Trapped
Part 2 - Temptation
March 2, 2014
TRIALS are situations designed by God in order to help us grow.
TEMPTATIONS are designed by the devil in order to cause us to
sin.
James 1:12-18
Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he
has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has
promised to those who love him.
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 when, by his own evil desire, he is dragged away
and enticed. 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. 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. NIV
When you know how to say "no" to temptation it produces
happiness in your life.
5 Keys to Dealing With Temptation
1. Be ____________________
Temptations are inevitable. We all have the same temptations and
the same problems. (I Corinthians 10:13)
It is not a sin to be tempted. It is a sin to give in to temptation.
(Hebrew 4:15b)
2. Be _____________________________
James 1:13 When tempted, no one should say, `God is tempting
me.' For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt
anyone. NIV
Don't blame God and don't blame other people. Blaming is a sign
of immaturity.
3. Be __________________
Jms 1:16 Don't be deceived my dear brothers... NIV
(1 Cor 10:12; 2 Cor 2:11)
The Process of Temptation
Step A - _______________
Jms 1:14 Each one is tempted when, by his own evil
desires... NIV
Any desire that’s out of control becomes destructive.
Temptation involves the fulfillment of a legitimate desire in
the wrong way or at the wrong time.
Step B – ____________________________
Jms 1:14b He is dragged away and enticed ... NIV
dragged away - (excelko) snared in a trap.
enticed - (deleazo) lured by bait.
What kind of bait does the devil use on you?
Step C - ____________________________
Jms 1:15a Then after desire has conceived it gives birth to
sin.
What begins in your mind results in an action.
What starts in your mind eventually comes out in your life.
Step D - _________________
Jms 1:15b Sin, when full grown gives birth to death. NIV
I am free to make choices, but I'm not free to choose the
consequences. (Jms 1:17)
4. _____________________ (Phil 4:8-9)
The more you fight a feeling the more it grabs you.
Whatever gets your attention, gets you. Whatever you resist,
persists. The Bible is our secret weapon against temptation.
You can't fight a feeling, but if you ignore it, you weaken it.
5. Be _________________ (James 1:18; I Cor 10:13)
You will not be able to say “no” to temptation until you first
learn to say “yes” to God.
Your assignment:
A. Understand where your weakness is and don’t go there.
B. Deal with temptation right when it begins.
When temptation starts re-focus your mind with scripture
immediately.
C. Develop relationships with other Christians.
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