Ellen Chat Conversation

Ellen White taught that overcoming temptation is a collaborative effort between the individual and God, stating that "Christ has made it possible for every member of the human family to resist temptation" (MM 264.3). She emphasized that while we receive divine help, personal effort is essential because "the excellence of your character you must obtain as the result of your own exertion" (4MR 206.2). This involves a conscious decision to "summon will-power to your aid" (CTBH 147.2) and to "bridle appetite" (4MR 206.2). She explained that "no man can be forced to transgress," as his "own consent must be first gained" before "passion can dominate over reason" (MYP 67). For those who feel discouraged by past failures, she offered great hope, explaining that even if a person has been "overcome again and again, it need not be always thus" (MH 174.6). Although human resolutions can sometimes feel like "ropes of sand" (CH 439.4), strength is provided to those who and "cry unto the Lord" (MYP 67) in their moments of weakness. She noted that there is "less trouble in combating temptation when [the] habit of resistance is formed" (10MR 293.1). For practical application, this means that while you "must stand alone, fighting your own battles," you are never truly alone because you have "Jesus and the angels of God to help you" (4MR 206.2). Victory is found by planting your feet "firmly on the Rock of Ages" and remembering that "strength sufficient for every time of need is provided" (MYP 81). In conclusion, overcoming is possible for everyone who combines their will with divine power, following the example of Christ who "overcame as Christ overcame, by the blood of the Lamb and the word of their testimony" (MM 264.3). --- 💡 **You might also want to explore:** • What did Ellen White say about the connection between appetite and the power to resist temptation? • How does forming a "habit of resistance" change our experience with sin? • What role does prayer play in obtaining strength to overcome?

Ellen White taught that the indulgence of appetite directly weakens a person's moral power and mental clarity, making them "powerless to resist temptation" (CD 231.2). She emphasized that when the appetite is not restrained, it "beclouds and fetters the mind, and blunts the holy emotions of the soul" (GW 230.3). According to her writings, the connection between the stomach and the mind is profound. She explained that which leads to "impatient words," "unkind deeds," and even "dishonest practices" (CD 53.3). This physical indulgence eventually causing the individual to become a "slave of appetite" (2MCP 388.3). She further noted that this struggle has historical roots, stating that since the time of Adam, the indulgence of appetite has increased until the human race became "so feeble in moral power that they could not overcome in their own strength" (Con 36.3). Because of this, Christ specifically "was to overcome appetite" on behalf of humanity by enduring the most powerful tests in that area (Con 36.3). For practical application, Ellen White suggested that those who have perverted their taste through rich foods and "gluttony" may need to practice self-denial or even fasting (4aSG 130.3). She noted that as this allows the "abused stomach" to find necessary rest and helps the taste recover its "natural tone" (4aSG 130.3). In conclusion, maintaining control over one's appetite is essential for spiritual victory, as "moral courage to deny the appetite" is necessary to save oneself from suffering and to maintain the strength needed to witness for the truth (4aSG 130.2, CD 53.3). --- 💡 **You might also want to explore:** • What specific types of food did Ellen White say contribute to a "perverted" taste? • How does the education of children regarding self-denial affect their future character? • What is the relationship between physical exercise and the "mental and moral powers" of a person? --- 📚 **thousands of passages found** containing these search terms — [Explore in Full-Text Search](/advanced-search?q=appetite+indulgence)