May 29, 2011
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“Temptation” by Joseph Hart
A short while ago I came across the hymn “Temptation” by Joseph Hart and have found it a great encouragement to my soul – primarily because it is based on and full of Scripture! (You may be familiar with Joseph Hart; he wrote “Come Ye Sinners, Poor & Wretched” – and yes, that’s the original wording.)
If you are in the midst of temptation and are struggling with doubts tonight, I pray God might impart Christ’s comfort, assurance and strength to you in a very real sense as you consider Jesus Christ, the Son of God, our merciful and faithful great high priest…
Psalm 46:1 God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.1 YE tempted souls, reflect
Whose name ’tis you profess:
Your Master’s lot you must expect,
Temptations more or less.2 Dream not of faith so clear,
As shuts all doubtings out:
Remember how the devil could dare
To tempt ev’n Christ to doubt.3 “If thou’rt the Son of God,
(O, what an IF was there!)
These stones, here, speak them into food,
And make that Sonship clear.”4 View that amzing scene!
Say, could the tempter try
To shake a tree so sound, so green?
Good God, defend the dry.5 Think not he now will fail
To make us shrink and droop.
Our faith he daily will assail;
And dash our very hope.6 That impious IF he thus
At God incarnate threw,
No wonder if he cast at us,
And make us feel it too.7 To cause despair’s the scope
Of Satan and his pow’rs.
Against hope to believe in hope,
My brethren, must be ours.8 Buts, Ifs, and Hows are hurl’d
To sink us with the gloom
Of all that’s dismal in this world,
Or in the world to come.9 But here’s our point of rest.
Tho’ hard the battle seem,
Our Captain stood the fiery test,
And we shall stand through him.Hebrews 2:10 For it became him, for whom are all things, and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons unto glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings. 11 For both he that sanctifieth and they who are sanctified are all of one: for which cause he is not ashamed to call them brethren, 12 Saying, I will declare thy name unto my brethren, in the midst of the church will I sing praise unto thee. 13 And again, I will put my trust in him. And again, Behold I and the children which God hath given me. 14 Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil; 15 And deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage. 16 For verily he took not on him the nature of angels; but he took on him the seed of Abraham. 17 Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people. 18 For in that he himself hath suffered being tempted, he is able to succour them that are tempted.
Hebrews 4:14 Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession. 15 For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. 16 Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.
Related:Matthew 4 & Luke 4 – the temptation of Jesus
The book of Hebrews
Bible Reading – Matthew 3 & 4: what we should expect after the baptism of the Spirit
suffering & temptation provide us with “constant errands to go to Jesus” (M’Cheyne)
ML-J on depression in the ministry
ministry, friendships & loneliness: “But the Lord stood by me and strengthened me”Scripture quotations are taken from the King James Version of the Holy Bible.
Comments (4)
Amen!!!
Good Morning, Karen
It is interesting looking back over 77 years of human existence. It seems that some temptations are standard for most times. Some temptations crop up as our ages advance.
I am encouraged by this thoughtful him and the scripture. It is kind of amazing that both the Lord Jesus and the Holy Spirit pray for us. I am guessing that the Holy Spirit is praying about our day to day activities and challenges and to walk by faith in the Spirit, and Jesus as our Perfect Defense Attorney is representing us before God the Ultimate Judge of the universe. It is awesome how much goes on on earth and in heaven on our behalf by the Trinity.
Our part is to try and live a life faith which is not easy–World, Flesh, Devil.
These old hymn writers really were of the highest spiritual quality. When I read a hymn at home it is clear that I am still shallow. These song writers were mature and wise. Thanks for sharing.
frank
Nine stanzas! I don’t think my church could handle it
What a good reminder and encouragment though… why do we so often – when temptations come – forget that God has empowered us to resist and defeat them in Christ. We struggle on our own and doubt (rightly) our ability to withstand, yet we also forget to go directly to God to receive grace in our hour of need. At least I often do… I’m dense that way.
@quest4god@revelife - Amen! Thou, O Christ, art all I want, more than all in Thee I find!
@ANVRSADDAY - It is awesome how much goes on on earth and in heaven on our behalf by the Trinity.- How true! There is a constant battle going on in the unseen powers and principalities!
Hart’s spiritual autobiography included at the beginning of his collection of hymns is wonderful to read. You can see that he deeply experienced the truths he wrote about. His hymns (as well as the Psalms, of course) are a challenge to us to seek after the living God and expect to encounter Him in a real sense.
@A_Piano_Tuner - Isn’t it sad that so many churches today couldn’t handle this type of hymn?
I am also dense! We all are. I had found myself in the midst of a recent temptation continuing to refuel the temptation (even after some specific promises/assurances from God’s Word!), rather than abiding in Christ and His Word, so I might quench it by the water of His Word. Thank God His goodness & mercies follow us all the days of our lives! He pities us and remembers we are dust. Psalm 103.