Facing Temptation: Six Ways In Which We Relate To Temptation

1st Corinthians 10:1-13

            Do you recall the tree that stood in the midst of Eden’s Garden?  Adam and Eve were commanded not to eat fruit growing on that tree.  Have you ever wondered why God, Who had given so much to His creation, withheld this one thing?  The Lord expects His people to be obedient, to do as He says because it is the right thing to do and not because we have no choice.  God created us with the ability to choose between right and wrong.  He will not force or coerce us to love Him or be obedient to Him!  We choose for ourselves and live with the consequences.

            God put the Tree of Knowledge in a place that would test His creature’s devotion and obedience.  We are no longer in paradise, but the tree of temptation still stands where it stood then – right at the place where we live.

            We are all subject to temptation.  Some are tempted more than others but none is exempt.  As best I can determine, we always stand in relation to temptation in one of six ways:

I.                    We Are Being Tempted

A.    Each of us has been there (vs. 13a)

B.     At the same time we feel unique in our moment of testing

1.      We perceive our situation as unique

2.      Our lot must certainly be the most trying ever

II.                 We Are Yielding To Temptation

A.    Satan’s two lies

1.      “Failure would not be so bad.”  Before!

2.      “There has never been a bigger failure than yourself.”  After!

B.     Both these statements are lies

1.      Even one failure is terrible

2.      A precious heirloom irrecoverably broken

3.      The first step on a slippery slope leading to despair

C.    There is forgiveness!

1.      The roll call of failures is legend – Abraham, Jacob, Moses, Joshua, David, Peter, Paul, etc.

2.      Augustine suggested that we might turn our dead sins into stepping stones toward perfection

III.                We Are Causing Others To Sin

A.    Misery loves company – Careless agency

1.      Another’s failure justifies my own

2.      We may thoughtlessly lead others to fail

B.     Some justify their actions saying they do not participate in certain sins

1.      Sellers of drugs and alcohol - Paul Baker

2.      Publishers of porn and filth – Time Warner/Walden Books

Note:  There is no greater sin than causing another to fall

IV.              We Are Resisting Temptation

A.    An internalized value system will see you safe

B.     These are often on the front lines

V.                 We Are Outliving Our Temptations

A.    Having endured until the temptation has lost its appeal

B.     Spiritual growth takes us into new territory

VI.              We Are Encouraging Others In Their Trials

Expect great reward.  Where do you stand in relation to temptation?  Are you standing, falling, getting up, or moving forward against the odds?