Winning Over Temptation

James 1:12–18 NLT

12 God blesses those who patiently endure testing and temptation. Afterward they will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him. 13 And remember, when you are being tempted, do not say, “God is tempting me.” God is never tempted to do wrong, and he never tempts anyone else. 14 Temptation comes from our own desires, which entice us and drag us away. 15 These desires give birth to sinful actions. And when sin is allowed to grow, it gives birth to death. 16 So don’t be misled, my dear brothers and sisters. 17 Whatever is good and perfect is a gift coming down to us from God our Father, who created all the lights in the heavens. He never changes or casts a shifting shadow. 18 He chose to give birth to us by giving us his true word. And we, out of all creation, became his prized possession.

Peirasmos -

Trials -

Temptation -

HOW TO WIN OVER TEMPTATION

1. Be REALISTIC.

James 1:13 NLT

13 And remember, when you are being tempted, do not say, “God is tempting me.” God is never tempted to do wrong, and he never tempts anyone else.

When Tempted… Not … If Tempted

1 Corinthians 10:13 NIV84

13 No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.

Hebrews 4:15 NIV84

15 For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet was without sin.

2. BE RESPONSIBLE.

James 1:13 NLT

13 And remember, when you are being tempted, do not say, “God is tempting me.” God is never tempted to do wrong, and he never tempts anyone else.

3. BE READY.

James 1:14–16 NLT

14 Temptation comes from our own desires, which entice us and drag us away. 15 These desires give birth to sinful actions. And when sin is allowed to grow, it gives birth to death. 16 So don’t be misled, my dear brothers and sisters.

2 Corinthians 2:11 NLT

11 so that Satan will not outsmart us. For we are familiar with his evil schemes.

Temptation is a Process

1. The First Step of Temptation is DESIRE.

James 1:14 NLT

14 Temptation comes from our own desires, which entice us and drag us away.

2. The Second Step of Temptation is DECEPTION.

James 1:14 NLT

14 Temptation comes from our own desires, which entice us and drag us away.

Dragged away -

Entice - lured by bait

3. The Third Step in Temptation is DISOBEDIENCE.

James 1:15 NLT

15 These desires give birth to sinful actions. And when sin is allowed to grow, it gives birth to death.

What begins with a thought results in an action

4. The Fourth Step in Temptation is DEATH.

James 1:15 NLT

15 These desires give birth to sinful actions. And when sin is allowed to grow, it gives birth to death.

Relationships die, marriages die, dreams die,

4. BE REFOCUSED.

James 1:17 NLT

17 Whatever is good and perfect is a gift coming down to us from God our Father, who created all the lights in the heavens. He never changes or casts a shifting shadow.

Philippians 4:8 NLT

8 And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.

Focus Your Mind on the Goodness of God

Don’t try to Argue with the Devil

Change your Company

1 Corinthians 15:33 NLT

33 Don’t be fooled by those who say such things, for “bad company corrupts good character.”

5. BE REBORN.

James 1:18 NLT

18 He chose to give birth to us by giving us his true word. And we, out of all creation, became his prized possession.

The single most important principle in breaking bad habits and getting control of your life is to LET GOD HAVE CONTROL OF IT.

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.