Blessing or Bait
Sermon • Submitted • Presented • 31:18
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INTRODUCTION
How to do catch fish
1. Good Bait
1. Good Bait
What constitutes good bait
Through trail and error you discover the best bait
For Bass, you allow the fish to run with the bait
You want the fish to feel no resistance and you want it to think that it has the fish with not strings attached
2. Create a False Sense of Confidence
2. Create a False Sense of Confidence
3. Give a Pull to Allow the Hook to Set In
3. Give a Pull to Allow the Hook to Set In
Start the fire for the meal because it’s fish fillet time
THIS IS A PARALLEL TO HOW SATAN OPERATES
1. He dangles the bait, and like bait for fish, human bait is always particularly desirable.
1. He dangles the bait, and like bait for fish, human bait is always particularly desirable.
Notoriety
Pleasure of some kind
Easy gain (If it sounds to good to be true, then it more than likely is not)
Can a man carry fire next to his chest and his clothes not be burned? Or can one walk on hot coals and his feet not be scorched?
2. He will allow us to run with the bait thinking we can enjoy ourselves with “no strings” attached.
2. He will allow us to run with the bait thinking we can enjoy ourselves with “no strings” attached.
Because the sentence against an evil deed is not executed quickly, therefore the hearts of the sons of men among them are given fully to do evil.
For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.
3. We feel the yanking of the line that brings us to the awful realization that we are “hooked” by sin.
3. We feel the yanking of the line that brings us to the awful realization that we are “hooked” by sin.
For some the hook won’t finally sink in until judgement
Let’s us to be wiser
If It’s according to God’s Word then it is a BLESSING
If It’s according to God’s Word then it is a BLESSING
If it requires disobedience then it is BAIT
If it requires disobedience then it is BAIT
Question - What factors contribute to make a Christian more susceptible to temptation?
Question - What factors contribute to make a Christian more susceptible to temptation?
1. Pride
1. Pride
Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.
Pride can lead to a sense of self-sufficiency and self-righteousness, making one more vulnerable to temptation
2. Lack of Self-Control
2. Lack of Self-Control
Failure to exercise self-control over one's desires and impulses can make a person more susceptible to temptation. The importance of self-control is emphasized in Galatians 5:22-23
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.
3. Wrong Company
3. Wrong Company
Associating with people who have a negative influence and do not share one's values can lead to falling into temptation.
Do not be deceived: “Bad company ruins good morals.”
4. Isolation
4. Isolation
When individuals isolate themselves from a community of support and accountability, they are more vulnerable to temptation as they lack the encouragement and guidance of others.
Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up!
Question 2 - What can a Christian do to strengthen themselves to successfully resist temptation?
Question 2 - What can a Christian do to strengthen themselves to successfully resist temptation?
1. Stay grounded in the Word of God
1. Stay grounded in the Word of God
Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.
God’s word is light to my walk and a guide to my path
By consistently reading and meditating on the Bible, Christians can gain wisdom and strength to resist temptation. The Word of God provides guidance and direction in times of trial.
2. Pray without Ceasing
2. Pray without Ceasing
Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.”
Prayer is a powerful tool for Christians to communicate with God and seek His help in times of temptation.
By staying in constant communication with God, Christians can find strength and guidance to resist temptation.
3. Surround yourself with fellow believers
3. Surround yourself with fellow believers
And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.
Having a strong community of fellow believers can provide support and accountability in resisting temptation.
By surrounding themselves with like-minded individuals who can offer encouragement and guidance, Christians can strengthen themselves to resist temptation.
CONCLUSION
Recognize the bait
Understand the bait
Avoid the bait
