Rodney Howard Browne differentiates between temptation and sin. Despite the universal nature of temptation, many people still mistake temptation for the actual act of sin. However, these two are not the same. If we are to achieve victory in the Christian life, we must learn to distinguish between them.

Be clear on this important point: the enticement to sin does not mean that the act of sin MUST follow. Rather, temptation involves a process through which our hearts, minds, and bodies are preparing for the act of sin. Interrupting this process can stop the growing temptation dead in its tracks.

How does this process flow? It begins with something as simple as a look or a glance. Isn’t this how it began with David in 2 Samuel 11:1-5? The enticement entered through his eyes, and then he nursed that desire.

Rodney Howard Browne instructs us to make the right choice. Then, with the image set in our minds, we make a choice: am I going to continue with this desire or not? As these thoughts tumble through our minds, we begin to fantasize and then develop a great desire for the object.

From there, we fall quickly through the areas of decision and pursuit, through which we do whatever is necessary to achieve the goal. Finally, this process culminates with the actual sinful act.

You see, sin doesn’t happen immediately. It is the result of a process. That means that you have the ability to bring that momentum to a halt at any time. Ask God for the presence of mind to perceive these steps as they happen, so that you might end the sinful progression before it’s too late.

• 1.
• Moreover, brethren, I would not that ye should be ignorant , how that all our fathers were under the cloud, and all passed through the sea;

• 2.
• And were all baptized unto Moses in the cloud and in the sea;

• 3.
• And did all eat the same spiritual meat;

• 4.
• And did all drink the same spiritual drink: for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them : and that Rock was Christ.

• 5.
• But with many of them God was not well pleased : for they were overthrown in the wilderness.

• 6.
• Now these things were our examples, to the intent we should not lust after evil things, as they also lusted .

• 7.
• Neither be ye idolaters, as were some of them; as it is written , The people sat down to eat and drink , and rose up to play .

• 8.
• Neither let us commit fornication , as some of them committed , and fell in one day three and twenty thousand.

• 9.
• Neither let us tempt Christ, as some of them also tempted , and were destroyed of serpents.

• 10.
• Neither murmur ye , as some of them also murmured , and were destroyed of the destroyer.

• 11.
• Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come .

• 12.
• Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall .

• 13.
• There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able ; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.

• 14.
• Wherefore, my dearly beloved, flee from idolatry.

• 15.
• I speak as to wise men; judge ye what I say .

• 16.
• The cup of blessing which we bless , is it not the communion of the blood of Christ? The bread which we break , is it not the communion of the body of Christ?

• 17.
• For we being many are one bread, and one body: for we are all partakers of that one bread.

• 18.
• Behold Israel after the flesh: are not they which eat of the sacrifices partakers of the altar?

• 19.
• What say I then? that the idol is any thing, or that which is offered in sacrifice to idols is any thing?

• 20.
• But I say, that the things which the Gentiles sacrifice , they sacrifice to devils, and not to God: and I would not that ye should have fellowship with devils.

• 21.
• Ye cannot drink the cup of the Lord, and the cup of devils: ye cannot be partakers of the Lord’s table, and of the table of devils.

• 22.
• Do we provoke the Lord to jealousy ? are we stronger than he?

• 23.
• All things are lawful for me, but all things are not expedient : all things are lawful for me, but all things edify not.

• 24.
• Let no man seek his own, but every man another’s wealth.

• 25.
• Whatsoever is sold in the shambles, that eat , asking no question for conscience sake:

• 26.
• For the earth is the Lord’s, and the fulness thereof.

• 27.
• If any of them that believe not bid you to a feast, and ye be disposed to go ; whatsoever is set before you, eat , asking no question for conscience sake.

• 28.
• But if any man say unto you, This is offered in sacrifice unto idols, eat not for his sake that shewed it , and for conscience sake: for the earth is the Lord’s, and the fulness thereof:

• 29.
• Conscience , I say , not thine own, but of the other: for why is my liberty judged of another man’s conscience?

• 30.
• For if I by grace be a partaker , why am I evil spoken of for that for which I give thanks ?

• 31.
• Whether therefore ye eat , or drink , or whatsoever ye do , do all to the glory of God.

• 32.
• Give none offence, neither to the Jews, nor to the Gentiles, nor to the church of God:

• 33.
• Even as I please all men in all things, not seeking mine own profit , but the profit of many, that they may be saved .

The concept of leaving an inheritance prompts folks to consider possessions, property, and money to be divided among members of the family. As followers, we want to consider the religious heritage we leave behind.

A religious inheritance isn’t a denominational tie or pet doctrine, but rather the set of beliefs that rule our life.

Instructing children in the methods of God is how faith is passed down.

Biblical teachingexpressed not solely in words but also in actionsshould permeate our life and home. Getting out the six-inch-deep leather Bible and making a show of opening it isn’t just about as good as a lifestyle that reflects scriptural elements ; instruction is most helpful when it happens naturally over dinner or in a family outing. Never miss a chance to weave God’s truth into common-or-garden conversation, or as Moses explained, talk about [God's laws] when you sit at home and when you walk along the road ( v. Seven niv ).

As we share personal experiences of God’s provision and care, children learn he is reliable. Many oldsters recognize the significance of passing down their religion but are uncertain ways to begin. A brilliant start line is talking about the things that interest and concern our boys and girls. We will be able to raise questions and hear their stories and views. If we approach them with an unprejudiced mind and ready ears rather than judgment and censure, we will learn where their ideas originate. And we will be able to guide them to see how God fits into their everyday life. The best inheritance we will leave our children isn’t cash or property, but a godly example.