December 18, 2005 Summit PM

Handling Temptation

Introduction

A. Text - 1 Cor.10:1-13

B Handling temptation is a very real problem for all of us

1. Jesus had to deal with it - Mt.4

2. Jesus warned the apostles about it

Mt.26:41 - watch & pray so not fall into temptation

3. James 1:13,14 - each one

C. Context - Paul warns us not follow Israel into temptation - shares 4 things

D. Pray

I. Temptation Is Normal - Expect It

A. Many are misunderstanding this concept

1. Think - once become a Christian - temptations will cease or diminish

2. See Paul struggle - Rom.7:14-24

3. Gen.4:7 - sin desires to rule you

B. Therefore must anticipate this & be prepared

1. Rom.6:1-7 - we died to sin - no longer to be our master

a. Yet we responsible to make body do righteousness

b.God has done His part - now we must cooperate with God

2. 1 Cor.10:13 -

a. God is faithful - temper temptation

b. We must seek way of escape

3. 1 Pet.5:8 - Satan is a roaring lion - seeking to devour - watchful

4. 1 Jn.1:8-10 - why say we as Christians will sin unless true still struggle?

II. Temptation Is Dangerous - Be Very Careful

A. When allow temptation lead us into sin - consequences are terrible

1. See Israel

a. At Mount earth swallow - many died

b. Plagues because of sin

c. Eventually lost inheritance because continue to sin

d. Heb.10:26-31 - deliberate sin = face wrath of God

2. Gal.6:7,8 - God is not mocked - we reap what we sow

a. The pain of reaping always exceeds the pleasure of sin

b. Satan doesn’t love you - promises lies, then laughs as suffer

(not have your best interest in mind - your destruction)

B. Even the spiritually strong can fall victim

1. David - a man after God’s heart fell victim

2. Today we see people who think are giants spiritually falling

3. Doesn’t matter who you are - how long you’ve been a Christian

4. Peter an apostle was a victim of Satan

a. Mt.16 – get behind me Satan

b. Gal.2 – leading others to sin too

III. Temptation Varies - Be Alert

A. James 1:13-15 - according to our desires

1. Satan is going to be looking at you - strengths & weaknesses

2. Anything he can do to get you to focus somewhere except God

B. To worship things - Idols

1. To put what we can see ahead of what we cannot see

a. 1 Cor.10:7 - idolaters

1) Moses gone - think God gone too

2) Make us a god to lead us - calf

b. Us - we are a very image conscious society

1) Self esteem in clothing, houses, cars, and clubs

2) Train children to think this way - make a name for self

(star on team - 1^st in class)

2. Problem - take things that are necessity - become status symbol

a. When self worth comes from things = control us

b. Thus things become IDOLS - first place

3. Thus temporary things become more important than eternal things

a. No money for eternal things - too committed to bills

b. No time for spiritual things – must take care of our things

C. Sexual Immorality

1. Stimulation is everywhere

a. Society is full - TV, movies, dress

b. Truly become a constant battle

c. So common - most never notice - easy to just fit into society

2. As long as we are in the flesh this will be a problem

D. Grumbling & Complaining

1. God was a wonderful leader for His people

a. Delivered them from slavery - kept plagues from them

b. Provided all needs - All their enemies defeated

2. Yet people never satisfied - whatever did - never enough

a. Num.16 – want meat

b. Notice next day grumbling again

3. Grumbling can become a way of life

a. Some seem to think this is their spiritual gift

b. Phil.2:14ff - ought not be a part of us as Christians

c. When grumble lose sight of God’s goal - focus is self = useless

IV. All Temptation Can Be Overcome

A. God knows our limits & binds Satan - provides a way of escape

1. Never allows Satan the advantage

a. We always free to resist - James 4:6,7

b. He may want us, but God is in control

2. Allows things for our benefit, not destruction - Rom.8:28

a. Given us the Word - Rom.12:2

b. Other Christians to help - Heb.3:12-15

c. Spirit to guide & pray for us - Rom.8:26,27

3. Problem area - ME - will I resist ?

a. Question is not Can I; but Will I

b. Being a winner spiritually is determined by choosing to resist

B. How do we resist ?

1. Fill your life with positive activity

a. Idle mind is the devils workshop

b. Christianity is active - doing - participating

1) Gal.6:10 - be persistent in doing good

2) Eph.5:18 - be filled with Spirit

3) Rom.12:2 - be transformed

4) Rom.12:13 - practice hospitality

5) Mt.28:19 - go make disciples

2. Avoid enemy territory

a. Rom.13:14 - make no provision for the flesh

1) Remove those provisions

2) Whatever it is that gets to you

3) Don’t intend to go into house - don’t go on the porch

b. 1 Cor.15:33 - evil companions corrupt

c. 2 Cor.6:14-7:1 - come out from among them

3. Say NO early

a. Make up your mind to not get into sin

b. Look at self - see strengths & weaknesses

c. Would you pet a rattlesnake? WHY

(Extreme Sports - parachute off building)

4. Keep your eyes upon the Lord Jesus

a. Heb.12:1-2 - focus on Him - know Him

b. Truth - more you look at temptation, the better will look

c. If don’t resist - it will become a necessity

Conclusion

A. Temptation is something that we all must deal with

1. It’s natural & to be expected

2. It’s always dangerous

3. It varies - may be different for different people, times

B. Temptation can always be overcome

1. God has provided for our victory

a. Tempers it to us

b. Provides a way of escape

2. How ?

a. Fill your life with positive activity

b. Avoid enemy territory

c. Say No early

d. Keep your eyes upon Jesus