This past Sunday, I preached a message from the book of James on how to endure temptation.
Here’s the big idea: To overcome temptation, we need to remember God’s promises, recognize the pattern of sin and live by God’s Word.
“If you think you are standing strong, be careful not to fall. The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure.”
• Temptations are desirable opportunities sent by Satan to bring out our worst.
• The real issue with temptation is TRUST. At the root of every temptation is the question: Can God be trusted?
HOW DO WE ENDURE TEMPTATION?
1. Take RESPONSIBILITY
“Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am being tempted by God,” for God cannot be tempted with evil, and he himself tempts no one. ”
“And they heard the sound of the Lord God walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and the man and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the Lord God among the trees of the garden. 9 But the Lord God called to the man and said to him, “Where are you?” 10 And he said, “I heard the sound of you in the garden, and I was afraid, because I was naked, and I hid myself.” 11 He said, “Who told you that you were naked? Have you eaten of the tree of which I commanded you not to eat?” 12 The man said, “The woman whom you gave to be with me, she gave me fruit of the tree, and I ate.” 13 Then the Lord God said to the woman, “What is this that you have done?” The woman said, “The serpent deceived me, and I ate.” ”
2. Avoid the DECEPTION
“I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you. ”
The four stages of temptation:
• Desire
But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire... James 1:14
• Deception
…when he is lured and enticed. James 1:14
• Disobedience
Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin.... James 1:15
• Death
…And sin when it is fully grown brings forth death. James 1:15
3. HUMBLY DRAW near to God
“So don’t be misled, my dear brothers and sisters. 17 Whatever is good and perfect is a gift coming down to us from God our Father, who created all the lights in the heavens. He never changes or casts a shifting shadow. He chose to give birth to us by giving us his true word. And we, out of all creation, became his prized possession. ”
“For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. ”
“If you love me, you will obey what I command. ”
Takeaway: Who can you run to in your life for accountability?