The Problem with Temptation
Sermon • Submitted
0 ratings
· 90 views"My brother, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience" (James 1:2-3)
Notes
Transcript
Sermon Tone Analysis
A
D
F
J
S
Emotion
A
C
T
Language
O
C
E
A
E
Social
The Problem with Temptation
Temptation
Temptation
Introduction:
Most new Christians are shocked that temptations continue to come their way after their conversion experience. Many older and more mature Christians respond in utter disbelief when they fall into some sin to which they thought they were immune. To each comes that moment when we must face the fact that no one is beyond the influence of temptation. Once this truth is realized we are in a position to understand temptation more clearly and to conquer it more effectively.
I. Proper attitude towards temptation.
I. Proper attitude towards temptation.
I. Proper attitude towards temptation.
I. Proper attitude towards temptation.
“ Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters,[a] whenever you face trials of many kinds” (NIV)
The proper attitude towards temptation is not defeatism; it is not an assumption that you are more sinful than others; rather, it is a realization that temptation is an opportunity for you to demonstrate what being a Christian really means.
what being a Christian really means.
The proper attitude towards temptation is not defeatism; it is not an assumption that you are more sinful than others; rather, it is a realization that temptation is an opportunity for you to demonstrate what being a Christian really means.
II. Purpose of temptation (, )
Five purposes of temptation are offered in these verses. The first:
a. To strengthen your faith (“the trying of your faith, v.3). Temptation is too the Christian what a football game is to the trained athlete — an opportunity to prove his ability (through Christ) to win.
b. To increase your endurance (“patience, v.3”)
c. To mature (“Perfect work,” v.4).
d. To develop independence (“wanting nothing, “ v.4) Properly handled, temptation will lessen your dependence on others for moral encouragement.
e. To bring rewards (v.12). The rewards are happiness (“blessed”) and real life (“the crown of life,” v.12).
III. Prayer during temptation (-8).
The prayer for knowledge to handle our problems (v.5) must be offered in absolute faith if we expect to receive anything from the Lord (vv. 6-7)
IV. Perspective that lessens temptation ().
These verses call attention to a great help in conquering temptation — a proper perspective (sense of values) of the outward and inward, an awareness of the real values in life.
V. Person responsible for your temptation ().
God is not the person responsible for your temptation (v. 13). Rather, he is the one responsible for all the good that comes your way (v. 7). We are inclined to lay the blame for crime everyone except the criminal and sin on everyone except the sinner. The Bible refuses to do this.
You are the person responsible for your temptation (vv. 14-15). True, you cannot keep birds from flying over your head, but you can keep them from building nest in your hair.
II.
Because of your own inward desires, you are responsible (“he is drawn away of his own lust,” v. 14). Lust, which is the pull of your lower nature, begins as a fine thread of a spider’s web and, if unchecked, becomes as strong as an iron chain.
Because you alone can put the sequence of sin into operation, you are responsible (v. 15). The sequence is thought, deed, penalty or lust, sin, death.
Because you alone can choose your moral pattern, you are responsible. You may choose to live by the standards set forth in God’s Word, or you may choose to live by situational ethics.
Conclusion
The ten commandments have not been repealed. Although you may change your standards of morality, you cannot change the results of immorality, for “sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death” ().