Overcoming Temptation # 1

Sermonizing With Matt& Pastor Bez.

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Cor. 10:1-14

1 Moreover, brethren, I do not want you to be unaware that all our fathers were under the cloud, all passed through the sea, 2 all were baptized into Moses in the cloud and in the sea, 3 all ate the same spiritual food, 4 and all drank the same spiritual drink. For they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them, and that Rock was Christ. 5 But with most of them God was not well pleased, for their bodies were scattered in the wilderness. 6 Now these things became our examples, to the intent that we should not lust after evil things as they also lusted. 7 And do not become idolaters as were some of them. As it is written, “The people sat down to eat and drink, and rose up to play.” 8 Nor let us commit sexual immorality, as some of them did, and in one day twenty-three thousand fell; 9 nor let us tempt Christ, as some of them also tempted, and were destroyed by serpents; 10 nor complain, as some of them also complained, and were destroyed by the destroyer. 11 Now all these things happened to them as examples, and they were written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the ages have come. 12 Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall. 13 No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it. 14 Therefore, my beloved, flee from idolatry.

· There are temptations that are common.

· Temptations should be expected.

· So nothing lacking

· The same spiritual benefits and enabling is available to all to help us overcome.

· Like to blame I’ve been through I have experienced blah, blah.

· The same power available to us

I. Potential In God.

A. Paul Is Speaking of running a race striving for a crown

1 Corinthians 9:24 (NKJV)

Striving for a Crown

24 Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain it.

· Paul is highlighting the reality of a race to run with a goal and destiny at the end.

· It speaks to the will of God.

· This applies to us today.

· For every believer. God has plans purpose. Your life.

· They are larger than what you planned.

B. Paul brings out this idea that it is possible to miss out.

1 Corinthians 9:27 (NKJV)

27 But I discipline my body and bring itinto subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified.

· It is not automatic

· It not pre-determinism against your will.

C. References the children of Israel who failed to enter into the promise land God had planned for them.

1 Corinthians 10:5 (NKJV)

5 But with most of them God was not well pleased, for their bodies were scattered in the wilderness.

II. Temptational Awareness

A. Paul Wants believers to have an awareness of What caused the Children of Israel to miss Destiny.

1 Corinthians 10:10 (NKJV)

10 nor complain, as some of them also complained, and were destroyed by the destroyer.

· What are the things we need to be aware of?

1. Temptation is part of life for all believers.

1 Corinthians 10:6 (NKJV)

6 Now these things became our examples, to the intent that we should not lust after evil things as they also lusted.

1 Corinthians 10:13 (NKJV)

13 No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.

2. Temptation is the enemy’s tool to derail your destiny.

1 Corinthians 10:5 (NKJV)

5 But with most of them God was not well pleased, for their bodies were scattered in the wilderness.

3. Temptation involves different baits

1 Corinthians 10:7 (NKJV)

7 And do not become idolaters as weresome of them. As it is written, “The people sat down to eat and drink, and rose up to play.”

1 Corinthians 10:8 (NKJV)

8 Nor let us commit sexual immorality, as some of them did, and in one day twenty-three thousand fell;

1 Corinthians 10:9 (NKJV)

9 nor let us tempt Christ, as some of them also tempted, and were destroyed by serpents;

4. God has already provided what we need to overcome.

1 Corinthians 10:13 (NKJV)

13 No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.

B. While temptation is a tool of the enemy it is our sinful desire that gives it power

1 Corinthians 10:6 (NKJV)

6 Now these things became our examples, to the intent that we should not lust after evil things as they also lusted.

· Temptation itself is not sin, but the temptation to sin is given power by our own desire.

James 1:14 (NKJV)

14 But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed.

C. It is critical to understand that the aim of temptation our destruction

· vs 7-9 brings out the reality of destruction, because the thief comes to steal, kill, and destroy. He is a roaring lion seeking whom he may devour.

III. God’s Faithfulness

A. The encouragement of this scripture is that it shows us how God wants to help us through temptation.

1 Corinthians 10:11 (NKJV)

11 Now all these things happened to them as examples, and they were written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the ages have come.

· God deliberately included this as diving inspiration so that we can learn from it.

· That should encourage us

· God limits the power of temptation to what we can handle.

· He wants us to be able to overcome.

1 Corinthians 10:13 (NLT)

13 The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure.

B. All of this means is that we can overcome temptation because God is for us.

Psalm 56:9 (NLT)

9 My enemies will retreat when I call to you for help.

This I know: God is on my side!