The Source of Temptation

Sunday Morning February 11th, 2007

1st Corinthians 10:1-13

In 1966, a young seminary graduate submitted a book for publication.  The book was rejected with the explanation that the subject was a dead issue and that no one believed in that sort of thing anymore.  The manuscript was entitled, The Dark Prince and represented a being known by many different names:  The Devil, Satan, or Lucifer.

The names by which he is known reveal much of his malevolent nature.  Old Testament writers and the Apostle Paul most often called him Satan (adversary).  This name fits him very well for he has set himself in opposition to God’s purpose and will stop at nothing to prevent men being saved.  In Ephesians 6, Paul warns that Satan has made plans for opposing the Church.

The early disciples of Jesus most often referred to the evil one as the Devil.  Again the name is appropriate, for one of his favorite and most successful strategies is to slander the Saints and their God.  He tempts us into sin and then runs to God’s throne to point out to God our error.

I would assume that the enemy prefers to be called Lucifer; a name meaning bright and shining one or light bearer.  Lucifer is a master of disguise – intended to put the Saints at ease so that they might lower their guard against him.  He possesses great power and intelligence.

By whatever name he is known, the evil one does exist and, along with his demonic minions, is actively involved in the affairs of this world.  If trouble develops in a nation, a family, or a church, you can be assured that the evil one is somehow involved.  He hates goodness, love, and order – anything that God ordains – and will do his best to destroy them.  In the message today I hope to examine some of his more successful methods – forewarned is forearmed! 

I.                   The Source of Every Temptation

A.     He hopes to handicap the Saints

1.      By encouraging laziness and disobedience

2.      He cannot kill us; instead, he hopes to incapacitate us through doubt and guilt

3.      Failed saints, trying to hide their sin, bring discredit on us all (Tilton, Swaggart, and Bakker)

B.     His methods are simple and well practiced

1.      He rewards unfaithfulness and pride

2.      He accentuates our negative urges – sin always promises more than it delivers

3.      He carefully cultivates our weaknesses

II.                 Encouragement For the Faithful

A.     Temptation is common to all

B.     We have an example for success

1.      Getting close to the Father and the Son

2.      Jesus was aided by the same Holy Spirit that comes alongside us to help

C.     Temptation indicates your potential as a threat

1.      We may sell ourselves short but Satan knows that, “we can do all things through Christ….”

2.      If we are important to his schemes it is certain that he has gotten word that God wants to use us

D.     God will provide and escape or grace sufficient to endure!

I have learned that Satan often says yes to the requests God has turned down.  We only fail when we give in to temptation and do not immediately repent.  And remember, one failure then another can become habit.