Jesus rebuked two of his disciples who sought for His permission to call down fire from heaven upon a Samaritan village that did not receive him. He told James and John that they did not know the kind of spirit they had and reminded them that he did not come to destroy men's lives but to save them. Although his disciples, they were quite unlike Christ, looking unto Elijah instead of the author and finisher of their faith.

In times like these when many are yielding to temptations, we have a solid assurance from God's word that Jesus is able to keep us from falling. If we cooperate with Him, the Lord will do all that is required to present us faultless before the presence of His glory. He is always there to help us overcome every temptation the devil brings our way.

The knowledge of the truth gives boldness in the face of oppression and intimidation. Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego were not afraid of the threat of being cast into the burning fiery furnace, because they knew that God could deliver them. It was the knowledge of God's word that strengthened them at the hour of temptation: for He has said, I will never leave you nor forsake you. 

Small or big, every sin leads to destruction and death. The soul that sinneth, it shall die. The wages of sin is death. In His wisdom, the just and righteous God has determined to punish every sinner in hell fire, except they repent. The type of sin committed does not really matter; lying and murder will attract the same judgment - eternal destruction. Therefore, to escape the judgment of God, you must be born again.

Believers who live and walk before men are men-pleasers and do not have the fear of God. They may pretend to obey the word of God whenever they are among the people of God. However, in the absence of fellow believers, especially their leaders, they can even quarrel and fight for their rights in disobedience to God's word. The true measure of obedience to the word of God is tested outside the Church, among the unbelievers.