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)