Overcome Every Temptation--Every Time! Series

✎ If it were possible for you to be a super hero for a day, which one would you choose? Would you want to be the amazing “Spiderman,” the man of steel “Superman,” the invincible crime fighter “Batman,” or the super speedy “Flash Gordon?” Ladies, would you choose to be one of the super hero men, or would you rather be “Wonder Woman,” the “Bionic Woman” or perhaps “Bat Girl?”

✎ Let’s get a little more practical; with which of the following Biblical characters do you identify with most? (Sorry ladies, they are all men, so think about the characteristics you share with one of these individuals.)

▸ SAMPSON

[1] He was set apart by God for a special purpose.

[2] He took a vow of obedience.

[3] He was given great ability and physical strength.

▸ DAVID

[1] He was a great leader, chosen by God to be the king.

[2] He courageously stood up against the giant Goliath.

[3] He was called a “man after God’s own heart.”

[4] He worshiped the Lord through the Psalms.

▸ ELIJAH

[1] He fearlessly spoke the word of God to King Ahab, Jezebel, and the prophets of Baal.

[2] He exposed Baal as a false god on Mt. Carmel calling fire from heaven.

[3] He was used by God to preform miracles.

[4] He heard the still small voice of the Lord.

▸ PETER

[1] He was chosen by Jesus to be one of the disciples.

[2] Recognized that Jesus was the promised Messiah.

[3] Preached the word of God and thousands were saved.

[4] He was a man of faith; he had no silver or gold, but lifted a cripple to his feet.

As admirable as each of these individuals may have been, each of them also shared another characteristic which we cannot overlook. Just because the Spirit of God used them in great ways, none of them were immune from temptation and sin. Whenever they forgot to yield to the control of the Holy Spirit, they each soon yielded to sin.

Each of us is not immune to temptation. You and I must learn to rely upon the power of the Holy Spirit resident within us to overcome temptation and sin. God will enable us to “Overcome Every Temptation–Every Time.”

+ Galatians 5:16-26 16So I say, live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature [FLESH–“sarx”]. 17For the [flesh] desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the [flesh]. They are in conflict with each other, so that you do not do what you want. 18But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under law. 19The acts of the [flesh] are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; 20idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions 21and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God. 22But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. 24Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the [flesh] with its passions and desires. 25Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. 26Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other. (NIV)

1. HAVING THE HOLY SPIRIT RESIDENT IN OUR LIVES DOES NOT GUARANTEE VICTORY OVER TEMPTATION.

God’s expectation is clear! As believers we should live our lives free from sin.

+ 1 Peter 1:15-16 15But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; 16for it is written: "Be holy, because I am holy." (NIV)

If only it were that easy; if only we were instantly sanctified, set free from the power of sin, at the moment of our salvation.

What happens when we are saved? At the moment you ask Christ to forgive you of your sin you are cleansed of all sin and the Holy Spirit takes up residence in your life. We are as the Bible says “a new creation” (2 Corinthians 5:17); we have been saved, but we still live in our bodies–what Paul calls the flesh. With God’s Spirit resident in your life a conflict or struggle for control begins between your flesh and the Spirit.

+ Galatians 5:17 The [flesh “sarx”] loves to do evil, which is just opposite from what the Holy Spirit wants. And the Spirit gives us desires that are opposite from what the [flesh] desires. These two forces are constantly fighting each other, and your choices are never free from this conflict. (NLT)

Who will win the battle for control, the Spirit or the flesh?

▸ SAMPSON

The Spirt of God came upon him in power, but nevertheless he was seduced by Delilah. Sampson was physically strong, but spiritually weak because he came to believe that his great strength was his own and not from God. Sampson was so accustomed to doing great things through the power of the Spirit that he was unaware when God’s Spirit left Him (Judges 16:20-21).