Conquerors or Defeated

James 1:12-13

1 Cor 10:13-14

1 Corinthians 10:13-14

WHAT IS TEMPTATION?

It is a thought designed to stir our fleshly desires and appetites, leading us into the trap of sin. Temptation occurs when someone is pulled toward actions that displease God—these are evil acts—under the lure of pleasure or personal gain.

· Temptation reveals to us if there are still areas that we must yield to God. If we are tempted, it is because there are still weaknesses.

· Temptation reveals to us what is in our hearts:

· Temptation tests our obedience to God:

· Temptation is a test to prove that we are ready for the next level of spiritual victories.

· Blessed is the man who endures temptation, for when he has endured the test, he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him.

Some good opportunities only come once, but temptations keep knocking persistently and repeatedly without ever tiring.

Genesis 39:6-23

Joseph's temptation was strong because he was subtle and flexible.

· Genesis 39:7

· One thing we must be clear about is that temptation will never offer pain, bitterness, failure, or death.

· Temptation will always appear as something attractive --- eye-catching --- good to look at.

· Genesis 3:6

How then can we overcome temptation?

· José did not wish to:

· Genesis 39: 7-8

JOSEPH SAID: HOW WOULD I DO THIS GREAT EVIL

· Genesis 39:8-9

JOSEPH SAID: HOW HE WOULD SIN AGAINST GOD

· Genesis 39:9

· Joseph recognized that to yield to temptation WAS TO OFFEND GOD...

JOSEPH FLED AND WENT OUT

· Genesis 39:10-12

· Joseph understood how powerful temptation can be, which is why he chose to distance himself from it entirely.

· Brethren, we should follow Joseph's example.   We have to step aside...

· We have to flee from temptation...

· 1 Cor 6:18

· FLEEING IS: To escape --- move away --- go in the opposite direction --- to get away from something --- someone --- a place --- a situation.

· 2 Tim 2:22

· David is defeated and falls into temptation 

· 2 Samuel 11:2 (David faces temptation.

· 2 Samuel 11:3 David pursues temptation

· 2 Samuel 11:4 David accepts temptation with open arms.

· 2 Samuel 11:5 Bathsheba's message to David.

· David murders Uriah

· 2 Samuel 11:6-11 David tries to hide his sin

· 2 Samuel 11:12-13 David's second attempt to cover his sin fails.

· 2 Samuel 11:14-17 David sends Uriah into battle with his own death sentence in his hand

Tips for Conquering Temptation

We must love the word of God and ignore the desires of the flesh.

Temptation can come from Satan or from within.

We can overcome temptation through the blood of Christ and the word of God.

Jesus overcame Satan because He knew and used God's word.

Memorizing Bible verses helps us overcome temptation.

Knowing the truth about Satan's sin will set us free.

To overcome temptation, we must resist it with God's word and avoid situations where it is easy to sin.

We must be careful about what we look at and think, and not allow sinful thoughts to linger in our minds.

We must fill our minds with God's word and recognize our weaknesses.

One of the best ways to resist temptation is to run away from it.