Temptation, Solicitation to Sin 2
Notes
Transcript
Intro; As we look at Temptation tonight, I want us to focus on the fact that temptation in and of itself is not sin. If it was, then Jesus would be a sinner because He was tempted. But Jesus never sinned because of temptation, he overcame temptation because His desire was to do the will of the Father.
Remember the word “desire” is to have a craving, longing or lust for something. Jesus desire [craving, lust, longing] for righteousness was greater than that of the flesh.
[Illus.] Jesus was tested by God in the wilderness but he was tempted by satan [Mt. 4, Lk. 4].
Jesus was hungry after 40 days of fasting and satan tempted him by telling him to turn stones into bread to prove He is the Son of God.
The devil tempted Jesus by carrying him to the temple, place of worship, and said let God to prove his love for you by jumping off the temple because God would send angels to protect you.
Finally the devil took Jesus up on a high mountain to see all the kingdoms of the world and tempted Jesus with them if Jesus would just worship him.
Text; James 1:13-16
13 Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am tempted by God”; for God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He Himself tempt anyone.
14 But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed.
15 Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death.
16 Do not be deceived, my beloved brethren.
1.What does James 1:13-16 teach us about the nature of temptation?
1.What does James 1:13-16 teach us about the nature of temptation?
Temptation is not a sin but a salesman to the weakness of our flesh. Anything that we struggle with, Satan will put before our eyes to lure us into buying.
19 “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal;
20 but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal.
21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
2. How does the example of Jesus' temptation relate to our own experiences with temptation?
2. How does the example of Jesus' temptation relate to our own experiences with temptation?
Satan is not afraid of us. If he is bold enough to tempt the Son of God, we are an easy target.
31 And the Lord said, “Simon, Simon! Indeed, Satan has asked for you, that he may sift you as wheat.
32 But I have prayed for you, that your faith should not fail; and when you have returned to Me, strengthen your brethren.”
3. What are some common temptations that teens face in today’s world?
3. What are some common temptations that teens face in today’s world?
Peer pressure [everybody else is doing it or has one] Cell phones, technology, gender dysphoria.
What does the Bible says about gender? Simply put, the Bible says God created two genders, male and female (Genesis 1:27). The Bible says marriage is between a man and a woman (Genesis 2:24; Matthew 19:5). The Bible says sex outside of marriage is immoral (1 Corinthians 6:18). The Bible says sex not involving a man and a woman is unnatural (Romans 1:26-27; 1 Corinthians 6:9). The biblical message on sex can be summarized: “Sex is to be between a man and a woman within the confines of marriage. Everything else is sin.”
4. How can we identify our 'desires' and ensure they align with God's will to avoid falling into temptation?
4. How can we identify our 'desires' and ensure they align with God's will to avoid falling into temptation?
We need to be honest with ourselves/God to point out our weaknesses or we will never overcome temptation and the sin we will continuously commit.
23 Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts.
24 Point out anything in me that offends you, and lead me along the path of everlasting life.
5. Why can't we blame Satan for our sins?
5. Why can't we blame Satan for our sins?
Every sin we commit we chose do it. Satan simply sets us up but we are the ones who choose to fall. Ananias and Sapphira
1 But a certain man named Ananias, with Sapphira his wife, sold a possession.
2 And he kept back part of the proceeds, his wife also being aware of it, and brought a certain part and laid it at the apostles’ feet.
3 But Peter said, “Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and keep back part of the price of the land for yourself?
6. What are some scriptural truths that we can meditate on to help us resist temptation? Joshua 1:8
6. What are some scriptural truths that we can meditate on to help us resist temptation? Joshua 1:8
8 This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success.
