Facing Temptation
- 1. These things happened to them as examples and were written down as warnings for us, on whom the culmination of the ages has come. So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don’t fall! (I Cor. 10:11-12 NIV)
- 3. Facing Temptation • The Apostle Paul said, "...I buffet my body and make it my slave, lest possibly, after I have preached to others, I myself should be disqualified“ – 1 Corinthians 9:27 Paul was spiritually mature!
- 4. Facing Temptation • Identify what we need to change. – Knowledge • Sin....................(“take off”) – Stop it! • Obedience..........(“put on”) – Start it! • Decide to change! – Knowledge alone will not bring about change.
- 5. Facing Temptation 1. WE MUST STOP IMPURE THOUGHTS IN ORDER TO END IMPURE ACTIONS. “We (are to) demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.” - 2 Corinthians 10:5 (NIV)
- 6. Facing Temptation “Do not let your heart envy sinners, But live in the fear of the LORD always.” - Proverbs 23:17
- 7. Facing Temptation 2. MEMORIZE SCRIPTURES THAT RELATE TO WHAT YOU ARE TRYING TO CHANGE. “Your word I have hidden in my heart, That I might not sin against You.” - Psalm 119:11 (NKJV)
- 8. Facing Temptation 3. PRAY. “All of you must keep awake (give strict attention, be cautious and active) and watch and pray, that you may not come into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” - Matthew 26:41 (AMP)
- 9. Facing Temptation 4. MAKE YOURSELF ACCOUNTABLE TO ANOTHER CHRISTIAN. “Therefore, confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another so that you may be healed. The effective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much.” - James 5:16
- 10. Facing Temptation 1. WE MUST STOP IMPURE THOUGHTS IN ORDER TO END IMPURE ACTIONS. 2. MEMORIZE SCRIPTURES THAT RELATE TO WHAT WE ARE TRYING TO CHANGE. 3. PRAY IMMEDIATELY. 4. MAKE OURSELVES ACCOUNTABLE TO ANOTHER CHRISTIAN.
- 11. Facing Temptation “No temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to man; and God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, so that you will be able to endure it.” - 1 Corinthians 10:13 (NASB)
- 12. Facing Temptation • God knows us and our limitations. • God is faithful in His promises. • God has provided a way of escape! It’s our responsibility to look for it. • Will we take the “way of escape”?