Defeating Persistent Temptations

Romans 7:15 NLT

15 I don’t really understand myself, for I want to do what is right, but I don’t do it. Instead, I do what I hate.

1. PREDETERMINE YOUR PATTERN OF TEMPTATION.

Proverbs 4:26–27 TEV

26 Plan carefully what you do, and whatever you do will turn out right. 27 Avoid evil and walk straight ahead. Don’t go one step off the right way.

When am I Most Tempted?

Where am I Most Tempted?

Who is With Me When I am Most Tempted?

What Temporary Benefit do I Get if I Give In?

How do I feel Right before I am Tempted?

2. PROTECT THE CONDITION OF YOUR HEART.

Proverbs 4:23 NLT

23 Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life.

Self Quiz

Physically Exhausted 0 1 2 3 4 Energetic/In shape

Discouraged/Pessimistic 0 1 2 3 4 Encouraged/Optimistic

Bored/Discontented 0 1 2 3 4 Challenged/Contented

Spiritually Dry/Empty 0 1 2 3 4 Spiritually Growing

Geographically Distant/Alone 0 1 2 3 4 Near/Together

Insecure/Unsure 0 1 2 3 4 Secure/Confident

Deeply Wounded/Hurt 0 1 2 3 4 Loved/Understood

Secretly Bitter/Angry 0 1 2 3 4 Have Forgiven Everyone

Sad 0 1 2 3 4 Happy

Alienated/Unsupported 0 1 2 3 4 Close/Supported

Ephesians 4:27 NLT

27 for anger gives a foothold to the devil.

3. PRAY FOR GOD’S HELP.

Matthew 26:41 NLT

41 Keep watch and pray, so that you will not give in to temptation. For the spirit is willing, but the body is weak!”

Psalm 50:15 TEV

15 Call to me when trouble comes; I will save you, and you will praise me.”

Hebrews 4:15–16 NLT

15 This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses, for he faced all of the same testings we do, yet he did not sin. 16 So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most.

POINT YOUR ATTENTION ELSEWHERE.

James 1:14–15 The Living Bible

14 Temptation is the pull of man’s own evil thoughts and wishes. 15 These evil thoughts lead to evil actions and afterwards to the death penalty from God.

2 Corinthians 10:5 NCV

5 and every proud thing that raises itself against the knowledge of God. We capture every thought and make it give up and obey Christ.

Romans 12:21 TEV

21 Do not let evil defeat you; instead, conquer evil with good.

5. PARTICIPATE IN A SUPPORT GROUP.

Ecclesiastes 4:9–10 TEV

9 Two are better off than one, because together they can work more effectively. 10 If one of them falls down, the other can help him up. But if someone is alone and falls, it’s just too bad, because there is no one to help him.

James 5:16 The Living Bible

16 Admit your faults to one another and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The earnest prayer of a righteous man has great power and wonderful results.

1 Corinthians 10:13 The Message

13 No test or temptation that comes your way is beyond the course of what others have had to face. All you need to remember is that God will never let you down; he’ll never let you be pushed past your limit; he’ll always be there to help you come through it.