It’s Tempting

Resilient[def]: the ability to withstand or recover from a difficult situation

IT’S TEMPTING

                What do I do when temptation knocks?

       How do I keep a backslide from becoming a landslide?

1. Recognize the SOURCE of temptation.

When tempted, no one should say, “God is tempting me.” For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; but each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed. James 1:13-14

About Temptation:

- Handcrafted for your desires

- Designed to be attractive & appealing

- Looks and moves like the real thing

- Always comes with hooks

Most Vulnerable:

- TIRED [Emotionally, Physically, Mentally]

- ALONE or Isolated [We need community]

- STRESSED [numbing vs. nourishing]

2. Address the PROGRESSION of temptation.

Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death. James 1:15

2 Critical Questions:

- What does this sin full grown look like?

- What are the ultimate consequences?

3. Identify the LIE and bring it into the LIGHT.

"Don’t be deceived, my dear brothers and sisters. Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows."  James 1:16-17

The Root Lie: Always an attack on the character of God, namely his GOODNESS [God is holding out]

The Character of God:

- God cannot be tempted [morally pure]

- God doesn’t tempt anyone.

- God is the giver of every good & perfect gift.

- God doesn’t change, He’s consistent

- God give us new life

Nothing good grows in the dark.

“Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed.” James 5:16

Is there anything in your life that you wouldn’t want your wife, parents, friends, pastor to find out?

"No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. 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 endure it." 1 Corinthians 10:13

4. Remember what is TRUE of YOU in Christ Jesus.

"He chose to give us birth through the word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of all he created." James 1:18

You have a spiritual enemy who wants you to live in SHAME.

"Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has ascended into heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin.  Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need." Hebrews 4:14-16

"I never saw those heights and depths in grace, and love, and mercy, as I saw after this temptation: great sins draw out great grace; and where guilt is most terrible and fierce, there the mercy of God in Christ, when showed to the soul, appears most high and mighty." - John Bunyan

“The gospel is this: We are more sinful and flawed in ourselves than we ever dared believe, yet at the very same time we are more loved and accepted in Jesus Christ than we ever dared hope.” - Tim Keller