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Part 7 - PROTECTION "Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil." Temptation: to be enticed, incited or attracted to do something considered to be wrong. Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 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. 1 John 2:15-16 Tempting Thoughts: 1. We are all tempted. No test or temptation that comes your way is beyond the course of what others have had to face. All you need to remember is that God will never let you down; he'll never let you be pushed past your limit; he'll always be there to help you come through it. 1 Cor. 10:13 2. Not all temptations are the same. Esau said to Jacob, “I'm starved! Give me some of that red stew you've made. Look, I'm dying of starvation!” So Jacob insisted, “Well then, swear to me right now that it is mine.” Esau ate and drank and went on about his business, indifferent to the fact that he had given up his birthright. Gen. 25:30-35 3. Temptation itself is not sin. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but One who has been tested in every way as we are, yet without sin. Heb. 4:15 4. Temptation doesn’t play fair.
One evening David got up from his bed and
strolled around on the roof of the palace. From the roof he saw a woman
bathing—a very beautiful woman. 2 Sam. 11:2 You have died with Christ, and he has set you free from the evil powers of this world. So why do you keep on following rules of the world, such as, “Don't handle, don't eat, don't touch.” Such rules are mere human teaching about things that are gone as soon as we use them. These rules may seem wise because they require strong devotion, humility, and severe bodily discipline. But they have no effect when it comes to conquering a person's evil thoughts and desires. Col.2:20-23 Where does temptation come from? THREE AREAS: (Matthew 4:1-11)
For the Christian, the essence of temptation is the enticement to have legitimate human needs met through the resources of the world, the flesh and the devil instead of through Christ. How did it all start? Genesis 3:1-6
How can I overcome temptation? Cultivate a conviction over sin. You are really the one I have sinned against; I have disobeyed you and have done wrong. So it is right and fair for you to correct and punish me. Psalm 51:4 Initiate correction from the wrong direction. Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, “This is the way; walk in it.” Isaiah 30:21 Establish clarity of the goal. “He will bring glory to me by taking what from what is mine and making it known to you.” John 16:14 Come to God for help and support. We have run to God for safety. Now his promises should greatly encourage us to take hold of the hope that is right in front of us. This hope is like a firm and steady anchor for our souls. Heb. 6:18, 19a Connect with the right people. Two people can accomplish more than twice as much as one; they get a better return for their labour. If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. But people who are alone when they fall are in real trouble. Eccl. 9:10-11
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