#BibleLesson Timeless Truths. God’s Keys to Maturity – How to Win the Battle Over Temptation - Part A

This is the third post in a ten-week Developing a Faith that Works Series. There are five lessons, each divided into two parts. URLs from previous weeks are listed as part of this opening statement.

URLs.

1/28/2021 - https://mychristiancontext.blogspot.com/2021/01/biblelesson-timeless-truths-gods-keys.html

2/04/2021 - https://mychristiancontext.blogspot.com/2021/01/biblelesson-timeless-truths-gods-keys_26.html

 

From last week:

C. A Mature Person has Mastered his/her mouth

D. A Mature Person is a Peacemaker, Not a Troublemaker

E. A Mature Person is Patient and Prayerful

Maturity Check List

1.  How do you handle problems? See point A.

2.  Are you sensitive to other people? We all need to be sensitive to one another. See Point B.

3.  Can you manage your mouth? You can damage people by innuendo. See point C.

4.  Are you a troublemaker or a peacemaker? This includes holding grudges, too. See point D.

5.  How long can you wait for an answer to prayer without giving up? See point E.

 

If you didn’t see it with your own eyes,

and/or hear it with your own ears…

Don’t invent in a small mind, then

say it with a big mouth.

END OF REVIEW

12 Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him. 

13 When tempted, no one should say, “God is tempting me.” For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; 

14 but each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed. 

15 Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death. 

16 Don’t be deceived, my dear brothers and sisters. 

17 Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. 

18 He chose to give us birth through the word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of all he created.

James 1:12-18 (NIV)

How to say “no” when you want to say “yes.” 

Verse 12 informs you that happiness comes when your life is under control.

• Trials: Situations designed by God for growth.
• Temptations: Presented by Satan to cause sin/failure.
• Both Trial and Temptation are forms of the same Greek term.
• Knowing how to say no to temptation leads to happiness.

FIVE PRINCIPLES TO HELP YOU 

HANDLE TEMPTATION

Be realistic (v13a)

13 When tempted, no one should say, “God is tempting me.” 

Temptation is inevitable.

• It’s not a sin to be tempted. The sin is giving in to that temptation.
• You are never too old or too spiritual to not be tempted.

The closer you grow to God, the more you are tempted because

13 No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.

I Corinthians 10:13

• We all deal with the same types of temptations.

Be reasonable (v13b)

For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone;

• We live in a society of irresponsibility.
• Don’t blame others, INCLUDING GOD, for your problem.
• God never contradicts His Word.

Be Ready (vv14,16)

14 but each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed. 

16 Don’t be deceived, my dear brothers and sisters. 

Be prepared when temptation comes.

• Temptation is spontaneous.
• Most of us are most vulnerable after doing something positive – a victory.
• Temptation is apropos.

Next week we begin with How temptation works.

Commit to making time each week to measure your Christian walk against the standard James presents.

Thanks to Pastor Larry Pitcher for the primary teachings in this post.

 

 

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