Dealing with Temptation

Understanding Temptation

Temptation is a desire for something that pulls you away from God.

Actually serious - Jesus uses some extreme examples to explain that we should avoid it. Nothing is a non serious temptation.

Know Your Identity

Why is this so important.

If you are a Christian, that means that you have made the claim that Jesus saved you on the cross. So stop doing things that actively pull you away from God. Stop rejecting God’s call!

We are the salt. Without the characteristics of Christianity, you aren’t a Christian, just like salt isn’t salt if it doesn’t do what NaCl does. We’re all being prepped for something, don’t make yourself useless because you love sin more than the one who saved you from your sin.

Avoiding Temptation

Jesus seems pretty harsh about avoiding temptation (cut off your hand)

The hand you cut off isn’t what’s making you sin, it’s you - your heart/soul/essence

So what can we do

Flee from anything that brings you temptation.

Extreme measures aren’t bad if they work.

EX.

Get off the internet

Stop hanging out with a friend group

Stop playing certain video games/ watching certain movies.

Change your Spotify

TALK TO GOD

TALK TO SOMEONE WHO LOVES YOU

Don’t let it fester

Questions.

What was your definition of temptation before tonight? What about now?

Why is knowing your identity so important in understanding the seriousness of temptation?

What are some practical steps for you to avoid temptation?