Overcoming Temptation

OVERCOMING TEMPTATION

Well, I don't know about you, but I've never met anyone that planned to be unhealthy. Have you?

I don't know about you, but I don't know anybody that has a five-year goal to be bankrupt.

I don't know anybody who has ever like really thought, I want to be hooked on pornography and ruin their marriage.

I don't know anybody that plans to do something stupid, something sinful, and then hide it, and lie about it, and lose the trust of the people that they love the most.

I don't know anybody that plans to wreck their life.

Now, correct me if I am wrong, but I think I would be correct in saying that no one hear plans to make a bad decision and ruin your life.

But let me remind you about something I said last week: The quality of your decisions determines the quality of your life.

When faced with __________ (this situation),

I have pre-decided to ___________ (take this action).

· I am ready.

· I am consistent.

· I am devoted.

· I am generous.

· I am faithful.

· I am a finisher.

When our values are clear, decisions are easier.

Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong. 1 Corinthians 16:13 NIV

“Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.”Matthew 26:41 NIV

1. The devil is coming for you.

I wrote to you … 11so that Satan will not outsmart us. For we are familiar with his evil schemes. 2 Corinthians 2:9, 11 NLT

2. You are not as strong as you think.

So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don’t fall!1 Corinthians 10:12 NIV

3 Keys to Fighting Temptation

1. Move the line.

The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; surely I have a delightful inheritance. Psalm 16:6 NIV

2. Magnify the cost.

What if the worst-case scenario comes true?

“… you will be sinning against the Lord; and you may be sure that your sin will find you out.” Numbers 32:23 NIV

3. Plan your escape.

… Joseph was a very handsome and well-built young man, 7and Potiphar’s wife soon began to look at him lustfully. “Come and sleep with me,” she demanded. Genesis 39:6-7 NLT

You use your disappointments to justify your disobedience.

… But he left his cloak in her hand and ran out of the house. Genesis 39:12 NIV

… 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 NIV

Why would I resist a temptation in the future if I have the power to eliminate it today?

TALK IT OVER

What is your thought process like when you make plans for the future?

Read Matthew 26:41. Discuss a time when God helped you make the right decision or avoid temptation. What was that experience like?

Consider the areas of your life where you’re most vulnerable to the enemy’s attacks. Share these with your LifeGroup. Talk about your escape plan now, so that you’re prepared when the devil attacks.

Find more resources to help you make better choices for a better life: www.life.church/betterchoices