Mark 14:38 - Secret For Power Over Temptation!
Mark 14:38 - Secret For Power Over Temptation!
Mark 14:38 (NKJV) Watch and pray, lest you enter into
temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak."
Mark 14:38 (NLT) Keep alert and pray. Otherwise temptation will
overpower you. For though the spirit is willing enough, the body is
weak."
Parallel Passage for this verse is Matthew 26:41 and Luke 22:40.
The Spirit. That is, the higher powers of the mind.
The Flesh. That is, natural tendencies and desires as stimulated
by the senses.... the lower nature of man, as represented by the
various appetites or cravings. [SDA Commentary re Mat. 26:41]
Watch-- that ye be not taken unawares;
And Pray-- that when it comes ye may be enabled to bear it.
(Adam Clarke Commentary re Mat. 26:41)
Pray (Greek is keep praying) in order that they might not enter
into temptation. [Wycliffe Bible Commentary]
All are tempted, but we should be much afraid of entering into
temptation. To be secured from this, we should watch and pray, and
continually look unto the Lord to hold us up that we may be safe. [Matthew
Henry Commentary re Mat. 26:41]
Watching (keeping alert) and prayer (remaining constantly
dependent on the Lord) are imperative for us too, if we are to overcome
our temptations. [Victor Bible Background Commentary]
The way to overcome temptation is to keep watch and pray.
Watching means being aware of the possibilities of temptation, sensitive
to the subtleties, and spiritually equipped to fight it. Because
temptation strikes where we are most vulnerable, we can't resist it alone.
Prayer is essential because God's strength can shore up our defenses
and defeat Satan's power. [Life Application SB]
Willingness of spirit was not enough; they needed moral
strength, strength of spirit. Such strength comes from prayer. [Disciple
SB re Mat. 26:41]
The reason why so many are left to themselves in places of
temptation is that they do not set the Lord always before them. When we
permit our communion with God to be broken, our defense is departed
from us. Not all your good purposes and good intentions will enable
you to withstand evil. You must be men and women of prayer. Your
petitions must not be faint, occasional, and fitful, but earnest,
persevering, and constant. It is not always necessary to bow upon your knees
in order to pray. Cultivate the habit of talking with the Saviour
when you are alone, when you are walking, and when you are busy with
your daily labor. Let the heart be continually uplifted in silent
petition for help, for light, for strength, for knowledge. Let every
breath be a prayer. MH510-511
"Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he
will flee from you. Draw nigh to God, and He will draw nigh to
you."[1 James 4:7, 8.] We cannot save ourselves from the tempter's
power; he has conquered humanity, and when we try to stand in our own
strength, we shall become a prey to his devices; but "the name of the Lord
is a strong tower; the righteous runneth into it, and is safe."[2
Prov. 18:10.] Satan trembles and flees before the weakest soul who
finds refuge in that mighty name. DA131
We may close every door to impure imaginings and unholy thoughts
by lifting the soul into the presence of God through sincere
prayer. SC99
The life of a true Christian is a life of constant prayer.... It
is only through the strength and grace gained from heaven that we
can hope to meet the temptations and perform the duties before us.
GW257,8
If we encounter difficulties, and in Christ's strength overcome
them; if we meet enemies, and in Christ's strength put them to flight;
if we accept responsibilities, and in Christ's strength discharge
them faithfully, we are gaining a precious experience. We learn, as
we could not otherwise have learned, that our Saviour is a present
help in every time of need. 5T34
Failure to pray makes us an easy mark when assaulted by
temptation. [Quest SB mod re Mat. 26:41]
A life without prayer is a powerless life. Selected [Streams In
The Desert By Cowman re Mat. 26:41]
Grace Notes:
http://www.e-gracenotes.org/index.php
A Better Way to Live:
http://www.itiswritten.com/betterway/
Excellent Spiritual Resource Site:
http://www.christianlifemediacenter.com/
More Spiritual Resources:
http://www.aBible.com
