DEALING WITH TEMPTATION

Bethel Community ChurchJames 1:13-15

March 18th 2018

MORNING HUMOR

Get behind me Satan!

WHY THIS TOPIC?

It’s a very real problem!

We can learn to deal with it.

JAMES 1:13-15

13 When tempted, no one should say, “God is tempting me.” For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; 14 but each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed. 15 Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death.

The Pope’s Comments

Lead us not into temptation –

Bad Translation!

I struggled with this a long time

“For God cannot be tempted by

evil, nor does he tempt anyone …”

A COUPLE OF THOUGHTS

SO WHO IS TEMPTING US?

First from our own evil desires.

“. . . each person is tempted when they are dragged

away by their own evil desire and enticed.”

SO WHO IS TEMPTING US?

So what is the second source?

Satan entices us. Why?

1. To make us sin

2. To destroy our reputation

3. Cause us to stop sharing the Gospel

WHAT DOES TEMPTATION EVEN LOOK LIKE?

Definition

Biblical Examples:

• Esau

• Joseph

• Jesus

CONSEQUENCES

Then, after desire has

conceived, it gives birth to sin;

and sin, when it is full-grown,

gives birth to death.

• Desire• Conception• Birth• Growth• Death

- Looked Good- Satan Enticed- She Ate the Fruit- She Gave to Adam- Relationship Died

See the Progression

DEADLY CONSEQUENCES

• Destroys Reputation

• Turn from God and the Church

• Ruins Relationships

• Destroys Ministries / Witness

• Causes the Weak to Fall Away

HOW TO RESIST TEMPTATION

1. Commit to Stop

2. Know Your Weakness

3. Flee Sexual Immorality

4. Stay Sober

Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to

debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit…

AVOIDANCE

• Gluttony

• Drinking

• Drugs

• Gossiping

AVOIDANCE

• Pornography• Commit to Stop• Delete Pictures• Trash Magazines• Delete Bookmarks• Set “Kid Safe” Searches• Know that Jesus is seeing

what you see!

This stuff is everywhere, and it’s easy to find and hide.

BUT WHAT IF WE FALL?

We’re not Perfect

What then?

• Get back up & keep going

• Confess & ask for forgiveness

• Find a friend for accountability

GIVE THANKS FOR SUCCESES

• Praise the Lord Publicly

• People Need to Hear

• Draws People to Faith

• Your successes can help others. 2 Corinthians 1:3-4

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,

the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who

comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those

in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.

CLOSING PRAYERPeace and Grace be with You!