How to overcome the temptations of the devil?
Introduction
How many of us sitting here face temptations in our day to day lives?
When I interact with teenagers and young people, they often ask me this question – “I face a lot of temptations. How can I overcome temptations from Satan?”
Before I speak about how to overcome temptations, I want to emphasize that:
All can be tempted – 1 Cor. 10:12, 13 – Take heed lest you fall.
Being tempted in itself is not sin, but yielding to temptation is (Heb. 4:15).
There is always a way out for temptation – 1 Cor. 10:13
Jesus helps us in our temptations (Heb.2:18).
Temptations come to everyone.
It seems that the young people are Satan’s favorite.
Many people are destroying their lives by obeying the devil.
I have entitled my message as – “How to overcome the temptations of the devil?”
The text for today’s message is taken from Luke 4:1-14.
Interrogative Sentence: How can we overcome the temptations of the devil?
Transitional Sentence: We can overcome the temptations of the devil through the following keys:
1. Power of the Holy Spirit (vv. 1-2)
The Bible says here that Jesus was full of the Holy Ghost.
Jesus was led by the Spirit.
Are you full of the Holy Spirit?
Are you led by the Holy Spirit?
We are living in a sinful world.
We need the Holy Spirit to live holy and sanctified lives.
Many Christians don’t know about the Person of the Holy Spirit.
The Holy Spirit is first mentioned in Gen. 1:2.
The Holy Spirit helps us to be witnesses for the Lord Jesus.
Acts1:8 - You shall receive power after that the Holy Ghost has come upon you; and you shall be my witnesses in Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh, India and unto the uttermost part of the earth.
As we see in V.14, since Jesus was led by the Spirit, He could overcome the temptations and return in the power of the Spirit.
Some young people think that it is impossible to overcome the temptations of the devil in young age.
Yes, it is impossible to defeat the devil in our own strength.
But we can overcome the devil ONLY through the power of the HOLY SPIRIT.
Illustration: When I was 20 years of age, I took a stand of not obeying the devil anymore – it was not easy for me – my friends used to call me up and say – hey let’s go for a movie or a party – it was difficult for me to say no – but the Holy Spirit gave me the strength to say “no” to sin – I’m not standing here as one who is completely perfect – but I can surely say that I can defeat the devil my life in the power of the Spirit which I never did a few years back!
2. Word of God
vv. 3-4
Jesus could have easily turned the stones into bread.
He did provide bread to the people on two occasions - 5000 and 4000 people.
Here, Jesus is quoting Dt.8:3.
Lord Jesus attacked the devil with the Word of God.
He says “it is written” four times in vv. 4, 8, 10&12.
We have to read and meditate Word of God regularly.
Ps.119:105
Ps.119:11 - I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.
Illustration: Job 31:1 says that – “I have made a covenant with my eyes not to look lustfully at a girl” – in those days of struggle, whenever my thoughts used to wander, I use to remember this verse immediately.
Friends, the Word of God helped me overcome the temptations in my life and it will help you overcome the temptations in your life too!
Illustration: When evangelist John Wesley (1703-1791) was returning home from a service one night, he was robbed. The thief, however, found his victim to have only a little money and some Christian literature – As the bandit was leaving, Wesley called out, “Stop! I have something more to give you.” The surprised robber paused. “My friend,” said Wesley, “you may live to regret this sort of life. If you ever do, here’s something to remember: ‘The blood of Jesus Christ cleanses us from all sin!’ (1 John 1:7) – “The thief hurried away, and Wesley prayed that his words might bear fruit – Years later, Wesley was greeting people after a Sunday service when he was approached by a stranger. What a surprise to learn that this visitor, now a believer in Christ as a successful businessman, was the one who had robbed him years before! “I owe it all to you,” said the transformed man. “Oh no, my friend,” Wesley exclaimed, “not to me, but to the precious blood of Christ that cleanses us from all sin!”
The Word of God has the power to change lives and leave our sins!
3. Prayer and Fasting
It is clear that Jesus was fasting from Mt. 4:1-2.
It is also clear that he was praying while praying – that’s what we see throughout the Bible.
We can win over the flesh and the devil through prayer and fasting.
Fasting helps us to discipline our flesh.
Leonard Ravenhill says – A sinning man will stop praying and a praying man will stop sinning.
Illustration: When I began fasting for the first time in my life about 6 years back, I used to have a tough time! – When I used to kneel down to pray – I wanted to seek God’s face – but, all I could see was chicken biryani, Gulab Jamun, Kalakand and lots of good food!
Illustration: Snake - Stone - Dead Snake – the devil is already defeated – take your stand and defeat the work of the devil in your lives!
