In Sermon Illustrations: "Temptation General"

Who Lives Here?

Contributed by Sermon Central on Apr 20, 2011

"WHO LIVES HERE?" Martin Luther was often very graphic in his description of the activities of the Devil. Asked one time how he overcame the Devil, he replied, "Well, when he comes knocking upon the door of my heart, and asks, 'Who lives here?' the dear Lord Jesus goes to the door and says, ...read more

Scripture: James 4:7

Tags: Temptation Resisting

The Eagle And The Mouse  PRO

Contributed by Sermon Central on Jun 1, 2011

THE EAGLE AND THE MOUSE There is an old story of an eagle who, on an early morning during the spring thaw, soared high above the forest looking for something to eat. As he followed the course of a river he looked down and spied a small rodent, trapped on a piece of ice that had broken free and was ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 10:1-13

Tags: Temptation Power

So Much For Paradise

Contributed by Brad Henry on Jul 26, 2011

SO MUCH FOR PARADISE Have you ever received a beautiful brochure of a vacation spot and it never felt that way when you go there? Years ago I went on a business trip to the Bahamas and the hotel and surrounding area looked beautiful. The first evening in the hotel as I was drifting off to sleep I ...read more

Tags: Temptation Resisting

As You Lay Your Head In Delilah's Lap, Her ...

Contributed by Charles Jones on Sep 3, 2011

As you lay your head in Delilah’s lap, her seduction will try to win you and pull you from your strength. i.e. "If you play ...read more

Tags: Temptation Sex

Denomination: Pentecostal

No Trespassing

Contributed by Jimmy Haile on Oct 7, 2011

NO TRESPASSING "No Trespassing" sign in West Texas, with the ranchers name signed in blood red next to the warning: "STOP. I know you’re thinking about crossing this gate. What you should know is that if the ...read more

Tags: Temptation Pride

Denomination: Baptist

The Mind Is Like Silly Putty

Contributed by Michael Walther on Oct 10, 2011

THE MIND IS LIKE SILLY PUTTY "The peace of God which passes understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus" (Philippians 4.7) Our minds are wonderful creations of God. But did you know they need to be guarded? When I was a boy I used to play with Silly Putty. You could do a lot ...read more

Tags: Temptation Resisting

Denomination: Lutheran

The Missing Gravy Ladle

Contributed by Fred Sigle on Jan 17, 2012

THE MISSING GRAVY LADLE Brian invited his mother over for DINNER. During the course of the meal, Brian's mother couldn't help but keep noticing how BEAUTIFUL Brian's roommate, Angie, was. Brian's Mom had long been SUSPICIOUS of a RELATIONSHIP between Brian and Angie. Before Angie moved in she ...read more

Tags: Temptation Sex

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

A Fork In The Road

Contributed by Sermon Central on May 1, 2012

A FORK IN THE ROAD Several artists were asked to illustrate their concepts of temptation. When their paintings were unveiled, some of them depicted man's attempt to achieve fame and fortune at any cost. Others pictured mankind’s struggle against the alluring desires of the flesh. The ...read more

Scripture: Proverbs 4:10-19

Tags: Temptation Resisting

Porn Stats

Contributed by Davon Huss on Sep 24, 2012

PORN STATS The Internet is a good tool but it can also be used to fuel heat of sexual lust. Statistics are truly staggering. This is from 2006 and worldwide statistics: According to compiled numbers from respected news and research organizations, every second $3,075.64 is being spent on ...read more

Tags: Temptation Sex

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

You Can't Eat Just One  PRO

Contributed by Rick Boyne on Jan 22, 2013

YOU CAN'T EAT JUST ONE Lays® Potato Chips uses the slogan "You can't eat just one." They know a secret: most of us will lose self-control and give in to temptation if they can get us to just eat one. One gives in to two; two in to five; and before you know it, you've eaten an entire bag of chips! ...read more

Tags: Temptation Resisting

Denomination: Baptist

A Story On Complacency And Laziness Bought About By Submitting To Temptatio

Contributed by John Gullick on Feb 12, 2016

Complacency and self indulgence were having a chat the other day. Complacancy was saying. “ my those other Christians are far too serious. “ Eat drink and be merry I say and then explode into heaven Painless death though thank you very much.”.” Laziness said. “ Yes but get someone else to prepare ...read more

Scripture: Luke 4:1-13

Tags: Temptation, Laziness

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

The Deadly Hand

Contributed by Steve Kinnard on Feb 7, 2019

It was the nearly dark as James entered the room , over in the corner a poker game was getting ready to start. James joined in the poker game looking to beat the other players out of their hard-earned money. In this worldly realm it was just another poker game, with only money at stake, but in ...read more

Scripture: James 1:5

Tags: Sin, Temptation

Denomination: Pentecostal

It's Got Hold On Me !

Contributed by Steve Kinnard on Feb 13, 2019

Can you see him running, he is running with all his might. Look at the beads of sweat popping out on his forehead. Each step that he takes is labored; he is exhausted from the struggle. Can you see the fear in his eyes as he looks back over his shoulder? Something’s got a hold on him and won’t let ...read more

Scripture: Judges 16:1-21

Tags: Deception, Temptation

Denomination: Pentecostal

Bass And Carp

Contributed by Steve Kinnard on Feb 18, 2019

two fish (Bass –Carp) One time there was two fish who were best friends. They we an odd couple, one was a high-strung bass the other a laid-back carp. One day they were swimming around talking about girl fish and enjoying each other’s company. Then suddenly, a worm drops in front of them, the ...read more

Scripture: 2 Timothy 2:22-24

Tags: Temptation, Bait

Denomination: Pentecostal

See Cookie Will Sneak

Contributed by James Snyder on Oct 29, 2022

For more years than I care to remember, I have been on a diligent pursuit, and I won’t stop until I reach my goal. My quest is to find a cookie I don’t like. Throughout the years, I have eaten every cookie I could find and loved them all. My biggest obstacle in this pursuit is The Gracious ...read more

Scripture: Mark 14:38

Tags: Temptation, Humor

Denomination: Christian Missionary Alliance

Children’s Prayers

Contributed by David Dunn on Feb 24, 2026

A mother was teaching her three-year-old the Lord’s Prayer. Night after night they practiced, and one evening the little girl said, “Mommy, I can do it myself.” So she folded her tiny hands and prayed, “Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us some e-mail.” Another Sunday a family’s little boy ...read more

Scripture: Romans 7:15-25, Matthew 6:9-13

Tags: Sanctification, Temptation

Denomination: Seventh-Day Adventist

The Plimsoll Line!!!

Contributed by Suresh Manoharan on Mar 4, 2026

For the uninitiated, a Dictionary definition of the term “Plimsoll line” is that it is a line drawn on the lower end of ships, marking the maximum level to which the ship can sink into water after its tare capacity is full. Simply put, it is an indication of the vessel’s maximum loading capacity. ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 10:13, Romans 5:3-4

Tags: Temptations, Capacity

Denomination: *other

Nobody Pencils It In

Contributed by Austin W. Duncan on Apr 17, 2026

I heard a wildlife researcher describe once what happens when frogs try to cross a highway. They don’t hop out into oncoming traffic and get hit all at once. What actually happens is they start crossing a road that’s completely quiet. Middle of the night. No cars anywhere. Looks perfectly safe. So ...read more

Scripture: James 1:14-15

Tags: Sin, Temptation

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Little Johnny’s Father Caught Him In ...  PRO

Contributed by Rich Young on Jan 17, 2001

Little Johnny’s father caught him in telling a lie. Dad said, “Don’t you know the difference between right & wrong?” Johnny told him that he did. His dad said, “But you always choose the wrong!” Johnny ...read more

Tags: Faith, Sin General, Temptation Resisting

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

The Society Which Scorns Excellence In Plumbing ...  PRO

Contributed by Alan Perkins on Apr 13, 2001

"The society which scorns excellence in plumbing because plumbing is a humble activity and tolerates shoddiness in philosophy because it is an exalted activity will have neither good plumbing nor good philosophy. ...read more

Tags: Humility, Leadership General, Temptation Pride

Denomination: Baptist