Temptation
What Every Christian needs to Know • Sermon • Submitted
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Temptation
Temptation
12 Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall. 13 There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.
14 But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. 15 Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.
Judgmental
It was F.B. Meyer, I believe, who once said that when we see a brother or sister in sin, there are two things we do not know: First, we do not know how hard he or she tried not to sin. And second, we do not know the power of the forces that assailed him or her. We also do not know what we would have done in the same circumstances.
It was F.B. Meyer, I believe, who once said that when we see a brother or sister in sin, there are two things we do not know: First, we do not know how hard he or she tried not to sin. And second, we do not know the power of the forces that assailed him or her. We also do not know what we would have done in the same circumstances.
Temptation is all around.
We don’t have to go looking for it it finds us.
Handled rightly temptation brings us closer to God
There are three ways to handle temptation:
Give in - live and do what ever comes along - I just do what I want to do
That is living on the animal plane
2. Fight it in the strength of the flesh - illustration doughnut shop will only stop if parking spot right in front.
3. Overcome it through Christ - 1 cor 10:12-13
Jesus being tempted in the wilderness by Satan:
Adam and Eve being tempted by Satan in the Garden:
Joseph flees sexual temptation from Potiphar’s wife
Don’t let the sin of others tempt you:
Do not enter the path of the wicked:
Dr Adrian Rodgers says there are three sources of Temptation
Source of Temptation -
Source of Temptation -
I Source of Temptation
I Source of Temptation
15 Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 16 For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.
15 Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.
1 John 2.15-
The World - The system or the order of things - Romans 12:2
The World - The system or the order of things - Romans 12:2
Greek cosmos. We are not talking about the planet or people
2 But we are sure that the judgment of God is according to truth against them which commit such things.
2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
4 Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God.
The Flesh - 1 john 2:16
The Flesh - 1 john 2:16
1
16 For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.
The flesh is not the body but your predisposition to sin. It the old nature that arounf to confront us.
drunkenness
sexual immorality
wrath
19 Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, 20 Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies,
gal
The Devil - Eph 6:12
The Devil - Eph 6:12
12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.
He has a plan to sabotage your life
A recent survey of Discipleship Journal readers ranked areas of greatest spiritual challenge to them:
1. Materialism.
2. Pride.
3. Self-centeredness.
4. Laziness.
5. (Tie) Anger/Bitterness.
5. (Tie) Sexual lust.
7. Envy.
8. Gluttony.
9. Lying.
Survey respondents noted temptations were more potent when
They had neglected their time with God (81 percent)
When they were physically tired (57 percent).
Resisting temptation was accomplished by :
Prayer (84 percent)
Avoiding compromising situations (76 percent),
Avoiding compromising situations (76 percent), Bible study (66 percent), and being accountable to someone (52 percent).
Bible study (66 percent), and
Being accountable to someone (52 percent).
Five Powerful Truths to Help You Overcome Sin and Resist Temptation:
Five Powerful Truths to Help You Overcome Sin and Resist Temptation:
1. You have a real enemy that seeks to destroy you.
1. You have a real enemy that seeks to destroy you.
8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:
1 peter
1
We have a mortal enemy on this earth who wants to destroy our souls and make us unfruitful for Christ. He wants to devour you like a lion devours its prey. We have to be on guard and resist him
Humans have a mortal enemy on this earth who wants to destroy our souls and make us unfruitful for Christ. He wants to devour you like a lion devours its prey. We have to be on guard and resist him
9 Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world.
Denying the devil exists or taking this warning lightly will make us prone to attack and easy targets.
illustration pretend he does not exist -
Sharks in waters of Melbourne FL - eventually they show up .....
Bills pretend they don't exist
When you are tempted, remind yourself of the future consequences of your sin.
Even if they don’t seem to hurt any of your earthly relationships, every sin is an offense against God.
That’s exactly why the devil wants to cause you to fall–he hates God and us. We are to stand firm in the faith against the schemes of the devil
11 Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.
2. You are not alone in your temptation.
2. You are not alone in your temptation.
13 There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.
The temptations we each face are not unique to us–people all over the world are dealing with the same problems and are fighting.
The temptations we each face are not unique to us–people all over the world are dealing with the same problems and are fighting.
Don’t think that you are alone in struggles that you have.
If you feel alone, be honest with a trusted friend or a pastor about your struggles. Scripture promises freedom in confession and help from the body of Christ.
22 Without counsel purposes are disappointed: But in the multitude of counsellers they are established.
The enemy wants to lie to you by shaming you into thinking you’re alone in your struggle and some sort of freak. Use this truth to fight his lies and push forward.
The enemy wants to lie to you by shaming you into thinking you’re alone in your struggle and some sort of freak. Use this truth to fight his lies and push forward.
A loving Church
A Pastor
A good Christian friend
3. You can resist temptation and obey God. Every time.
3. You can resist temptation and obey God. Every time.
3 According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue:
Its the Spirit
If you are a believer in Jesus Christ, you have passed from death to life, are filled with the Holy Spirit, and are able to stand firm against every temptation. The Bible says this in a few different ways. Let’s look at one positive way and one negative way:
If you are a believer in Jesus Christ, you have passed from death to life, are filled with the Holy Spirit, and are able to stand firm against every temptation. The Bible says this in a few different ways. Let’s look at one positive way and one negative way:
Positive way:
This verse says that God has equipped us with everything we need for godliness.
This verse says that God has equipped us with everything we need for godliness.
We already have all of the resources and tools we need to beat every temptation. What makes the differences is if engage in warfare with the resources and tools God has given us.
God has given us spiritual armor that protects us against enemy attacks. He has given us His Word which is able to train us in righteousness
Use the tools he has given
Use the tools he has given
18 years old - busting out concrete with sledge hammer ; all day then quit
the air compressor and band saw 20 in an hour the tool were in the trailer but not used ;
16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:
(:11http://www.logos.com/images/Corporate/LibronixLink_dark.png), and be our sword in fighting temptation (see Jesus’ example in -11http://www.logos.com/images/Corporate/LibronixLink_dark.png).
11 Thy word have I hid in mine heart, That I might not sin against thee.
(:11http://www.logos.com/images/Corporate/LibronixLink_dark.png), and be our sword in fighting temptation (see Jesus’ example in -11http://www.logos.com/images/Corporate/LibronixLink_dark.png).
God has given us His Holy Spirit to help us fight sin in His power and not just our own. The Spirit gives us life and power to fight sin and submit to God
5 For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit.
All other ways of mortification are vain, all helps leave us helpless; it must be done by the Spirit. John Owen
“[God] will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.” :13http://www.logos.com/images/Corporate/LibronixLink_dark.png
God promises that even though we may face strong temptations, they are not too strong for us to overcome. If we feel that they are too strong, we need to analyze our struggles and the chain of events that lead up to the temptation. And if you find yourself tempted, God will always give you an eject button to escape the situation.
4. Do everything you can to analyze your temptations and fight your sinful tendencies.
4. Do everything you can to analyze your temptations and fight your sinful tendencies.
14 But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof.
4. Do everything you can to analyze your temptations and fight your sinful tendencies.
Stop making excuses for sin!
Many Christians stuck in sin are very clever– They are clever at finding ways to sin and cover up their sin.
Many Christians stuck in sin are very clever–not clever at something important like reaching people for Christ or even something fun like ping pong or Chinese Checkers–but clever at finding ways to sin and cover up their sin.
If only people spent as much effort repenting of their sin as they do covering it up!
Unfortunately, many people struggle constantly because they only work hard to enter into temptation and not to prevent and avoid it.
Discernment
Knowing weak areas and anticipating temptation are two vital parts to our game plan for resisting temptation.
When you fall into temptation, look back at the series of events that might have slowly pushed you toward disobedience.
Maybe listening to a coworker complain about your boss at work makes it harder for you to be content with your job and love your boss.
Maybe watching something on TV caused you to lust, and that lust grew into pursuing explicit material.
In each of those cases, notice where the temptation starts and what pours gasoline on the fire of your temptation.
During those times, pray to God for help against temptation and remind yourselves of truths of Scripture to prevent lies from lodging themselves in your mind.
Shot Gun
2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.
23 Keep thy heart with all diligence; For out of it are the issues of life.
5 Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;
What we fill our minds with and let ourselves dwell on has a huge impact in our lives. We need God’s Word to fill our minds with truth to combat against the lies that are so prevalent. If anything causes you to sin, cut it out, put it to death
What we fill our minds with and let ourselves dwell on has a huge impact in our lives. We need God’s Word to fill our minds with truth to combat against the lies that are so prevalent. If anything causes you to sin, cut it out, put it to death
13 For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live.
1 Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, 2 Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.
Fight against temptation with every ounce of energy you have–and ask trusted brothers or sisters to help you and keep you accountable. You can’t do it on your own.
5. We need to constantly pray for God’s help.
5. We need to constantly pray for God’s help.
When Jesus and his disciples went into the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus warned his disciples to:
4 And consulted that they might take Jesus by subtilty, and kill him.
41 Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.
Jesus knew that the disciples couldn’t fight temptation on their own and urged them to call out to God in prayer. God is our ultimate resource in fighting temptation and has total control to guide us through every situation.
Jesus is able to help you when you are tempted.
“Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.”
Jesus is able to help you when you are tempted.
Call out to Christ–He can and will help you fight against sin.
We can call on him because he has already climbed the mountain of righteousness perfectly. He has reached the top and He can reach down and give us a helping hand when we face tough parts in our journey. He is our great High Priest, the One we can call to in confidence (-16http://www.logos.com/images/Corporate/LibronixLink_dark.png). Only He has been through temptation without sin and only He can bring us through temptation without sin.
What am I asking you to Know?
Call out to Christ–He can and will help you fight against sin.
Temptations are real and can be overcome.
T
Basic instructions against temptation: -14http://www.logos.com/images/Corporate/LibronixLink_dark.png; -11http://www.logos.com/images/Corporate/LibronixLink_dark.png; -20http://www.logos.com/images/Corporate/LibronixLink_dark.pngJesus being tempted in the wilderness by Satan: -11http://www.logos.com/images/Corporate/LibronixLink_dark.pngAdam and Eve being tempted by Satan in the Garden: Genesis 3Joseph flees sexual temptation from Potiphar’s wifeTemptation comes from our hearts, not from God: -15http://www.logos.com/images/Corporate/LibronixLink_dark.pngDon’t let the sin of others tempt you: :1http://www.logos.com/images/Corporate/LibronixLink_dark.pngDo not enter the path of the wicked: -15http://www.logos.com/images/Corporate/LibronixLink_dark.png
1. You have a real enemy that seeks to destroy you.
“Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. ” :8http://www.logos.com/images/Corporate/LibronixLink_dark.png
Humans have a mortal enemy on this earth who wants to destroy our souls and make us unfruitful for Christ. He wants to devour you like a lion devours its prey. We have to be on guard and resist him (:9http://www.logos.com/images/Corporate/LibronixLink_dark.png). Denying the devil exists or taking this warning lightly will make us prone to attack and easy targets.
When you are tempted, remind yourself of the future consequences of your sin. Even if they don’t seem to hurt any of your earthly relationships, every sin is an offense against God. That’s exactly why the devil wants to cause you to fall–he hates God and us. We are to stand firm in the faith against the schemes of the devil (:11http://www.logos.com/images/Corporate/LibronixLink_dark.png).
2. You are not alone in your temptation–whatever it is.
“No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man…” :13ahttp://www.logos.com/images/Corporate/LibronixLink_dark.png
The temptations we each face are not unique to us–people all over the world are dealing with the same problems and are fighting. Don’t think that you are alone in struggles that you have. If you feel alone, be honest with a trusted friend or a pastor about your struggles. Scripture promises freedom in confession and help from the body of Christ.
The enemy wants to lie to you by shaming you into thinking you’re alone in your struggle and some sort of freak. Use this truth to fight his lies and push forward.
3. You can resist temptation and obey God. Every time.
If you are a believer in Jesus Christ, you have passed from death to life, are filled with the Holy Spirit, and are able to stand firm against every temptation. The Bible says this in a few different ways. Let’s look at one positive way and one negative way:
Positive way:
“His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness…” :3http://www.logos.com/images/Corporate/LibronixLink_dark.png
This verse says that God has equipped us with everything we need for godliness. We already have all of the resources and tools we need to beat every temptation. What makes the differences is if engage in warfare with the resources and tools God has given us.
God has given us spiritual armor that protects us against enemy attacks. He has given us His Word which is able to train us in righteousness (-17http://www.logos.com/images/Corporate/LibronixLink_dark.png), keep us from sin (:11http://www.logos.com/images/Corporate/LibronixLink_dark.png), and be our sword in fighting temptation (see Jesus’ example in -11http://www.logos.com/images/Corporate/LibronixLink_dark.png).
God has given us His Holy Spirit to help us fight sin in His power and not just our own. The Spirit gives us life and power to fight sin and submit to God (see -11http://www.logos.com/images/Corporate/LibronixLink_dark.png and :16http://www.logos.com/images/Corporate/LibronixLink_dark.png).
All other ways of mortification are vain, all helps leave us helpless; it must be done by the Spirit. John Owen
Negative way:
“[God] will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.” :13http://www.logos.com/images/Corporate/LibronixLink_dark.png
God promises that even though we may face strong temptations, they are not too strong for us to overcome. If we feel that they are too strong, we need to analyze our struggles and the chain of events that lead up to the temptation. And if you find yourself tempted, God will always give you an eject button to escape the situation.
Does constant victory not describe you? Maybe you haven’t been suiting up your spiritual armor that Paul talks about in -20http://www.logos.com/images/Corporate/LibronixLink_dark.png. God has given us all things that pertain to life and godliness. Depend on God and pray that he would help you realize all that he has given you–and use it in His power to stand firm.
4. Do everything you can to analyze your temptations and fight your sinful tendencies.
“But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires.” :14http://www.logos.com/images/Corporate/LibronixLink_dark.png
Many Christians stuck in sin are very clever–not clever at something important like reaching people for Christ or even something fun like ping pong or Chinese Checkers–but clever at finding ways to sin and cover up their sin.
If only people spent as much effort repenting of their sin as they do covering it up!
Unfortunately, many people struggle constantly because they only work hard to enter into temptation and not to prevent and avoid it.
Knowing weak areas and anticipating temptation are two vital parts to our game plan for resisting temptation. When you fall into temptation, look back at the series of events that might have slowly pushed you toward disobedience. Maybe listening to a coworker complain about your boss at work makes it harder for you to be content with your job and love your boss. Maybe watching something on TV caused you to lust, and that lust grew into pursuing explicit material.
In each of those cases, notice where the temptation starts and what pours gasoline on the fire of your temptation. During those times, pray to God for help against temptation and remind yourselves of truths of Scripture to prevent lies from lodging themselves in your mind.
I know for me, the more I watch political TV, the more anxious I get, and the harder it is for me to love people and be patient with them. The more I fill my head with things of the world, the more I am tempted to live by the flesh and not the Spirit.
What we fill our minds with and let ourselves dwell on has a huge impact in our lives. We need God’s Word to fill our minds with truth to combat against the lies that are so prevalent. If anything causes you to sin, cut it out, put it to death (:13http://www.logos.com/images/Corporate/LibronixLink_dark.png). Cry out to God to help you cast off sin and everything that entangles and run the race God has set before you (-2http://www.logos.com/images/Corporate/LibronixLink_dark.png).
Fight against temptation with every ounce of energy you have–and ask trusted brothers or sisters to help you and keep you accountable. You can’t do it on your own.
5. We need to constantly pray for God’s help.
When Jesus and his disciples went into the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus warned his disciples to:
“Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” :41http://www.logos.com/images/Corporate/LibronixLink_dark.png
Jesus knew that the disciples couldn’t fight temptation on their own and urged them to call out to God in prayer. God is our ultimate resource in fighting temptation and has total control to guide us through every situation.
The disciples should have known this, because earlier in :13http://www.logos.com/images/Corporate/LibronixLink_dark.png Jesus tells them to pray,
“Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.”
Our battle is not against flesh and blood but against spiritual enemies. Spiritual enemies and our own flesh need to be fought with God’s help because “the flesh is weak.”
Jesus is able to help you when you are tempted.
“For because he himself has suffered when tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted.” :18http://www.logos.com/images/Corporate/LibronixLink_dark.png
We can call on him because he has already climbed the mountain of righteousness perfectly. He has reached the top and He can reach down and give us a helping hand when we face tough parts in our journey. He is our great High Priest, the One we can call to in confidence (-16http://www.logos.com/images/Corporate/LibronixLink_dark.png). Only He has been through temptation without sin and only He can bring us through temptation without sin.
Call out to Christ–He can and will help you fight against sin.
—
Temptation in the Bible: Bonus Bible Verses about Resisting Temptation and Overcoming Sin
Basic instructions against temptation: -14http://www.logos.com/images/Corporate/LibronixLink_dark.png; -11http://www.logos.com/images/Corporate/LibronixLink_dark.png; -20http://www.logos.com/images/Corporate/LibronixLink_dark.pngJesus being tempted in the wilderness by Satan: -11http://www.logos.com/images/Corporate/LibronixLink_dark.pngAdam and Eve being tempted by Satan in the Garden: Genesis 3Joseph flees sexual temptation from Potiphar’s wifeTemptation comes from our hearts, not from God: -15http://www.logos.com/images/Corporate/LibronixLink_dark.pngDon’t let the sin of others tempt you: :1http://www.logos.com/images/Corporate/LibronixLink_dark.pngDo not enter the path of the wicked: -15http://www.logos.com/images/Corporate/LibronixLink_dark.png