Untitled Sermon (71)

TEMPTATION

SCRIPTURES: Read and make comments on the following before you study the lesson:

James 1:12-15

1 John 2:15-17

Ephesians 2:10-20

Matthew 4:1–12 KJV 1900

1 Then was Jesus led up of the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted of the devil. 2 And when he had fasted forty days and forty nights, he was afterward an hungred. 3 And when the tempter came to him, he said, If thou be the Son of God, command that these stones be made bread. 4 But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God. 5 Then the devil taketh him up into the holy city, and setteth him on a pinnacle of the temple, 6 And saith unto him, If thou be the Son of God, cast thyself down: for it is written, He shall give his angels charge concerning thee: and in their hands they shall bear thee up, lest at any time thou dash thy foot against a stone. 7 Jesus said unto him, It is written again, Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God. 8 Again, the devil taketh him up into an exceeding high mountain, and sheweth him all the kingdoms of the world, and the glory of them; 9 And saith unto him, All these things will I give thee, if thou wilt fall down and worship me. 10 Then saith Jesus unto him, Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve. 11 Then the devil leaveth him, and, behold, angels came and ministered unto him. 12 Now when Jesus had heard that John was cast into prison, he departed into Galilee;

James 1:12–15 KJV 1900

12 Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him. 13 Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man: 14 But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. 15 Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.

James 1:12–15 (KJV 1900)

James 1:12–15 KJV 1900

12 Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him. 13 Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man: 14 But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. 15 Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.

12 Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him.

13 Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man:

14 But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed.

15 Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.

1 John 2:15–17 (KJV 1900)

15 Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.

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

17 And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.

Ephesians 2:10–20 (KJV 1900)

10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.

11 Wherefore remember, that ye being in time past Gentiles in the flesh, who are called Uncircumcision by that which is called the Circumcision in the flesh made by hands;

12 That at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world:

13 But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ.

14 For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us;

15 Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace;

16 And that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby:

17 And came and preached peace to you which were afar off, and to them that were nigh.

18 For through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father.

19 Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God;

20 And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone;

Matthew 4:1–12 (KJV 1900)

1 Then was Jesus led up of the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted of the devil.

2 And when he had fasted forty days and forty nights, he was afterward an hungred.

3 And when the tempter came to him, he said, If thou be the Son of God, command that these stones be made bread.

4 But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.

5 Then the devil taketh him up into the holy city, and setteth him on a pinnacle of the temple,

6 And saith unto him, If thou be the Son of God, cast thyself down: for it is written, He shall give his angels charge concerning thee: and in their hands they shall bear thee up, lest at any time thou dash thy foot against a stone.

7 Jesus said unto him, It is written again, Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God.

8 Again, the devil taketh him up into an exceeding high mountain, and sheweth him all the kingdoms of the world, and the glory of them;

9 And saith unto him, All these things will I give thee, if thou wilt fall down and worship me.

10 Then saith Jesus unto him, Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve.

11 Then the devil leaveth him, and, behold, angels came and ministered unto him.

12 Now when Jesus had heard that John was cast into prison, he departed into Galilee;

MEMORIZE : I Corinthians 10:13 1 John 2:15-17 It has been a popular joke for years to say, Popularized by Flip Wilson,'The devil made me do it" While it is true that Satan tempts us, there is far more to temptation than his work.

1 Corinthians 10:13 KJV 1900

13 There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.

1 John 2:15–17 KJV 1900

15 Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 16 For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. 17 And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.

It has been characteristic of human nature since Adam and Eve sinned to place the blame for our disobedience on someone else.

All of the blame for sin falls directly upon the individual who sinned, regardless of the source of temptation.

One of the most difficult things for human beings to accept is responsibility for their own actions when they are wrong.

Making excuses reveals our sinfulness.

To have a victorious Christian experience, one must understand the sources of temptation, the type of temptation and the ways to avoid and overcome temptation.

Temptation is a constant problem for the Christian.

Conquering temptation must be a momentary and habitual practice.

The Christian's guard must never be down.

Even a momentary lapse means certain defeat

INTERNAL TEMPTATION James 1:12-15

There are two usages of the word for temptation: one is a trial or testing which is not an allurement to evil; the second is a solicitation to do something wrong.

It is the second meaning of the word that is being considered in this lesson.

LUST= DESIRE

ENTICE= LURE

1. What one thing do we know about the source of temptation?

2. Why do we yield to temptation?

3. What does this imply about basic human nature?

4. Do we need an external suggestion to be tempted? Explain.

5. Can we blame Satan for every evil thing that we do? Why?

6. Even when temptation does come from an external source, where does the ultimate responsibility lie?

7. Will God ever ask me about the source of temptation? cf. Romans 14:10-12; 2 Corinthians 5:10

8. There is progression in the process of temptation, as found in James 1:14, 15.

Romans 14:10–12 KJV 1900

10 But why dost thou judge thy brother? or why dost thou set at nought thy brother? for we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ. 11 For it is written, As I live, saith the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God. 12 So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God.

2 Corinthians 5:10 KJV 1900

10 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad.

James 1:14 KJV 1900

14 But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed.

James 1:15 KJV 1900

15 Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.

List the steps below:

STEP ONE:

STEP TWO:

STEP THREE:

STEP FOUR:

9. True (T) or False (F)?

a. It is wrong to be tempted.

b. It is impossible to avoid all temptation.

c. We must always give account for our response to temptation.

d. God judges us for being tempted.

e. We are enticed when the temptation corresponds to our inner desires.

10. At what level should we deal with temptation?

11. Why is it too late to deal with temptation later?

Pause right here and ask God to help you learn to deal with temptation upon the first suggestion.

Here is a suggested pattern for prayer in dealing with temptation:

"Make me sensitive to the convicting ministry of the Holy Spirit, so that I will recognize the temptation to sin at the enticement level and claim victory through the blood of Jesus Christ before lust conceives and brings forth sin."

EXTERNAL TEMPTATION 1 John 2:15-17; Romans 12:2

"World" here refers to human institutions and civilizations as organized upon humanistic values and under the influence of Satan- Ephesians 2:2. I

Ephesians 2:2 KJV 1900

2 Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience:

1 John 2:15–17 KJV 1900

15 Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 16 For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. 17 And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.

Romans 12:2 KJV 1900

2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

12. How does the world lure us to evil? I

13. What is your relationship to God if you love the world?

14. What two things are mutually exclusive? )

15. How are we tempted through the eyes?

16. How are we tempted by the flesh?

17. Why is pride such a powerful motive in temptation?

18. What two things does God forbid relative to the world? 1 John 2:15; Romans 12:2

19. What do we know about Satan's plan of attack? Ephesians 6:11

20. What makes the battle difficult for the Christian? Ephesians 6:12

21. Note how Satan tempts us in the following passages:

2 Corinthians 11:13-15

1 Peter 5:8

2 Peter 2:1, 14, 18

I Timothy 3:6

1 Corinthians 7:1-5

1 Timothy 6:7-10

1 Thessalonians 3:4, 5

Galatians 6:1

1 John 2:15 KJV 1900

15 Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.

Romans 12:2 KJV 1900

2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

Ephesians 6:11 KJV 1900

11 Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.

Ephesians 6:12 KJV 1900

12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.

2 Corinthians 11:13–15 KJV 1900

13 For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ. 14 And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. 15 Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works.

1 Peter 5:8 KJV 1900

8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:

2 Peter 2:1 KJV 1900

1 But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction.

2 Peter 2:14 KJV 1900

14 Having eyes full of adultery, and that cannot cease from sin; beguiling unstable souls: an heart they have exercised with covetous practices; cursed children:

2 Peter 2:18 KJV 1900

18 For when they speak great swelling words of vanity, they allure through the lusts of the flesh, through much wantonness, those that were clean escaped from them who live in error.

1 Timothy 3:6 (KJV 1900)

6 Not a novice, lest being lifted up with pride he fall into the condemnation of the devil.

1 Corinthians 7:1–5 KJV 1900

1 Now concerning the things whereof ye wrote unto me: It is good for a man not to touch a woman. 2 Nevertheless, to avoid fornication, let every man have his own wife, and let every woman have her own husband. 3 Let the husband render unto the wife due benevolence: and likewise also the wife unto the husband. 4 The wife hath not power of her own body, but the husband: and likewise also the husband hath not power of his own body, but the wife. 5 Defraud ye not one the other, except it be with consent for a time, that ye may give yourselves to fasting and prayer; and come together again, that Satan tempt you not for your incontinency.

1 Timothy 6:7–10 KJV 1900

7 For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. 8 And having food and raiment let us be therewith content. 9 But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition. 10 For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.

1 Thessalonians 3:4 KJV 1900

4 For verily, when we were with you, we told you before that we should suffer tribulation; even as it came to pass, and ye know.

1 Thessalonians 3:5 KJV 1900

5 For this cause, when I could no longer forbear, I sent to know your faith, lest by some means the tempter have tempted you, and our labour be in vain.

Galatians 6:1 KJV 1900

1 Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.

CONQUERING TEMPTATION 22. In what three areas did Satan tempt Christ? Matthew 4:1-12; 1 John 2:15-17

v.3 v.6 v.8,9

23. How did Christ handle temptation? Matthew 4:1-12

Matthew 4:1–12 KJV 1900

1 Then was Jesus led up of the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted of the devil. 2 And when he had fasted forty days and forty nights, he was afterward an hungred. 3 And when the tempter came to him, he said, If thou be the Son of God, command that these stones be made bread. 4 But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God. 5 Then the devil taketh him up into the holy city, and setteth him on a pinnacle of the temple, 6 And saith unto him, If thou be the Son of God, cast thyself down: for it is written, He shall give his angels charge concerning thee: and in their hands they shall bear thee up, lest at any time thou dash thy foot against a stone. 7 Jesus said unto him, It is written again, Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God. 8 Again, the devil taketh him up into an exceeding high mountain, and sheweth him all the kingdoms of the world, and the glory of them; 9 And saith unto him, All these things will I give thee, if thou wilt fall down and worship me. 10 Then saith Jesus unto him, Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve. 11 Then the devil leaveth him, and, behold, angels came and ministered unto him. 12 Now when Jesus had heard that John was cast into prison, he departed into Galilee;

24. What provision has been made for our victory? 2 Peter 1:3

2 Peter 1:3 KJV 1900

3 According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue:

25. Why is the example of our Lord Jesus Christ an encouragement in the struggle against sin? Hebrews 2:18; 4:14-16

Hebrews 2:18 KJV 1900

18 For in that he himself hath suffered being tempted, he is able to succour them that are tempted.

Hebrews 4:14–16 KJV 1900

14 Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession. 15 For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. 16 Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.

26. In Genesis 3:15 we have the first promise of a Savior who would conquer the serpent (Satan).

How does the death of Christ relate to our victory? John 16:11; Revelation 12:11

Genesis 3:15 KJV 1900

15 And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel.

John 16:11 KJV 1900

11 Of judgment, because the prince of this world is judged.

Revelation 12:11 KJV 1900

11 And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death.

27. How are we to handle satanic temptation? James 4:7

James 4:7 KJV 1900

7 Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.

28. Using Genesis 39:7-13 and 2 Timothy 2:22, write a brief statement about how to handle some areas of temptation.

Genesis 39:7–13 KJV 1900

7 And it came to pass after these things, that his master’s wife cast her eyes upon Joseph; and she said, Lie with me. 8 But he refused, and said unto his master’s wife, Behold, my master wotteth not what is with me in the house, and he hath committed all that he hath to my hand; 9 There is none greater in this house than I; neither hath he kept back any thing from me but thee, because thou art his wife: how then can I do this great wickedness, and sin against God? 10 And it came to pass, as she spake to Joseph day by day, that he hearkened not unto her, to lie by her, or to be with her. 11 And it came to pass about this time, that Joseph went into the house to do his business; and there was none of the men of the house there within. 12 And she caught him by his garment, saying, Lie with me: and he left his garment in her hand, and fled, and got him out. 13 And it came to pass, when she saw that he had left his garment in her hand, and was fled forth,

2 Timothy 2:22 KJV 1900

22 Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart.

29. The general pattern for victory over Satan is given to us in Ephesians 6:13-20.

Each piece of the armor speaks of Christian character as personified in Jesus Christ.

These are not primarily doctrinal concepts.

Ephesians 6:13–20 KJV 1900

13 Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. 14 Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; 15 And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; 16 Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. 17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: 18 Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints; 19 And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel, 20 For which I am an ambassador in bonds: that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.

Personalize each piece of armor in the following list

TRUTH

RIGIITEOUSNESS

GOSPEL OF PEACE

FAITH

SALVATION

WORD OF GOD

PRAYER

ASSIGNMENT FOR NEXT WEEK:

Every day for one week, take one aspect of the armor of God from Ephesians 6:10-20 and think about it carefully.

Write down three ideas about that piece of armor that will help you obtain victory over temptation.

Try to think about it throughout the day.