Introductory Thoughts
Temptation is commonly linked to the trying of one’s faith, but “the hour of temptation” is not the typical temptation experienced by the believer. In fact, the Lord promised to “keep” the church “from the hour of temptation.” So what is this temptation to which the Lord speaks? First of all, it is connected to a specific time as indicated by the use of the word hour. Secondly, this temptation is one that is yet future as demonstrated by the phrase, “shall come.” Lastly, it is a temptation designed to “come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth.” This temptation is known as Daniel’s Seventieth Week and refers to a temptation for the unsaved Jews and Gentiles during that terrible future time.
Devotional Thoughts
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(For children): Daniels Seventieth Week will bring severe testing and suffering upon the world. Jesus described this time to His disciples (Matthew 24:3-13). John also described it in Revelation 6:9-17. This event is yet future. If you are saved now, you will not go through this time (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18; 1 Thessalonians 5:9).
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(For everyone): God offers man a way to escape in every temptation. How is Gods offer to escape the hour of temptation different from His offer of escape in the temptations faced today by believers?
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God promised to keep the church from the hour of temptation. Why is the church exempt from this temptation (Jeremiah 30:7)? What have you done to escape?
Prayer Thoughts
- Thank God for keeping the church from the hour of temptation.
- Ask God to work in the hearts of your lost loved ones.
Song
BELOVED, NOW ARE WE
