The Basic Facts about Temptation

Introduction

The path of life is not, and never has been an easy road for anyone. Some have it easier than others, some live better than others, but in each and everyone's life there are demons to battle. In our church today, we have several that are out sick, numbers are low, and we wonder from week to week how things are going to turn out. There's trials such as sickness, disease, accidents, suffering and death. During those times, sometimes our faith waivers, and we wonder if we can keep going.

Joni Tada is an inspiration to Christians everywhere. In 1967, while swimming with some friends she misjudged the depth of the water in the Chesapeake Bay and dove head first into the water, breaking her neck. She will become a quadriplegic. The next two years rehabilitation were devastating to her she doubted her life, she was angry, she was bitter, and doubted her religion.

But after rehab she began to focus on a relationship with God soon became a speaker for many people with disabilities. She wrote over 40 books of inspiration based on Christian principles. She started several ministries throughout the world, and she loves people. She said that she wants to take her wheelchair to heaven, because her wheelchair is what allowed her to talk to so many people. In other words her wheelchair brought more people to God that she ever could.

I)What we are supposed to do (2)

No doubt that in our lives we will have many trials

In the book of James he uses the word "peirasmos"

Which means to test, tempt, to try, to prove.

That we always need to remember is that temptation is for our benefit not to make us angry

The purpose:

Once we beat temptation we become:

A more pure person – more holy and righteous

We defeat the trials we become much stronger

We become a great witness for the world is where able to testify of the trials we've undertaken

Just remember that every trial temptation is for benefit to make a stronger in our relationship and witness for Jesus Christ

1 Peter 3:13–14 (CSB)

13 Who then will harm you if you are devoted to what is good?

14 But even if you should suffer for righteousness, you are blessed. Do not fear what they fear or be intimidated,

II) Why we are to do it (3 – 4)

Many of us be very confused about what it is that God tells us about temptation and trials

God tells us to face it with great Joy

But to be honest:

Joe is not usually what fills our heart

It is usually disappointment, discouragement, and fear

One of the hardest things for Christians to do is to switch their thinking

We have to learn to face these trials with an attitude of joy because in the end this is supposed to bring us closer to God, not push us away.

Note 2 things

Know that trials and temptations work patience

Trials and temptations are not to defeat us or discourage us.

The word patients means to be steadfast, endure, and persevere

If all Christians could do that it would make us so much stronger in our relationship. And so much happier with our relationship Jesus Christ.

But we need to understand that this is a mindset that we have to accomplish. That's why the instruction is in the Bible for us to look at temptation with joy

b. A number 2 – we must let patience to work within us

1 Corinthians 10:13 (CSB)

13 No temptation has come upon you except what is common to humanity. But God is faithful; he will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation he will also provide a way out so that you may be able to bear it.

III)How we are to do it (5 – 8)

Ask God for wisdom

God gives generously

God does not scold

Ask in faith

Never doubting

Doubting is like the waves of the ocean waivers back and forth

Doubting shows instability in your thinking

What is wisdom?

Wisdom is knowing the great truths about life

Wisdom is knowing what to do with the great truths that you know

Wisdom is no one the great secrets of the universe

There is only one way to get the wisdom we need that is through the Almighty God

BUT REMEMBER WE ARE RESPONSIBLE!

We have to ask in faith

IV) How this affects our lives (9 – 11)

Be happy in your status

The poor believers exalted by Christ

The poor must rejoice in the circumstance that they are in – because Christ loves the lowly person

He may not have much on the earth but he will be a king in heaven

The rich believers humbled by Christ

The rich face the danger of believing in their file security

But they age and I just like everyone else

It makes no sense to pursue riches of earth, when riches of heaven are given away to those who believe

The riches of earth mean absolutely nothing to the God of heaven

Secondly, the rich is supposed to use all they have to reach those for God

Luke 19:17 (CSB)

17 “ ‘Well done, good servant!’ he told him. ‘Because you have been faithful in a very small matter, have authority over ten towns.’

James 4:14 (CSB)

14 Yet you do not know what tomorrow will bring—what your life will be! For you are like vapor that appears for a little while, then vanishes.

V) How this affects our future (12)

Those who endure will be blessed

The word blessed means inward joy

The person is secure in life does not have to worry about this world

Luke 6:48 (CSB)

48 He is like a man building a house, who dug deep and laid the foundation on the rock. When the flood came, the river crashed against that house and couldn’t shake it, because it was well built.

2. The person will receive the crown of life in the next world

a. The crown of life is eternal life itself, a life that will go on and on forever

John 14:1–2 (CSB)

1 “Don’t let your heart be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me.

2 In my Father’s house are many rooms; if not, I would have told you. I am going away to prepare a place for you.