James
1:13-15 When tempted, no one should say, “God is tempting me.” For God
cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; 14 but each one is tempted when, by his own evil desire,
he is dragged away and enticed. 15
Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it
is full-grown, gives birth to death.
How
to overcome temptation:
1.
Realize that you ARE GOING TO BE TEMPTED!
vs.13a "when tempted ... "
1 Cor 10:13a "No temptation has seized you except what is common to man
.,.."
Three
common emotions: alarm, frustration, and discouragement
2. Take RESPONSIBILITY FOR YOUR OWN ACTIONS
v. 13-14a When tempted, no one should say, `God is tempting me.'
For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone. but each one
is tempted when, by his own evil desire…
3. Always be READY TO FACE TEMPTATION
vs. 14 Each
one is tempted when, by his own evil desires, he is dragged away and
enticed …
1 Peter 5:8 Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around
like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour…
Here is how temptation works: (vs. 14-15)
*
DESIRE
"Each one is tempted when, by his own evil desires ... "
* DECEPTION
"... he is dragged away and enticed ..."
* DISOBEDIENCE
”Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin"
* DEATH
"and sin, when full grown gives birth to death."
4. Look for the WAY OUT
1 Corinthians 10:13 No temptation has seized you except what is common to
man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can
bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can
stand up under it.
The
way out:
…could
be a physical escape
…might be a mental escape that changes our desires
…might be a friend that holds you accountable
5.
The biggest part of overcoming temptation: Get your LIFE RIGHT with Christ
2 Peter 1:3 His divine power has given us everything we need for life and
godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and
goodness.
Romans 6:23 For the wages of sin is death, but
the gift of God is eternal life in Christ
Jesus our Lord.
A prayer to begin a
relationship with Christ: “Dear Jesus, I realize that I need You in my life. I
want to have a real relationship with You. Today, I have realized that you
created me to know you. I also realize today that I have sinned against you.
Please forgive me. I turn to you and ask you to be the leader of my life. I give
you my heart, my soul, my life, my past, and my future. Thank you for dying for
me. Help me to live for you, now
and forever. Amen.