What are You Chasing? Choosing God Over Impulse

Alternative Sermon Titles

· Breaking the Cycle: How Jesus Resisted Where Kings Fell

· See, Want, Take? Learning God’s Better Way

· From Temptation to Triumph: Lessons from Saul, David, and Jesus

· Hide or Stand Strong? Facing Temptation with Christ

Genesis 3:6–7 “So when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was a delight to the eyes, and that the tree was to be desired to make one wise, she took of its fruit and ate, and she also gave some to her husband who was with her, and he ate. Then the eyes of both were opened, and they knew that they were naked. And they sewed fig leaves together and made themselves loincloths.”

John 6:15 “Perceiving then that they were about to come and take him by force to make him king, Jesus withdrew again to the mountain by himself.”

Opening Prayer

Lord God, we come before You with open hearts, eager to learn from Your Word. We ask for wisdom and insight as we study the stories of those who have gone before us—both their failures and their triumphs. Help us to see how Jesus shows us a better way. May Your Spirit guide us, convict us, and transform us. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Introduction

Have you ever wanted something so much that you didn’t stop to think if it was really good for you? Today, we’ll explore a pattern found throughout the Bible—a cycle of seeing, desiring, and taking—and how Jesus broke this cycle. Let’s look at the stories of Saul, David, and ultimately Jesus, and learn how we can resist temptation and follow God’s path.

Point 1: The Pattern of Seeing, Desiring, and Taking

Throughout Scripture, we see this repeating pattern: people look at something good, desire it, and take it—often in ways that go against God’s plan.

· Genesis 6: The “sons of God” saw that the daughters of men were attractive and took them as wives, as they pleased. The language is deliberate—seeing, desiring, and taking, unrestrained by God’s ways.

· We see this again in the stories of Israel’s first kings. This pattern is not just ancient history; it’s alive in our everyday lives, whenever we want what isn’t meant for us, or when we let desire guide our actions rather than God’s Word.

Point 2: Saul—Hiding from His Calling (1 Samuel 10:20–24)

Let’s look at Saul. He was chosen by God, set apart to lead. Yet, when the moment came, he was found hiding among the baggage.

· Saul’s story begins with humility, even reluctance. But as king, Saul would later fall to the trap of wanting what God had forbidden—offering unauthorized sacrifices, seeking his own way, seeing, desiring, and taking control for himself.

· Saul’s journey warns us: running from God’s calling or seeking our own way leads us away from His blessing.

Reflection for young people: Are you hiding from what God is calling you to do? Is there a place in your life where you’re letting fear or desire for control lead you to take matters into your own hands?

Point 3: David—The Danger of Unchecked Desire (2 Samuel 11:2–4)

David, “a man after God’s own heart,” was not immune to temptation.

· 2 Samuel 11 tells us: David saw Bathsheba bathing, desired her, and took her into his house. The language is the same pattern: see, desire, take.

· David’s choice led to devastating consequences—not just for himself but for his family and his nation.

Reflection: Even those who love God can fall. The warning here for us is to be vigilant with what we allow our eyes and hearts to fix on. What we let ourselves see and desire can lead us to actions with lasting impact.

Point 4: Jesus—Breaking the Cycle (Matthew 4:8–10, John 6:15, Luke 24:30–31)

Where Saul and David failed, Jesus triumphed.

· In Matthew 4, the devil showed Jesus all the kingdoms of the world and their glory, offering them if Jesus would bow down. Jesus saw, but He did not desire wrongly, nor did He take. Instead, He submitted to God’s will, quoting Scripture, “You shall worship the Lord your God and Him only shall you serve.”

· In John 6, when the crowds wanted to take Jesus by force and make Him king, He withdrew to the mountain. He would not allow Himself to be made king on human terms.

· In Luke 24, after His resurrection, Jesus “took” the bread, broke it, and gave it to His disciples. Their eyes were opened—not by taking for themselves, but by receiving from Jesus.

Reflection: Jesus models a new way: resisting temptation, relying on God’s Word, waiting for God’s timing, and giving instead of grasping.

Conclusion: The Call to Young Believers

The cycle of seeing, desiring, and taking is as old as humanity itself. But in Jesus, we see the cycle broken and a new path offered. Young friends, you will face many temptations to take what seems good, to make your own way, to grasp instead of trust. But you are not alone. When you’re tempted, remember Jesus. Turn to God in prayer, hold fast to His Word, and choose to serve rather than take.

Closing Prayer

Father, thank You for Your Word and for the example of Jesus. Help us, when we are tempted, to turn to You. Give us strength to resist the pull of our desires when they lead us away from Your best. Help us to be people who give, who serve, and who wait for Your timing. Keep us humble, teachable, and faithful. Empower us to break the old cycles and to walk in the freedom and joy that Jesus brings. In His name we pray, Amen.