s20060723m_defeating Persistent Temptations

DEFEATING PERSISTENT TEMPTATIONS

“I don’t understand myself at all, for I really want to do what is right, but I don’t do it. Instead, I do the very thing I hate.” Romans 7:15 (NLT)

1. PREDETERMINE [YOUR PATTERN OF TEMPTATION]

“Plan carefully what you do… Avoid evil and walk straight ahead. Don’t go one step off the right way.” Pr. 4:26-27 (GN)

· ____________________ am I most tempted?

· ____________________ is with me when I'm most tempted?

· ____________________ temporary benefit do I get if I give in?

“There is pleasure in sin for a short time.” Heb. 10:25

· ____________________ do I feel right before I'm tempted?

2. PROTECT ________________________________________

“Above all else, guard your heart, for it affects everything you do.” Pr. 4:23 (NLT)

Physically Exhausted 0 1 2 3 4 Energetic/In shape

Discouraged/Pessimistic 0 1 2 3 4 Encouraged/Optimistic

Bored/Discontented 0 1 2 3 4 Challenged/Contented

Spiritually Dry/Empty 0 1 2 3 4 Spiritually Growing

Geographically Distant/Alone 0 1 2 3 4 Near/Together

Insecure/Unsure 0 1 2 3 4 Secure/Confident

Deeply Wounded/Hurt 0 1 2 3 4 Loved/Understood

Secretly Bitter/Angry 0 1 2 3 4 Have Forgiven Everyone

Sad 0 1 2 3 4 Happy

Alienated/Unsupported 0 1 2 3 4 Close/Supported

Total:

“Do not give the devil a foothold.” Eph. 4:27 (NIV)

3. PRAY ________________________________________

“Keep alert and pray. Otherwise temptation will overpower you.” Matt. 26:41 (NLT)

“Call to Me when trouble comes; I will save you..” Ps. 50:15 (GN)

“(Jesus) understands our weaknesses, for He faced all of the same temptations we do, yet He did not sin. So let us come boldly to … our gracious God. There we will receive His mercy, and grace to help us when we need it.” Heb. 4:15-16 (NLT)

4. POINT ________________________________________

“Temptation is the pull of your own evil thoughts and wishes. These evil thoughts lead to evil actions…” James 1:14-15 (LB)

“We capture every thought… and make it obey Christ.” 2 Cor. 10:5 (NCV)

“Don’t let evil conquer you, but conquer evil with good.” Rom. 12:21 (GN)

5. PARTICIPATE ________________________________________

“Two are better than one, because together… if one falls down, the other can help him up. but if someone is alone and falls… there’s no one to help him.” Eccl. 4:9-10 (GN)

“Admit your faults to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed.” James 5:16 (LB)

“No temptation that comes your way is beyond what others have had to face. All you need to remember is that God will never let you down; He’ll never let you be pushed past your limit; He’ll always be there to help you come through it.” 1 Cor. 10:13 (Mes