Give Me That Old Time Gospel

[Soldier4Christ]

Temptation to Formality in Religion

Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die: for I have not found thy works perfect before God. Rev. 3:2

God is a Spirit just and wise;
He sees our inmost mind:
In vain to heaven we raise our cries,
And leave our souls behind.

[Soldier4Christ]

Temptation to Slothfulness in Religion

Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou has left thy first love. Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works. Rev. 2:4, 5

I need the influence of thy grace
To speed me in the way,
Lest I should loiter in my pace,
Or turn my feet astray.

[Soldier4Christ]

Temptation to Self-Indulgence

I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway. 1 Cor. 9:27

When thy statutes I forsake,
When my graces dimly shine,
When my covenant I break,
Jesus, then remember thine:
Check my wanderings
By a look of love divine.

[Soldier4Christ]

Temptation to Trifle with Sin

Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein? Rom. 6:1

Shall we go on to sin,
Because thy grace abounds?
Or crucify the Lord again,
And open all his wounds?
We will be slaves no more,
Since Christ has made us free;
Has nail'd our tyrants to his cross,
And bought our liberty.

[Soldier4Christ]

Temptation to Spiritual Pride

For who maketh thee to differ from another? and what hast thou that thou didst not receive? now if thou didst receive it, why dost thou glory, as if thou hadst not received it? 1 Cor. 4:7

Oft have I turn'd my eyes within,
And brought to mind some latent sin
But pride, the vice I most detest,
Still lurks securely in my breast.

[Soldier4Christ]

Temptation to Envy the Wicked

As for me, my feet were almost gone; my steps had well nigh slipped. For I was envious at the foolish, when I saw the prosperity of the wicked. Psalm 78:2,3

Their feet are in a slippery place;
Their riches swift as shadows fly;
Their honours end in deep disgrace;
In mirth they live, in anguish die.

[Soldier4Christ]

Temptation to Mistrust Providence

If God so clothe the grass of the field, which today is, and tomorrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith? Matt. 6:30

I know not what may soon betide,
Or how my wants shall be supplied;
But Jesus knows, and will provide.

When creature comforts fade and die,
Worldlings may weep--but why should I?
Jesus still lives, and still is nigh.

[Soldier4Christ]

Temptation to Despair

I sink in deep mire, where there is no standing: I am come into deep waters, where the floods overflow me. I am weary of my crying: my throat is dried: mine eyes fail while I wait for my God. Psalm 69:2, 3

Prostrate before thy mercy-seat,
I cannot if I would despair;
None ever perish'd at thy feet,
And I would lie for ever there.

[Soldier4Christ]

Temptation Humbles the Believer

Lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure. 2 Cor. 12:7

What though a thorn my bosom bears,
And varied are the wants and cares,
That mark my chequer'd way!
My God hath said, in whom I live,
"My grace is thine, and strength I give
According to thy day."

[kerrylou1]

Amen to that.

Kerry

[Soldier4Christ]

Temptation to Be Resisted

For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Eph. 6:12

From strength to strength go on,
Wrestle, and fight, and pray;
Tread all the powers of darkness down,
And win the well-fought day.

[Soldier4Christ]

Temptation to Be Avoided

Enter not into the path of the wicked, and go not in the way of evil men. Avoid it, pass not by it, turn from it, and pass away. Prov. 4:14, 15

A wicked world and wicked heart
With Satan are combined:
Each acts a too successful part,
In harassing my mind.

But fighting in my Saviour's strength,
Though mighty are my foes,
I shall a conqueror be at length
O'er all that can oppose.

[Soldier4Christ]

Temptation Avoided by Watchfulness and Prayer

Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation. Matt. 26:41

Go to dark Gethsemane,
Ye that feel the tempter's power,
Your Redeemer's conflict see,
Watch with him one bitter hour;
Turn not from his griefs away,
Learn of Jesus Christ to pray.

[Soldier4Christ]

Temptation Overcome by Faith

Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. Eph. 6:16

Let faith exert its conquering power,
Say in thy tempted, trembling hour,
"My God, my Father, save thy son!"
'Tis heard--and all thy fears are done.

[Soldier4Christ]

Believer Armed Against Temptation

Take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Eph 6:13

The Christian warrior--see him stand
In the whole armour of his God;
The Spirit's sword is in his hand,
His feet are with the gospel shod.