Overcoming Temptation
Intro: God cannot be tempted and tempts no one. James 1:13
· God in the human flesh of Jesus suffered being tempted. Hebrews 2:18
· Jesus Christ was tempted in every way, yet did not sin. Hebrews 4:15; 1 John 3:5
· The Sinless Son of God became sin for us... 2 Corinthians 5:21
Jesus knows what you are going through - He gets it. Christ in me is the Source of my success to overcome temptation, pass the test, get through the trial or endure the trouble.
Sources of temptation:
· Flesh - Everyone is tempted by their own evil desires. James 1:14
· Satan is called the tempter (and Accuser: true or false followed by condemnation) Matthew 4:1
· World (the culture or subculture we live in) - Love not the world or the things of the world... 1 John 2:15-16 He gives us all things freely to enjoy but not to be in bondage to them. 1 Timothy 6:17
Blessings to the person who endures temptation:
More joyful and stronger and a crown of life. James 1:2-3; 1:12
· Walk in the Holy Spirit and you will not gratify the evil desires of the flesh. Galatians 5:16
· Jesus came to destroy the works of satan. 1 John 3:8
· This is the victory that overcomes the world's pressure - our faith. 1 John 5:4
Tempted to Lose Focus:
External - injustice, suffering of others, natural disasters...
Some of us have enough faith in the existence of God to blame Him. (Peterson [Message Bible] says, Suffering calls my life into question, not God's.) God is Good, God is Light.
Job said, Though He slay me, yet will I trust Him. Job 13:15 God does not owe you and explanation!
Internal - Isolation, jealousy, fear...
· Indifference - Men at ease have contempt for misfortune. Job 12:5
· Jealousy - insecure spouse, the promotion, possession, prosperity of others
Resentment kills a fool and envy slays the simple. Job 5:2
· Fear - That which I greatly feared has come upon me. Job 3:25 Fear, worry and anxiety create an atmosphere that can lead to a self fulfilling prophecy. Faith does the same!
Piano players, paralyzed perfectionists, fear of being single, fear of being married, fear of poverty in old age (Howard Hugh!). job interviews, starting a business, phobias, tribulation
What is the Best Way to Deal with Temptation?
· Pull out your sword, the Word of God. Ephesians 6:17; Note: Jesus' victory Matthew 4:1-11
· Approach the Throne of Grace Hebrews 4:16; 2 Corinthians 12:9-10
· Nothing can defeat you if you remember you are more than a conqueror in Christ and through Christ. Romans 8:18, 31-39
Intro: God cannot be tempted and tempts no one. James 1:13
· God in the human flesh of Jesus suffered being tempted. Hebrews 2:18
· Jesus Christ was tempted in every way, yet did not sin. Hebrews 4:15; 1 John 3:5
· The Sinless Son of God became sin for us... 2 Corinthians 5:21
Jesus knows what you are going through - He gets it. Christ in me is the Source of my success to overcome temptation, pass the test, get through the trial or endure the trouble.
Sources of temptation:
· Flesh - Everyone is tempted by their own evil desires. James 1:14
· Satan is called the tempter (and Accuser: true or false followed by condemnation) Matthew 4:1
· World (the culture or subculture we live in) - Love not the world or the things of the world... 1 John 2:15-16 He gives us all things freely to enjoy but not to be in bondage to them. 1 Timothy 6:17
Blessings to the person who endures temptation:
More joyful and stronger and a crown of life. James 1:2-3; 1:12
· Walk in the Holy Spirit and you will not gratify the evil desires of the flesh. Galatians 5:16
· Jesus came to destroy the works of satan. 1 John 3:8
· This is the victory that overcomes the world's pressure - our faith. 1 John 5:4
Tempted to Lose Focus:
External - injustice, suffering of others, natural disasters...
Some of us have enough faith in the existence of God to blame Him. (Peterson [Message Bible] says, Suffering calls my life into question, not God's.) God is Good, God is Light.
Job said, Though He slay me, yet will I trust Him. Job 13:15 God does not owe you and explanation!
Internal - Isolation, jealousy, fear...
· Indifference - Men at ease have contempt for misfortune. Job 12:5
· Jealousy - insecure spouse, the promotion, possession, prosperity of others
Resentment kills a fool and envy slays the simple. Job 5:2
· Fear - That which I greatly feared has come upon me. Job 3:25 Fear, worry and anxiety create an atmosphere that can lead to a self fulfilling prophecy. Faith does the same!
Piano players, paralyzed perfectionists, fear of being single, fear of being married, fear of poverty in old age (Howard Hugh!). job interviews, starting a business, phobias, tribulation
What is the Best Way to Deal with Temptation?
· Pull out your sword, the Word of God. Ephesians 6:17; Note: Jesus' victory Matthew 4:1-11
· Approach the Throne of Grace Hebrews 4:16; 2 Corinthians 12:9-10
· Nothing can defeat you if you remember you are more than a conqueror in Christ and through Christ. Romans 8:18, 31-39
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