sf679 - HOW YOU CAN WIN OVER SIN - DEVELOPING A FAITH THAT WORKS (James 1 13-18)

SF679

HOW YOU CAN WIN OVER SIN
Developing a Faith That Works

James 1:13-18

Introduction

Temptation is an Universal Problem

Ø      "The only way to get rid of temptation is to give into it."

The Bible talks about Temptation and Trials

"peirasmos".  Sometimes it's translated "trials", sometimes "temptations".

The question is, How?  How do I handle temptation?  How do I say no when I want to say yes?

James, being the practical apostle that he is, gives us three principles.

1A.      The Facts About Temptation  (13)

1B.       Everyone is Tempted  (13a)

You will be tempted.

Ø      "When tempted ... " not "if tempted..."

The more you grow in the Lord, the more you're going to be tempted

It is not a sin to be tempted.  It is a sin to give in to temptation.

(Hebrews 4:15 NIV)  "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."

2B.       Everyone is Personally Responsible for How they Handle Temptation  (13b)

You cannot blame your temptations on others

Will Rogers said you could summarize American history into two great movements:  the passing of the buffalo and the passing of the buck.

Ø      We are in a society of buck passers.

You cannot blame your temptations on God

Ø      Don't make your bad choices and then blame them on God

Ø      If the Bible says one thing and you say something different, you're wrong.

Ø      The fact is I bring most of my problems onto myself.  So do you. We bring them on ourselves.

2A.      The Force of Temptation  (14-15)

1B.       We Need to be Prepared for Temptation.

Peter says, "Be on your guard."

Jesus said, "Watch and pray that you enter not into temptation."

Paul said, "Put on the whole armor of God".  Be ready.  

Temptation will come when you least expect it.

Ø      One of the reasons it's a temptation is because you don't even know it's there.  It catches you by surprise.

We are most vulnerable to temptation after a tremendous success.

(1 Corinthians 10:12 NIV)  "So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don't fall!"

2B.       We need to Understand the Path that Temptation Follows

(2 Corinthians 2:11 NCV)  "I did this so that Satan would not win anything from us, because we know very well what Satan's plans are."

The first step is Desire  (14a)

Ø      It begins with our thoughts.

Ø      Most desires are OK

Ø      But any desire out of control becomes destructive.

Ø      Satan loves to take routine desires and turn them into runaway desires.

The second step is Deception.  (14b)

Ø      "dragged away" is a hunter's term, which literally means "snared in a trap".

Ø      "Enticed" is a fisherman's term, which means "lured by bait".

Ø      What kind of bait does the devil use on you  He knows you inside and out  He knows what you will fall for.

Ø      It always starts with the desire.  Then Satan moves to deception. Temptation always looks better than it really is.

The third step is Disobedience  (15a)

Ø      First, the devil gets your attention then he gets you to have an attitude then he gets you to commit the action.

Ø      He knows if he can get your attention, he will eventually get you to commit the action.

Ø      What you flirt with, you will fall for.

The fourth step is Death.  (15b)

Ø      What is death?  The exact opposite of living.

Ø      If you overcome temptation, you get the crown of life.  (12)

Ø      I could choose to live anyway, I want to.  However, I am not free to choose the consequences of the choices.

3A.      The Facing of Temptation

1B.       We Derail Temptation when we Focus on God's Goodness  (16-17)

This is the principle of replacement

Ø      The key to overcoming temptation is not to fight temptation but simply refocus your thoughts.

Ø      Change your attention.

(Philippians 4:8 NCV)  "Brothers and sisters, think about the things that are good and worthy of praise. Think about the things that are true and honorable and right and pure and beautiful and respected."

Focus your mind on the goodness of God.

Ø      Whatever gets your attention, gets you.

Ø      Whatever you resist, persists.  Stop fighting it, just refocus.  Turn your back on it.

When temptation calls don't answer

Ø      It may mean physically removing yourself from the situation.

(1 Corinthians 15:33 NIV)  "Do not be misled: "Bad company corrupts good character.""

2B.       We Deny Temptation when we Focus on God's Faithfulness

(1 Corinthians 10:13 NIV)  "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."

My temptation is common

My temptation can be defeated

My temptation can be avoided

3B.       We Defeat Temptation when we Focus on God's Grace  (18)

The single most important principle in breaking bad habits and getting control of your life is to let God have control of it.

Get Him in your life so He can start changing your character.

Being born again gives you a new capacity to resist temptation.

You will not be able to say no to temptation until you first learn to say yes to God.

Ø      You need His power in your life

Application

Where are you most likely to Stumble?

Are you willing to give God complete control of that area of your life?

Are you willing to follow God's lead?

You can't pray "Lord, lead us not into temptation" if, at the same time, you're flirting with temptation

What is it that you want in your life so badly that you're willing to compromise in order to get it?

Martin Luther said, "We cannot keep the birds from flying over us, but we can keep them from making a nest in our hair."

What is the payoff?  (12)