THE CHRISTIAN AND TEMPTATIONS.

Matthew 6:13; Matthew 26:41; James 1:12-15.

Introduction• Living the life of a Christian is not a bed of ease or

life of idleness.• It requires much toil and labor.• It will be a constant fight with temptation.• The Christian's greatest danger is succumbing to

temptation.• Remember the song that we sing: "Yield Not To

Temptation, For Yielding Is Sin".

WHAT IS TEMPTATION?• It is the enticing or inducement to yield to the lust of

the flesh. James 1:14. To put to trial for proof.• After one becomes a Christian he has the same

desires and temptations facing him that he had before.

• He does not receive a "second blessing" as some may claim, to remove the temptation from him.

• It is a trial or testing of one's faith and loyalty to God.• Read James 1:12; Job 1:6-2:10.• Note the temptations put before Christ.

Matthew 4:1-11.

Source Of Temptations To Do Evil

• Never from God. James 1:13.• God tries or proves His children but does not

induce them to do evil. Genesis 22:1,2.• God does permit us to be tempted but not beyond

our capability to overcome. 1 Corinthians 10:12,13.

• Always From Satan. Matthew 4:1; 1 Corinthians 7:5.

Source Of Temptations To Do Evil

• Satan's avenues of sin. 1 John 2:15,16.• Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden. • Genesis 3.• They were tempted in three ways:• Lust of the flesh--good to eat.• Lust of the eyes--delight to behold.• Pride of life--make one wise.

Source Of Temptations To Do Evil

• Christ was tempted in the same way.• Lust of the flesh--stones to bread.• Lust of the eyes--kingdoms of the world.• Pride of life--cast thyself down.• One can be tempted from within. • James 1:14; 1 John 2:15,16

Temptations Are Sure To Come

• By no circumstances, environment, or conditions are we exempt.

• Not by character or spiritual power.• Jesus was tempted right after receiving the Spirit.

Matthew 3:16; 4:1.• Not by Sonship. Matthew 3:17.• Not by solitude. Jesus was alone on occasions.

Matthew 4:2.

Benefits Of Temptations

• To be tempted is not to sin, but only when one yields to the temptation to sin.

• There is a song that I have already mentioned that says: "Yield Not To Temptation, For Yielding Is Sin."

• To man who yields it is a curse--but the man who overcomes is blessed. James 1:2-15.

Benefits Of Temptations

• One who yields is made weaker--one who overcomes is made stronger.

• It creates in us patience. James 1:2,3.• It will increase our desire to go to heaven where

we will be free from all temptations. Philippians 1:21-23.

• He shall be crowned. James 1:12.

Overcoming Temptations• God's people can overcome any temptation.

1 Corinthians 10:12,13.• What is the way of escape?• The way of escape is through preparation.

Psalm 119:11.• Jesus overcame because He filled His heart with the

word. Matthew 4:1-11.• By way of prayer and watchfulness. Matthew 26:41.• By way of strong purpose.

Daniel 1:8; 1 Corinthians 9:27.• Man with his heart set is hard to move.

Overcoming Temptations• May be by way of flight. 1 Cor. 10:14; 2 Tim. 2:22.• May be by way of fight. Eph. 6:10-18; 1 Tim. 6:12.• By avoiding bad company. Psa. 1:1,2; 1 Cor. 15:33.• By attending all the assemblies of the church. Heb.

10:25.• Such is needed to strengthen us.• Neglecting worship services is the first step toward

apostasy.• It is a long, tempting step from Sunday morning to

Sunday morning, leaving off Sunday evenings and Wednesdays.

Overcoming Temptations

• It is said that : seven days between worship periods make one weak.

• Keep busy for the Lord--idleness is the devil's workshop.

• With regard to overcoming temptation, finding the way of escape provided by the Lord:

• It is all a matter of want to. We must look for the escape that the Lord has provided.

Conclusion• Are you a victim of temptation? Have you succumbed or yielded to

such?• The Lord has made provision for those who fall.• To you that have fallen, get up (repent), confess and pray.• To you that are still in the grasp of Satan and have not become

children of God, then you too can overcome temptation by: Hearing God's Word. Believing in God and His Word. Repenting of your sins. Confessing with your mouth what you believe in your heart, that Jesus is the Son of God, and then be baptized by a burial in water for the remission of your sins. Then live soberly, righteously, and godly the rest of your life and heaven will be your home.

• Paul tells us that as Children of God we can do all things through Christ Who strengthens us. Philippians 4:13.