How to Overcome Temptation - Eagle Christian Churcheaglechristianchurch.com/sermon_files/2018-10-07/sermon.pdf · 2018-10-07 · “How to Overcome Temptation” Resources During

How to

Overcome

Temptation

James 1:12-15

“How to Overcome Temptation”

James 1:12-15

“Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him. 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. But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death.”

(ESV)


Temptation (peirasmos)• To tempt, an enticement to sin.

• To attract or provoke a person to do something (or want something) that is wrong, harmful, or destructive.

Temptation—

The Source

“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.” (13)


Where Does It Come From?

• It is not from God• God cannot be tempted (apeirastos)• God is “un-tempt-able”—not able to be tempted

• Used only here in the New Testament


“Test” vs “Tempt”

•Abraham—“After these things God tested Abraham … ‘Take your son, your only son … and go to the land of Moriah.’” (Gen 22:1)

• Israel—“I will no longer drive out … the nations ... in order to test Israel … whether they will take care to walk in the way of the LORD.” (Judges 2:22)

•Hezekiah—“God left him to himself, in order to test him and to know all that was in his heart.”

(2 Chr 32:31)


1 Corinthians 10:13

“No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.” (ESV)


Where Does It Come From?

• It is not from God

• It is from within

“But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire.” (14)


Traps and Lures

• Lured (exelkō)—a baited trap luring an animal

• Enticed (deleazō)—the bait used on a fishing hook

“But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire.” (14)

Temptation—

Its End Result

“Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin,

and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death.” (15)


Natural Regression

Desires

Temptations

Lust/Sin

Habitual Sin

Destruction/Death


Spiritual Progression

Crown of Life

Steadfastness

Obedience

Faith

Trials/Temptations

Temptation—

The Rewards

of Overcoming

“Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test

he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him.” (12)


Resources During Temptation

•His Presence• “For it is the LORD your God who goes with you.

He will not leave you or forsake you.” (Deut 31:6)

• “For he has said, ‘I will never leave you nor forsake you.’” (Heb 13:5)



• His Presence

•His Example• “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. Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.”

(Heb 4:15-16)



• His Presence

• His Example

•His Guidance• “No temptation has overtaken you that is not

common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.”

(1 Cor 10:13)



• His Presence

• His Example

• His Guidance

•His Encouragement• “Looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of

our faith ... Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility ... so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted.” (Heb 12:2-3)



• His Presence

• His Example

• His Guidance

• His Encouragement

•His Church• “And let us consider how to stir up one another to

love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.” (Heb 10:24-25)



• His Presence

• His Example

• His Guidance

• His Encouragement

• His Church

•His Forgiveness• “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to

forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (1 Jn 1:9)


How to Overcome Temptation

•Avoid temptation (it is easier to avoid temptations than resist them)



• Avoid temptation (it is easier to avoid temptations than resist them)

•Reject the premise that worldly things will satisfy




• Reject the premise that worldly things will satisfy

• Place yourself under God’s protection and look for the way out that he has provided




• Reject the premise that worldly things will satisfy

• Place yourself under God’s protection and look for the way out that he has provided

•Bring into your life the activities God has provided for your benefit

How to

Overcome

Temptation

“Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial … he will receive the crown of

life.” (12)

Documents

How to Overcome Temptation - Eagle Christian Churcheaglechristianchurch.com/sermon_files/2018-10-07/sermon.pdf · 2018-10-07 · “How to Overcome Temptation” Resources During