Temptation Part III: The Fight Against Temptation

Be Aware

  1. 2 Corinthians 2:9-11 Have you ever been caught off guard by sin? Like you do something and realize later that it was a sin against God?

    1. When Satan tempted Christ he was testing him to see if he would give into temptation and sin against God. Here Paul says that he is writing to the people to test them and see if they will be obedient. We have seen all the many ways that Satan tries to deceive us and to snatch away our relationship with God and our heavenly inheritance. Never forget that Satan is clever and always scheming against you and you will never be caught off guard.

  1. Watch Out

    1. Matthew 26:41 How many of you have tripped and fell or walked into a door because you weren't watching where you were walking?

      1. We all know how to walk but even after spending a lifetime walking we still trip and injure ourselves. Sin is no different. We could be raised Christians and we could be elders in the church but we are still going to trip up and sin. We have to acknowledge that we are weak, that we can't do it by ourselves in order for God to give us strength.

      2. Imagine walking through a war zone where land mines and other traps have been set. Would you just walk around without taking your time to check every step? We also have to be watchful and keep an eye out for the devils snares and booby traps because often he hides them and makes them look innocent.

    2. 1 Peter 5:8 Sober here doesn’t only mean to refrain from drunkenness but it also means to be calm.

      1. How do these two different ideas help us keep from falling into sin?

        1. Sober from drugs or alcohol

 

  1. Remaining calm

 

  1. God's Help

    1. 1 Corinthians 10:13 Temptation is something that everyone experiences, as we talked about before, even Jesus was tempted.

    2. What are some emotions you feel when you are tempted?

      1. Shame

      2. Guilt

      3. Fear that you will give in

      1. These feelings can often keep you from going to God or someone in leadership for help or prayer because you are embarrassed or don’t want to admit you have been tempted.

      2. Remember if Jesus was tempted there is no sin in being tempted. You should not feel shame or guilt at being tempted. Know that you are not alone in your experience.

    3. When you understand that there is no shame in being tempted and take your weakness to God he is faithful to see you through that weakness.

    4. Scripture says he will always provide you a way out! But you have to go to Him and ask him for help to receive strength and his guidance.

    5. A way out can take many forms. What does a "way out" look like?

      1. Strength to say no

      2. A friend who will be encouraging

      3. A motivating factor like someone you care about to be an example to

      4. Giving you an alternative

  2. Christ's Help

    1. Hebrews 2:17-18 Since Christ was tempted he can help you because he knows what you are going through.

    2. Hebrews 4:15-16 Even with being aware, watching out, being sober, staying calm and going to God for help won't we still sin? Yes, so what happens when we give into temptation and sin?

      1. We can still approach God's throne of grace with confidence that he still loves us and is always willing to help us.

      2. But how do we approach Gods throne of grace?

        1. 1 John 5:14-15 We pray! Prayer is communication with God but it is also how we come into Gods presence. When we pray we are connected to him on the deepest level.

      3. He will always forgive us and show us grace and mercy when we go to him and confess our sins.

      4. It's NEVER too late!

APPLY:

  1. What are some ways you can help yourself remember to go to God when you are experiencing temptation or have fallen into sin?

  2. What are some things that keep you from going to God or a Christian friend for help and prayer?

  3. How has this study changed your outlook on temptation and sin?

  4. Write down a prayer asking Jesus to help you with the specific temptations and weakness you experience.

Christin Cordova