Overcoming Temptation

Introduction:

A. Illustration-Jim Grant in Reader’s Digest told about someone else who faced temptation. An overweight businessman decided it was time to shed some excess pounds. He took his new diet seriously, even changing his driving route to avoid his favorite bakery. One morning, however, he showed up at work with a gigantic coffee cake. Everyone in the office scolded him, but his smile remained nonetheless. “This is a special coffee cake,” he explained. “I accidentally drove by the bakery this morning and there in the window was a host of goodies. I felt it was no accident, so I prayed, ‘Lord, if you want me to have one of those delicious coffee cakes, let there be a parking spot open right in front.’ And sure enough, the eighth time around the block, there it was!”

All of us know what it is to enter the wilderness of temptation. The temptation is part of the human condition.

You Can Win over Temptation

“Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life …” ().

I. With Decision

“… every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed” ().

A. First, you must decide which way you are going to take—the right or the wrong way. Indecision never wins.

B. Firmness and determination are always necessary if temptation is to be resisted successfully ().

II. With Devotion

“… [God] will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able …” ().

A. The prayers of the righteous prevail. Ask God to help you overcome temptation. Believe that He is doing it—now.

B. The promises of God never fail. Jesus overcame temptation by using them. You can overcome by doing likewise ().

III. With Discipline

Easy-to-Use Sermon Outlines 27. You Can Win over Temptation

You Can Win over Temptation

“Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life …” (James 1:12).

I. With Decision

“… every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed” (James 1:14).

A. First, you must decide which way you are going to take—the right or the wrong way. Indecision never wins.

B. Firmness and determination are always necessary if temptation is to be resisted successfully (1 Thess. 5:21).

II. With Devotion

“… [God] will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able …” (1 Cor. 10:13).

A. The prayers of the righteous prevail. Ask God to help you overcome temptation. Believe that He is doing it—now.

B. The promises of God never fail. Jesus overcame temptation by using them. You can overcome by doing likewise (Ps. 119:11).

III. With Discipline

“Blessed is the man that endureth temptation” (James 1:12).

A. Sinful pleasures, pursuits, and practices must be avoided. Stay away from Satan’s territory.

B. Set rules and limits for yourself. Practice self-control and restraint. With discipline you can win over much temptation. (1 Thess. 5:22).

IV. With Denouncement

“Then saith Jesus unto him, Get thee hence, Satan …” (Matt. 4:10).

A. When Jesus was tempted, He denounced Satan, saying, “Get thee behind me, Satan” (Luke 4:8).

B. When tempted, we need to do as Jesus did. “Resist the devil, and he will flee from you” (James 4:7).

V. With Diligence

“… lust … bringeth forth sin: and sin … bringeth forth death. Do not err, my beloved brethren” (James 1:15, 16).

A. You win over temptation by paying careful attention, by becoming aware of Satan’s strategies.

B. You win over temptation through action for God. Become engaged in helping the needy and witnessing to the lost (1 Peter 5:8).

“Blessed is the man that endureth temptation” ().

A. Sinful pleasures, pursuits, and practices must be avoided. Stay away from Satan’s territory.

B. Set rules and limits for yourself. Practice self-control and restraint. With discipline you can win over much temptation. ().

IV. With Denouncement

“Then saith Jesus unto him, Get thee hence, Satan …” ().

A. When Jesus was tempted, He denounced Satan, saying, “Get thee behind me, Satan” ().

B. When tempted, we need to do as Jesus did. “Resist the devil, and he will flee from you” ().

V. With Diligence

“… lust … bringeth forth sin: and sin … bringeth forth death. Do not err, my beloved brethren” (, ).

A. You win over temptation by paying careful attention, by becoming aware of Satan’s strategies.

B. You win over temptation through action for God. Become engaged in helping the needy and witnessing to the lost ().