Pastor Stephen Harvell
Love of Christ Church
August 10, 2014
How to Overcome Temptation
Part 2, “Cross Training” series
Today is part two of our series, Cross Training, which is a more detailed study of the Book of James.
Today we will just be looking at chapter 1, verses 13 - 18 and learn how to overcome temptation.
Everyone faces temptations! Even Jesus faced temptation, but God’s Word says He never sinned. So
how can we face temptation but not give into sin?
I.
Remember the Source
“When tempted, no one should say, ‘God is tempting me.’ For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor
does he tempt anyone; but each one is tempted [try to trap, make one sin] when, by his own evil
desire, he is dragged away and enticed [lured into sin].” (James 1:13–14)
The devil knows within each of us is a nature or desire to sin. Just as each person has different appetites,
we have different weaknesses. It might be sexual, lying, stealing, coveting or pride. While there are
some areas we might be able to dismiss quickly, there are others that overwhelm us. Some people can
resist chocolate, potato chips, ice cream or another specific comfort food, but when something else is
placed before them they crumble every time. The devil knows our weaknesses and will cast a lure at the
perfect time, with an irresistible presentation, and before we know it we take a bite.
Sin is like a fishing lure. It appears to be good but hides a hook that will capture us.
“Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for
someone to devour.” (1 Peter 5:8)
To overcome temptation we must first realize we are subject to falling at any time. Secondly, we must
know we have an enemy trying everything he can to take us out. Then to overcome, it helps if we
realize this temptation can destroy our lives. The devil makes sin look good, but it always has a hook to
capture and kill us. Therefore we need to always:
II.
Rehearse the Consequences
“Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to
death. Don’t be deceived, my dear brothers.” (James 1:15–16)
“There is a way that seems right to a man, but in the end it leads to death.” (Proverbs 14:12)
III.
Receive Jesus’ New Birth
“Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who
does not change like shifting shadows. He chose to give us birth through the word of truth, that we
might be a kind of firstfruits of all he created.” (James 1:17-18)
How to Overcome Temptation
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Pastor Stephen Harvell
Love of Christ Church
1.
August 10, 2014
Receive Jesus’ Spirit
“Jesus answered, ‘I tell you the truth, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless he is born of water
and the Spirit. Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit. You should not be
surprised at my saying, “You must be born again.”’” (John 3:5–7)
2.
Receive Jesus’ Grace
“… since we have a great high priest who has gone through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us
hold firmly to the faith we profess. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize
with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are — yet
was without sin. Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive
mercy and find grace [divine flow of favor] to help us in our time of need.” (Hebrews 4:14–16)
IV.
Remain in Love with Jesus
“‘If you love me, you will obey what I command. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you
another Counselor to be with you forever — the Spirit of truth…’” (John 14:15–17)
“And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of
insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless until the day
of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ — to the glory and
praise of God.” (Philippians 1:9–11)
When we remain in love with Jesus, temptation loses its power to lure us away.
Prayer of Application
Prayer of Blessing
Invitation for Salvation
How to Overcome Temptation
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