Overcoming Temptation Successfully

Introduction:

One of the greatest challenges of living the Christian life is dealing with "temptations"

This is especially true for new Christians: In James 1:12-18, we find helpful words for the Christian.

I.  The man who endures temptation will be blessed.

A.Those who have been proved will receive the crown of life.

B.     The promise is given to those who demonstrate their love for God by their endurance of the temptations

II. We are not tempted by God. (1:13)

A.Why? God is HOLY:

B.     1:16-18 - God is the source of GOOD, not evil!

C.     1:14-15 - God gives us insight into the development of sin which can help us to overcome sin

III. How sin develops...

A.1:14 - The first stage is TEMPTATION

1.      This stage involves two things: lust and enticement.

2.      We might say that temptation is Desire + Opportunity

3.      But remember, it is NOT a sin to be TEMPTED - Heb 4:15

B.     1:15 - The second stage in the development of sin is SIN ITSELF

1.      Temptation leads to sin only when you yield and ACT upon it

2.      We might say that sin is Desire + Opportunity + Action

C.     1:15 - The final stage is the consequence of unforgiven sin: DEATH

IV.  How to overcome temptation:

A.Change our desires

1.      It is a part of Christian growth to change our desires - Rom 12:1-2

B. Limit our opportunties

1.      limit the opportunities to fulfill wrongful desires

2.      This can be done by ASKING FOR GOD'S PROVIDENTIAL HELP, as Jesus taught – Matt. 6:13; 26:41

3.      Cooperate with God by:

a)Purposely avoiding situations that might excite wrongful desires

b)Following the example of David - Psalm 101:3-4

c)Avoiding those whose evil behavior encourages us to sin with them

D. Exercise self control

1.      How does the Christian exercise self-control?

a)Put on the "fruit of the Spirit" - Gal 5:22-23

b)Remember Paul’s writing in Philippians 4:13

2.      Trust that you are not alone as you try to do God's will - Phil 2:12-13

3.      We have no excuse for yielding to a temptation - 1 Cor 10:13

D.     Obtain Forgiveness

1.      Sin is victorious when it results in punishment

2.      But if we obtain forgiveness through the blood of Christ, we can avoid that punishment and thereby still overcome sin! 1 Jn 2:1-2

Conclusion:

A.Have you taken advantage of God's way of escape for the sins you have committed?



Overcoming Temptation Successfully Introduction: One of the greatest challenges of living the Christian life is dealing with "temptations" This is especially true for new Christians: In James 1:12-18, we find helpful words for the Christian. I. The man who endures temptation will be blessed. A.Those who have been proved will receive the crown of life. B. The promise is given to those who demonstrate their love for God by their endurance of the temptations II. We are not tempted by God. (1:13) A.Why? God is HOLY: B. 1:16-18 - God is the source of GOOD, not evil! C. 1:14-15 - God gives us insight into the development of sin which can help us to overcome sin III. How sin develops... A.1:14 - The first stage is TEMPTATION 1. This stage involves two things: lust and enticement. 2. We might say that temptation is Desire + Opportunity 3. But remember, it is NOT a sin to be TEMPTED - Heb 4:15 B. 1:15 - The second stage in the development of sin is SIN ITSELF 1. Temptation leads to sin only when you yield and ACT upon it 2. We might say that sin is Desire + Opportunity + Action C. 1:15 - The final stage is the consequence of unforgiven sin: DEATH IV. How to overcome temptation: A.Change our desires 1. It is a part of Christian growth to change our desires - Rom 12:1-2 B. Limit our opportunties 1. limit the opportunities to fulfill wrongful desires 2. This can be done by ASKING FOR GOD'S PROVIDENTIAL HELP, as Jesus taught – Matt. 6:13; 26:41 3. Cooperate with God by: a)Purposely avoiding situations that might excite wrongful desires b)Following the example of David - Psalm 101:3-4 c)Avoiding those whose evil behavior encourages us to sin with them D. Exercise self control 1. How does the Christian exercise self-control? a)Put on the "fruit of the Spirit" - Gal 5:22-23 b)Remember Paul’s writing in Philippians 4:13 2. Trust that you are not alone as you try to do God's will - Phil 2:12-13 3. We have no excuse for yielding to a temptation - 1 Cor 10:13 D. Obtain Forgiveness 1. Sin is victorious when it results in punishment 2. But if we obtain forgiveness through the blood of Christ, we can avoid that punishment and thereby still overcome sin! 1 Jn 2:1-2 Conclusion: A.Have you taken advantage of God's way of escape for the sins you have committed?