Dealing with Temptation

Introduction

In James’ letter he writes.

James 1:12 NKJV

Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him.

What does it mean to endure temptation? What are some different ways we are tempted? How does the temptation of Christ provide a guide to the way Satan and our own flesh tempt us to sin.

Temptation is NOT sin

If you were at the community service last week as I spoke on Faith in a Fearful World I mentioned about that there is a difference between temptation and sin.

Temptation doesn’t equal sin.

James 1:12–15 NKJV

Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him. Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am tempted by God”; for God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He Himself tempt anyone. But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed. Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death.

Each one is tempted

Drawn away (Lured away) by own desires (lust)—Carried away and Enticed.

James: The MacArthur New Testament Commentary The Nature of Man

Animals and fish are successfully lured to traps and hooks because the bait is too attractive for them to resist. It looks good and smells good, appealing strongly to their senses. Their desire for the bait is so intense that it causes them to lose caution and to overlook or ignore the trap or the hook until it is too late.

The book by C.S. Lewis Edmund was drawn in by Turkish Delight and the chance to rule over his older brother Peter.

2. When Desire (Lust) is conceived or impregnated into the person’s mind that leads to sin.

2 Corinthians 10:5 NKJV

casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ,

When you are feeding the stimuli and meditating on that the temptation will become stronger and most likely will lead to sin.

Sin will kill you.

The Areas of Temptation

John in his first Epistle writes these words

1 John 2:16 NKJV

For all that is in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not of the Father but is of the world.

English Standard Version Chapter 2

16 For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride of life—is not from the Father but is from the world.

Lust (Desires) of the Flesh

What cravings does the flesh want (even if God has said no)

2. Lust (Desires) of the eyes

When you see something that you want.

3. Pride of Life

Arrogance (Boastful Pride)

The Fall of Humankind

Genesis 3:1–7 NKJV

Now the serpent was more cunning than any beast of the field which the Lord God had made. And he said to the woman, “Has God indeed said, ‘You shall not eat of every tree of the garden’?” And the woman said to the serpent, “We may eat the fruit of the trees of the garden; but of the fruit of the tree which is in the midst of the garden, God has said, ‘You shall not eat it, nor shall you touch it, lest you die.’ ” Then the serpent said to the woman, “You will not surely die. For God knows that in the day you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.” So when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree desirable to make one wise, she took of its fruit and ate. She also gave to her husband with her, and he ate. Then the eyes of both of them were opened, and they knew that they were naked; and they sewed fig leaves together and made themselves coverings.

It appeals to their flesh (good for food)

Appeals to the eyes (pleasant to the eyes)

Appeals to the pride (it will make them wise)

Jesus Tempted as we are, without Sin

Hebrews 4:14–16 NKJV

Seeing then that we have a great High Priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.

Luke 4:1–13 NKJV

Then Jesus, being filled with the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness, being tempted for forty days by the devil. And in those days He ate nothing, and afterward, when they had ended, He was hungry. And the devil said to Him, “If You are the Son of God, command this stone to become bread.” But Jesus answered him, saying, “It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word of God.’ ” Then the devil, taking Him up on a high mountain, showed Him all the kingdoms of the world in a moment of time. And the devil said to Him, “All this authority I will give You, and their glory; for this has been delivered to me, and I give it to whomever I wish. Therefore, if You will worship before me, all will be Yours.” And Jesus answered and said to him, “Get behind Me, Satan! For it is written, ‘You shall worship the Lord your God, and Him only you shall serve.’ ” Then he brought Him to Jerusalem, set Him on the pinnacle of the temple, and said to Him, “If You are the Son of God, throw Yourself down from here. For it is written: ‘He shall give His angels charge over you, To keep you,’ and, ‘In their hands they shall bear you up, Lest you dash your foot against a stone.’ ” And Jesus answered and said to him, “It has been said, ‘You shall not tempt the Lord your God.’ ” Now when the devil had ended every temptation, he departed from Him until an opportune time.

1, Lust of the Flesh (Food)

2. Lust of the Eyes (All the Kingdoms of the World)

3. Pride of Life (I bet you won’t do this)

Next Steps

Learn from the example of Christ. Use Scripture to battle these desires, but if you are not putting it in, how are you going to rely on it when you are most tempted and weak?

Conclusion

Verse 1

Be careful little eyes what you see It's the second glance that ties your hands As darkness pulls the strings Be careful little feet where you go For it's the little feet behind you That are sure to follow

Chorus 1

It's a slow fade when you give yourself away It's a slow fade when black and white Have turned to gray And thoughts invade choices are made A price will be paid When you give yourself away People never crumble in a day (It's a slow fade it's a slow fade)

Verse 2

Be careful little ears what you hear When flattery leads to compromise The end is always near Be careful little lips what you say For empty words and promises Lead broken hearts astray

Bridge

The journey from your mind to your hands Is shorter than you're thinking Be careful if you think you stand You just might be sinking

Chorus 2

And it's a slow fade when you give yourself away It's a slow fade when black and white Have turned to gray And thoughts invade choices are made A price will be paid When you give yourself away People never crumble in a day Daddies never crumble in a day Fam'lies never crumble in a day

Ending

Oh be careful little eyes what you see Oh be careful little eyes what you see For the Father up above is looking down in love Oh be careful little eyes what you see