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

 

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

2/11/2021 - https://mychristiancontext.blogspot.com/2021/02/biblelesson-timeless-truths-gods-keys.html

 

From last week:

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

• Trials: Situations designed by God for growth.
• Temptations: Presented by Satan to cause sin/failure.

FIVE PRINCIPLES TO HELP YOU HANDLE TEMPTATION

Be realistic (v13a)

• 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.
• We all deal with the same types of temptations.

Be reasonable (v13b)

• Don’t blame others, INCLUDING GOD, for your problem.

Be Ready (vv14,16)

• Most of us are most vulnerable after doing something positive – a victory.

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 temptation works (vv14-15)

In order that Satan might not outwit us. For we are not unaware of is schemes. 

(2 Corinthians 2:11)

1. Desire (v14)

• Temptation is an inside job.
• Any desire out of control becomes destructive.

2. Disobedience (v14)

• Temptation always looks better than it is.
• What does Satan use to snare eyes?

3. Disobedience (v15)

• Idea  Action
• Sometimes we keep nibbling even after we see the hook.
• Advertisers use desire.

4. Death (v15)

• Giving in to temptation leads to death.
• You don’t have to quit breathing to die.

Be Refocused (v17)

…the Father of the heavenly lights, … does not change like shifting shadows.

• Focus on what you want. 
• When you can’t fight a feeling, REFOCUS.
• If temptation begins in your mind you must refocus on other things-- God
• Maybe physically remove yourself from the temptation.
• Chronic worry means you’re doubting God’s goodness.

Be Reborn (v18)

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.

1 Corinthians 10:13

• You need a whole new capacity to resist.
• It takes supernatural power to resist temptation.
• Ask for forgiveness; you can’t’ say NO to temptation while saying YES to God.
• Remember, there is never more on you than God can help you through.
• TRUST GOD!

What do you want so badly that you’re willing to compromise to get it?

RESOURCES YOU NEED 

IN ORDER TO FIGHT TEMPTATION:

• Fellowship with other Christians. We aren’t meant to fight the battle alone.
• Get into God’s Word. The more you get into God’s Word, the more God’s Word gets into you.

What’s the most vulnerable area in your life?

• God knows.
• So does Satan!

Where do you lack self-control?

• Figure it out and confess to God.

Next week we begin How to Have Real Faith

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.

 

 

SEO: Bible study, New Testament, thinking, knowing God

 

Follow me on 

Facebook (minimally): https://www.facebook.com/CRDowningAuthor

 

My website is: www.crdowning.com

Email: crd.author@gmail.com

 

My Blogs

Life as I see it. Topics rotate between those of general interest to lovers of life,  authors, teachers—probably you, too. Occasional posts on Mondays or Tuesdays. http://crdowning-author.blogspot.com/?alt=rss

 

My Christian Context. Posts Monday/Wednesday of discussion questions. Thursdays - Timeless Truths. Fridays - Expressions of Faith. https://mychristiancontext.blogspot.com/  

 

I appreciate your feedback on Blogger!