Watch and Pray Sunday Night Bible Study 10/11/2020

Matthew 26:41

Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.”

Jesus went to pray in the Garden of Gethsemane, and each time He came back, the disciples were asleep. Jesus asked them to “watch and pray” because temptation is near. Have you ever noticed that when you are tired at night you are tempted to do whatever your flesh or mind is telling you? More so at night we are tempted to think about things that cause us anxiety and fear. We also might give in to other temptations that we normally would not. Our flesh and minds do not want to submit to God because it is contrary to what God calls for us — to live righteously. So, if our minds are not at peace, then we know we are in the flesh. Sometimes the war comes without any warning, but that is why we have to be watchful and be constant in prayer.

Life and peace are what the Spirit produces in us because of Jesus Christ’s sacrifice. Do you want Life & Peace? I know I do! I do not want to continue to be tortured, lured, and deceived by the enemy and by my own flesh. We should all desire peace and pursue it.

In the beginning, the enemy displayed the temptation to Eve, and she saw the desire with her own eyes and took the fruit. It is so easy to let the enemy and our flesh take over in a single moment. There is so much in this world that gives us desires. We take the bait over and over again.

Why does this happen? Well, in Romans 7, the Bible talks about the problem with sin within us. We do what we want even though we do not have control over it because we are letting sin control us. So, let us look at Scripture and see why we do what we do.

Romans 7:13-25

13 Has then what is good become death to me? Certainly not! But sin, that it might appear sin, was producing death in me through what is good, so that sin through the commandment might become exceedingly sinful. 14 For we know that the law is spiritual, but I am carnal, sold under sin. 15 For what I am doing, I do not understand. For what I will to do, that I do not practice; but what I hate, that I do. 16 If, then, I do what I will not to do, I agree with the law that it is good. 17 But now, it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells in me. 18 For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh) nothing good dwells; for to will is present with me, but how to perform what is good I do not find. 19 For the good that I will to do, I do not do; but the evil I will not to do, that I practice. 20 Now if I do what I will not to do, it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells in me.

21 I find then a law, that evil is present with me, the one who wills to do good. 22 For I delight in the law of God according to the inward man. 23 But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members. 24 O wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death?

25 I thank God—through Jesus Christ our Lord!

So then, with the mind I myself serve the law of God, but with the flesh the law of sin.

When I read these scriptures, it is a lot to take in as I am sure it is for you too. It is more important to read the scriptures and let God speak to you personally. Jesus knew how vital it was to be aware of the temptations of the flesh and the enemy. He taught us to be watchful and pray. But overall, to not let guilt and condemnation become of you because of mistakes you make in life.

Do not be afraid of your own desires, of the enemy, and of the temptations of this world. Trust God to lead you to a life of peace even if life itself doesn't seem peaceful at all. Sin will always be there while we are here, but don't let it control your life. God is for us always.

Remember, the spirit indeed is willing!