Topical Sermons

YIELD NOT TO TEMPTATION

 Intro.

1.     1 Cor. 10:13 – Our struggle with temptation is universal, real & constant.

2.     Jas. 1:12 – Blessed when we endure/overcome temptation.

3.     The Lord helps us conquer temptations – Heb. 4:15-16.

I. REMEMBER THE WORD OF GOD – Psa. 119:11.

    A.    As Armor – Eph. 6:10-17.

    B.    As the Source of Knowledge & Truth against Temptation – Matt. 4:4-11; Psa. 119:11.

                -By remembering God’s word we keep from setting our mind on sinful desires – Jas. 1:14-15.

II.    STAY AWAY FROM THE TEMPTATION.

    A.    Flee It – 1 Tim. 6:11; 2 Tim. 2:22.

        1.     Joseph – Gen. 39:12.

        2.     Part of “watching” – Matt. 26:41.  (the flesh is weak!)

        3.     cf. Warning – Prov. 5:8 (7:25).

    B.    Do Not Put Yourself into Tempting Situations – Matt. 6:13; 1 Cor. 7:5.

III.  PRAY – Matt. 6:13.

    A.    For Strength to Overcome the Trials – Matt. 26:41.

    B.    Persevere in Prayer – Eph. 6:18 (cf. Jesus in Gethsemane).

IV.  MAKE AN HONEST SELF-EXAMINATION – 2 Cor. 13:5.

    A.    Consider Yourself – Gal. 6:1, 4.

        1.     Attitudes toward & compromise with sin:  Am I creating tempting situations?

        2.     Reactions toward temptations when they come – Jas. 1:13 (1 Cor. 6:13).

    B.    Remain Humble & Know Your Own Vulnerability To Temptation & Sin – Gal. 6:3.

V.    UNDERSTAND HOW THE TEMPTER WORKS – 2 Cor. 2:11.

   A.    How Satan Appeals to Us – 1 Jno. 2:15-17.

    B.    He Strikes At Our Weak Points – Matt. 4:3-4, 5-7; 8-10.

VI.  CHOOSE YOUR COMPANIONS WISELY.

    A.    Association with Friends Affect Us – 1 Cor. 15:33-34.

        1.     Friends have great influence on us – cf. Eccl. 4:9-12.

        2.     Seek friends who help us live godly lives – Prov. 17:17.

VII.    REMEMBER THE CONSEQUENCES OF SIN.

    A.    Sin Is Against God – Psa. 51:4 (Gen. 39:9).

    B.    Sin’s Pleasure is Temporary – its Result is Eternal – Jas. 1:15-16 (Rom. 6:23); Rev. 21:8.

    C.    Sin Hardens the Heart to Further Sin – Heb. 3:13.

        1.     The danger of sin eventually fails to impact us - Rev. 22:11.

        2.     A desire for God decreases as a life in sin continues - Eccl. 12:1.

VIII.   LOOK FOR THE WAY OUT.

    A.    With Each Temptation Comes a Way of Escape – 1 Cor. 10:13.

        1.     Prevention through discipline – 1 Cor. 9:24-27.

        2.     Provides endurance when tempted – 1 Cor. 10:13 (bear:  to carry a load; hold up under trial).

IX.    CONQUERING TEMPTATION MAKES US BETTER.

    A.    Better Prepared for the Next Temptation – 1 Pet. 5:9.

        1.     Each temptation can be either a stumbling block or a stepping stone.

        2.     5:9 – Know that you are not alone in your fight against Satan.

    B.    Process of Spiritual Maturity – Jas. 1:2-4.

        1.     Each time we yield, we get weaker.

        2.     Each time we resist, we grow stronger.

Conclusion

1.     Jas. 1:12 – We cannot prevent temptations, but we can resist & endure them!

2.     The Lord understands – go to Him for help when you are tempted!  Heb. 4:15-16

 -(Adapted from article, "Conquering Temptation," Bob Dodson, "Bible Talk," Nov. 23, 1997)