i could bear in mind more often what i am whenever i fall to sin/fail to do good. sometimes i have a very selective memory!!!

wisdom 3:5 · #5 Aug 22, '05, 5:16 pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by Grace and Glory

Some, guarded against great temptations, are frequently overcome by small ones in order that, humbled by their weakness in small trials, they may not presume on their own strength in great ones.

I feel like this really applies to me. I have been fortunate not to have had many great temptations thus far in my life, but I find myself so often succumbing to small ones. My power of resistance seems to be very low, and it is surely only by the grace of God that I have avoided falling into serious sin, because I don't know if I could resist temptation to serious sin if it ever afflicted me for a sustained period of time. I pray that this will teach me humility, but I have a long way to go. I fear I haven't yet learned not to presume on my strength, because I all to easily fall into the trap of priding myself on my external righteousness.

I have this trouble too. It seems like the things I'm tempted by don't matter a whole lot. So I find myself succumbing to temptation more often than if it were a more serious sin. I am thankful though that I don't suffer temptation to more serious sins.

Quaere Verum · #6 Aug 22, '05, 6:28 pm

A couple of Kempis' sentences stood out. I'll just list them & let others comment on them.

1. In regards to the amount & timing of temptation allowed each person: "...(God) weighs the condition & merits of every man, and disposes all things for the salvation of those whom He chooses."

2. "It is no great matter if we are devout & fervent when we have no troubles; but if we show patience in adversity, we can make great progress in virtue."

**Edwin1961** · #7 Aug 24, '05, 4:50 pm

I like how Kempis puts temptation in these terms. It's the easiest explaination I ever read:

This is how temptation is: first we have a thought, followed by strong imaginings, then the pleasre and evil emotions, and finally consent. This is how the enemy gains full admittance, because he was not resisted at the outset. The slower we are to resist, the weaker we daily become and the stronger the enemy is against us.

Jim95437 · #8 Nov 6, '05, 7:39 pm

Someone has said very aptly: “Resist the beginnings; remedies come too late, when by long delay the evil has gained strength.” First, a mere thought comes to mind, then strong imagination, followed by pleasure, evil delight, and consent.

I am convinced that resisting at the beginnings is the key. I recognize this pattern of how temptation leads to sin in myself and know it to be true. Learning how to identify the beginnings of temptation and immmediately seeking the Lord in prayer is the answer.

Chinwa · #9 Dec 3, '05, 6:58 am

"We should not despair, therefore, when we are tempted, but pray to God the more fervently that He may see fit to help us..." "Fire tries iron, tempation a just man" And James 1:2 tells us to happy when we pass through temptations. The good news about temptation is that it is the means through which we are purified adjudged to be worthy of God's blessed life. Temptation becomes a steping stone to blessed life only when we do not give in to it.