How To Handle Temptation

For those not familiar with an Anglican Service there are four Scripture readings prior to the Message. The Scriptures for this day are: Genesis 2:15-17; 3:1-7; Psalm 32; Romans 5:12-19 and Mathew 4:1-11

Desserts have often been called ... a "seduction" ... or a "temptation".

Why? .... Because there is something "delicious" ...offered ... in each bite. (Pause)

Oscar Wilde said, "The only way to get rid of temptation ...... is to .... give in to it."

We laugh about temptation ......and most of us do give in ......at one time .... or another.

Sometimes it is only a 700-calorie piece of chocolate cake, .... which does not leave too severe of a consequence.

Other times the stakes are high .... and the consequences .... are indeed ... very painful.

Some temptations ... become cumulative .... until it becomes almost impossible .... to Not ... give in.

You would think that undesirable consequences would cause us ... to not break down .... To not give in.

Yet we often fail .... over and over again.

The Scripture have quite a lot to say about temptation ....and how .... to deal with it.

Beloved ...... Do Not Be Surprised by ... Temptation:

If Satan had the gall to tempt the Son of God .... he will have no trouble .... in tempting you. (Long Pause)

A man came to the theologian Charles Finney and said this: .... "I don't believe in the existence of a devil."

"Don't you?" .... said Finney.

"Well, ... try to resist him for a while, .... and you will believe." (Pause)

The Scriptures do not teach us .... that after we come ... to the Lord ... we will be temptation free.

One person might be tempted by something ... and have a real struggle .... whereas it might not be a temptation at all ......to another Christian.

We may find ourselves being prideful and say, .... "I would never do that".

And yet there could be another temptation trap ...... that we would be more susceptible ... to fall into. (Long Pause)

(Illustration 1) There was once a poor country pastor who was livid ...when he confronted his wife with the receipt .... for a $750 dress, she had bought...... "How could you do this!" .... he exclaimed.

"I don't know," .... "I was standing in the store ...looking at the dress.

Then I found myself ... trying it on.

It was like the Devil was whispering to me, "Gee, you look great in that dress .... You should buy it."

"Well," the pastor persisted, "You know how to deal with him! .... Just tell him, ......"Get behind me, Satan!"

"I did," replied his wife, .... "but then he said .... "It looks great from the back too." (Long Pause)

(OR Illustration 2)

Time-lapse photography can compress a series of events ... into a single picture.

Such a photo appeared in an issue of National Geographic.

Taken from a Rocky Mountain peak during a heavy thunderstorm, ... the picture captured the brilliant lightning display ... that had taken place ... throughout the storm's duration.

The time-lapse technique created a fascinating, web from the individual bolts.

In such a way, ... our sin presents itself ... before the eyes of God.

Where we see only isolated ... or individual acts, ... God sees the overall web ... of our sinning.

What may seem insignificant ...even sporadic ... to us ... and passes with hardly a notice ... creates a much more dramatic display ... from God's panoramic view. (Long Pause)

Do not be surprised ... when temptation comes to visit.

Hear God's word from first Peter, BIBLE "Like a lion your adversary the devil prowls around looking for someone to .... devour." END 1 Peter 5:8

We may feel the force of temptation even more ... when we are tired ... or under stress.

When we are alone ...... or when we are away ... from home.

Temptation often appears ... After a spiritual high, ... when we are not expecting it, ......or when we withdraw ...from church attendance.

Some people ......take the view ......that they should isolate themselves from every temptation. ......And therefore.... they will be successful.

This could be good in some cases ... such as: ... not going to a bar ... if you are an alcoholic.

However, ... victory comes not ......through the avoidance of the assault ......but through the resources ... of the Holy Spirit.

We can have victory .... in the middle of temptation.

The Scriptures are clear: BIBLE "Be not overcome by evil, but overcome evil ... with good" END (Pause) (Romans 12:21).

In our scripture reading today .... concerning Jesus' temptation, ......we find that after this encounter, .... Satan left him ......and the angels ministered .... to him. (Matthew 4:11).