Hebrews 4:15 English Standard Version (ESV) For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin.

Jesus was tempted in every way we are tempted. Temptation is not a sin. Giving in to temptation is sin. It is a lie that being tempted is a sin. Satan is a liar and the father of lies. His only power against us who are in Christ is the lies associated with who we were in the flesh. We are no longer just flesh, we are now One with Christ in the Spirit. This is why Romans 8 begins with strong words about walking after the flesh or walking after the spirit. Chase the lie and sin.

We have the capacity to sin but we do not have the inclination to sin. An inclination is not upright. It leans from its base to its higher goal. A steep incline is difficult to climb. A gradual incline is easier to walk upon but it is also closer to and more likely to fall to its baser elements.

Psalm 11:7 English Standard Version (ESV) For the Lord is righteous; he loves righteous deeds; the upright shall behold his face.

The upright are allowed to see His face, to know His character and personality. It is made clearer what those family resemblances look like. We can then look at ourselves with spiritual eyes and see if we in fact are being changed from glory to glory.

2 Corinthians 3:18 English Standard Version (ESV) And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord,are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another.For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit.

When we go to the gym and work out. The image in the mirror is a result of fleshly effort. We are trying to be a better image of our selves.  This transformation into His image is the work of the Lord through the power of the Holy Spirit. In order to see that progress we must see it with our spiritual eyes and that is shown in the words “with unveiled face”.

Genesis 3:12 English Standard Version (ESV) The man said, “The woman whom you gave to be with me, she gave me fruit of the tree, and I ate.”

Adam, having eaten of the tree of knowledge of good and evil now knows he was wrong. While Adam confesses his emotional distress in the previous verse, afraid and naked, his first response was to blame someone else. It is not his fault.

Are we any different when we face the truth in failing to do right? Do we look to blame others or circumstances? Can we see that in our words? Can we see that in our actions? Are we acting out?

Some of my readers are well seasoned and have dealt with these issues. Some are new in the Lord and are not focused on their own thoughts and actions. They will and the reason we know this is because while God loves us where we are, He has no intention of leaving us here. That my well-seasoned readers is no different for us. We all need to change.

Romans 8:29 English Standard Version (ESV) For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers.

It is our destiny to look like Jesus, our oldest brother. We are in the family of God and a family resemblance is dominated by strong genes. One set of genes must run throughout all of us.

1 Corinthians 6:17 English Standard Version (ESV) But he who is joined to the Lord becomes one spirit with him.

The same spirit abides in all of us and is no different in personality, character or power. Our flesh will protest and scream “I am my own person.” The reason we know this is because we were warned.

Galatians 5:17 English Standard Version (ESV) For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do.

There is no sin in wanting. Sin is in the doing.