Navigating Daily Temptations While Staying Faithful to Jesus

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Introduction

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- Today we’re tackling something we all deal with—Temptation.

‌- The WORLD says The only way to get rid of a temptation is to yield to it. basically means that if you give in to what you're tempted by, you won't be tempted by it anymore.

C.S Lewis -"No man knows how bad he is till he has tried very hard to be good."

In Matthew we can find where it says Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.

- The Bible says that everyone faces temptation, even Jesus.

- Temptation itself isn't a bad thing; it's giving in to it that's the problem.

- Temptation can come from different places like bad influences around you, your own thoughts, or even from Satan.

- God doesn't make you face temptation to do something bad, but sometimes He allows it to test your faith.

- God promises to help you find a way out of any temptation you face, so you can avoid doing something wrong.

- To beat temptation, the Bible suggests praying, remembering what the Bible says, and asking for help from the Holy Spirit.

So, in a nutshell, the Bible tells us that temptation is a part of life, but with God's help, you can avoid giving in to it.

- **Scripture Focus**:

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."

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The Reality of Temptation

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- Temptation is universal; no one is exempt! Because of Adam in Eve everyone, without exception, faces situations where they're tempted to do something they shouldn't. It's a part of being human and a common experience for all people.

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- Peer pressure, social media, school—temptations come from all angles. The urge to do something we shouldn't isn't limited to just one area of life. It can come from friends urging us to make bad choices (peer pressure), from images or messages we see online (social media), or even from situations we encounter in educational settings (school). The idea is that temptation is everywhere and can come from multiple sources.

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- Temptation itself is not a sin; it's how we handle it that counts. being tempted to do something wrong isn't itself a bad thing. What matters is what you choose to do when faced with that temptation. If you give in, that's when it becomes a sin or a wrong action. If you resist, you've successfully navigated the temptation. So, it's not the feeling of temptation that's the issue, but rather the choices you make in response to it.

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The Battle Ground: Mind and Spirit

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- **Scripture**:

Romans 12:2

- "Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind."

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In sports A successful teams always have a Game Plan

- The importance of having a spiritual "game plan."

just like in sports or any other area of life where you want to succeed, you need a strategy for your spiritual life. A "game plan" could include things like regular prayer, studying scripture, or having a support system like a faith community. The idea is that if you prepare and have a set of actions or attitudes to employ when faced with challenges like temptation, you're more likely to succeed in staying true to your beliefs. In other words, being spiritually prepared helps you handle life's curveballs more effectively.‌

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Strategies to Combat Temptation

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1. **Prayer**:

Matthew 26:41

- "Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak."

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- Daily prayer can serve as a shield against temptation.

Here's how daily prayer can serve as a shield against temptation, broken down into bullet points:

Creates Awareness

- Starting your day with prayer puts you in a spiritual mindset, making you more alert to temptations that may come your way.

Strengthens Resolve

- Daily communication with God helps bolster your willpower, making it easier to say "no" when tempted.

Offers Guidance

- Prayer is a way to seek divine guidance, helping you navigate situations that could potentially lead to sin.

Emotional Stability

- Daily prayer can serve as an emotional anchor, reducing stress and anxiety that might otherwise make you more susceptible to temptation.

Fosters Connection

- A consistent prayer life deepens your relationship with God, strengthening your desire to live in a way that pleases Him, rather than giving in to temptation.

Accountability

- Knowing that you'll be speaking to God regularly may serve as a form of accountability, discouraging poor choices.

Reinforces Scripture

- Incorporating scripture into your daily prayers can arm you with spiritual truths that are powerful against temptation.

By making daily prayer a habit, you're effectively building a shield that can help protect you from the pitfalls of temptation.

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2. **Accountability**:

James 5:16

- "Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed."

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- Friends, mentors, and spiritual leaders can help.

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3. **Flee**:

2 Timothy 2:22

- "Flee the evil desires of youth and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart."

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- Sometimes avoiding temptation means taking physical action!

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4. **Scripture**:

Psalm 119:11

- "I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you."

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- Knowing Scripture can help you combat temptation in real-time.

Cheating on Exams

How Knowing Scripture Can Help in Real-time:

- You recall Proverbs 10:9: "Whoever walks in integrity walks securely, but whoever takes crooked paths will be found out."

- Or you remember Colossians 3:23: "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters."

What Happens Next:

- Recalling these verses gives you the courage to resist the temptation to cheat. You recognize the importance of integrity and that your actions should honor God, not just serve your immediate interests.

- Because you've internalized these principles, you're able to make the right choice quickly, in real-time, when facing the temptation.

This example illustrates how knowing Scripture can equip you with the moral and ethical framework to face life's challenges, empowering you to make the right choices when temptations arise.‌

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Real-Life Stories

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- Share personal or relatable stories of overcoming temptation.

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The Blessing of Resisting

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- **Scripture**:

James 1:12

- "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."

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- You're not alone; God rewards your faithfulness.

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Conclusion

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- Life is full of daily temptations, but with God on your side, you can overcome.

‌Bring up the this verse again.

"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 Corinthians 10:13

and how it applies to your daily lives.

It can inspire you to prepare for challenges, seek God's help in times of need, and grow in spiritual maturity.

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Closing Prayer

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- Prayer for strength, wisdom, and courage to face daily temptations and remain steadfast in faith.

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