Dealing with temptations

TEXT: GENESIS 3:1-13

INTRODUCTION

 The serpent, Satan, tempted Eve by getting her to doubt God’s goodness. He implied that God was strict, stingy, and selfish for not wanting Eve to share his knowledge of good and evil. Satan made Eve forget all that God had given her and instead focus on the one thing she couldn’t have. We fall into trouble, too, when we dwell on the few things we don’t have rather than on the countless things God has given us. The next time you are feeling sorry for yourself and thinking about what you don’t have, consider all you do have and thank God. Then your doubts won’t lead you into sin. Note that sin always begins either by questioning God’s word, or God’s goodness.

A. TEMPTATION OFTEN HITS HARDEST IN OUR AREAS OF WEAKNESS (1 KINGS 11:1-10).

For all his wisdom, Solomon had some weak spots. He could not say no to compromise or to lustful desires. Whether he married to strengthen political alliances or to gain personal pleasure, these foreign wives led him into idolatry. You may have strong faith, but you also have weak spots-and that is where temptation usually strikes. Strengthen and protect your weaker areas, because a chain is only as strong as its weakest link. If Solomon, the wisest man, could fall, so can you.

TEMPTATION CAN STRIKE ANY AREA OF LIFE (MATTHEW 4:1-11).

The devil focused on three crucial areas when he tempted Jesus: (1) physical needs and desires, (2) possessions and power, and (3) pride (see 1 John 2:15-16 for a similar list). But Jesus did not give in. Hebrews 4:15 says that Jesus “faced all of the same temptations we do, yet he did not sin.” He knows first hand what we are experiencing, and he is willing and able to help us in our struggles. When you are tempted, turn to him for strength.                                                

B. HOW CAN WE RESIST TEMPTATION?

 RESISTANCE BEGINS WITH BEING AWARE OF TEMPTATION WHEN IT STRIKES.

How could Eve have resisted temptation? By following the same guidelines we can follow. First, we must realize that temptation in itself is not a sin. We do not sin until we give in to the temptation. To resist temptation, we must (1) pray for strength to resist, (2) run, sometimes literally, and (3) say no when confronted with what we know      is wrong. James 1:12 tells of the blessings and rewards for those who don’t give in when tempted.

RESIST IMMEDIATELY; ANY DELAY MAKES IT MORE DIFFICULT (2 SAMUEL 11:2).
As David looked from the roof of the palace, he saw a beautiful woman bathing, and he was filled with lust. David should have left the roof and fled the temptation. Instead, he entertained the temptation by inquiring about Bathsheba. The results were devastating.
DO NOT BE SURPRISED BY TEMPTATION AT UNLIKELY TIMES AND IN UNLIKELY PLACES (MATTHEW 4:1-11).
Jesus wasn’t tempted inside the temple, or at his baptism, but in the desert where he was tired, alone, and hungry, and thus most vulnerable. The devil often tempts us when we are most vulnerable-when we are under physical or emotional stress (for example, when we are alone, tired weighing big decision, or faced with uncertainty). But he also likes to tempt us through our strengths, where we are most susceptible to pride. We must guard at all times against his attacks.

HAVE A PLAN FOR RESISTING TEMPTATION.

To flee temptation, (1) ask God in earnest prayer to help you stay away from people, places, and situations that may tempt you. (2) Memorize and meditate on portion of scripture that combat your specific weakness. At the root of most temptation is a real need or desire that God can fill, but we must trust in his timing. (3) Find another believer with whom you openly share your struggles, and call this person for help when temptation strikes.
Discuss some ways that believers may expose themselves to temptation.
MEMORY VERSE: Every man is tempted when he is drawn away of his lust, and enticed (Jam.1:14).