You Can Be Victorious Over Temptation

James 1:12 “Blessed (happy, spiritually prosperous, favored by God) is the man who is steadfast under trial and perseveres when tempted; for when he has passed the test and been approved, he will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.”

I. With Decision

James 1:14 “but each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed.”

A. First, you must decide which way you are going to take—the right or the wrong way. Indecision never wins.

B. Firmness and determination are always necessary if temptation is to be resisted successfully 1 Thessalonians 5:21 “but test them all; hold on to what is good,”

II. With Devotion

1 Corinthians 10:13 “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.”

A. The prayers of the righteous prevail. Ask God to help you overcome temptation. Believe that He is doing it—now.

B. The promises of God never fail. Jesus overcame temptation by using them. You can overcome by doing likewise.

Psalm 119:11 “I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.”

III. With Discipline

James 1:12 “Blessed is the one who perseveres temptation because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.”

A. Sinful pleasures, pursuits, and practices, which the Bible says are pleasurable for a season, must be avoided. Stay away from Satan’s territory.

B. Set rules and limits for yourself. Practice self-control and restraint. With discipline you can win over much temptation. 1 Thessalonians 5:22 “reject every kind of evil.”

IV. With Denouncement

Matthew 4:10 “Jesus said to him, “Away from me, Satan! For it is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.’””

A. When Jesus was tempted, He denounced Satan, saying, “Get thee behind me, Satan” (Luke 4:8).Luke 4:8 “Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God and serve him only.’””

B. When tempted, we need to do as Jesus did. “Resist the devil, and he will flee from you” (James 4:7).

V. With Diligence

James 1:15–16 “Then, after lust has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death. Don’t be deceived, my dear brothers and sisters.”

A. You win over temptation by paying careful attention, by becoming aware of Satan’s strategies.

B. You win over temptation through action for God. Become engaged in helping the needy and witnessing to to the lost (1 Peter 5:8 “Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.”

Russell E. Spray, Easy-to-Use Sermon Outlines, Sermon Outline Series (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Book House, 1978), 62–63.