Sermons on Tempting:

How Radical Should You Get?

Contributed by Tom Fuller on Jun 10, 2003

When we first come to Christ we are tempted to make radical changes to our lives in order to prove our devotion to God. But there are some dangers there - and Paul addresses these in answer to a perplexing question.

There was a saying when I first became a believer in Jesus Christ. It was a way of characterizing your devotion to the Lord – you’d say “I’m radically saved.” We meant that we had given all of ourselves to Him, and it was a good thing. But some people took the radical part to extremes. There were ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 7:1-40

Denomination: Calvary Chapel

The Gospel Of Jesus: Swordfight In The Desert Series

Contributed by Jerry Shirley on Mar 23, 2006

Jesus didn’t just defeat sin for us on the cross...it started early in His ministry when He was tempted. Link included to formatted text, handout, and PowerPoint Presentation.

The Gospel of Jesus – Swordfight in the Desert Matthew 4:1-11 A three-year-old entered the kitchen when his mother was busy elsewhere in the house. She had told him not to get into the cookies. But in her absence he pulled a kitchen chair over to the counter and climbed up on it. Then he took the ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 4:1-11

Denomination: Baptist

The Devil Of Dualism!

Contributed by Roger Spackman on Jul 10, 2007

Do you give GOD the glory for the good things in life, but are tempted to rebuke the DEVIL when things get tough? Chances are, you are suffering from the ancient heresy called DUALISM!

Note: Full PPT Slides are freely available for this sermon from www.TeAtatuBaptist.com Let’s open our Bibles to John chapter 11. One of the biggest questions I ask myself, and indeed – often ask other people – is this: ‘What on earth is the purpose of coming to church - why do we do it – for ...read more

Scripture: John 11:1-49

Denomination: Baptist

Answering Why

Contributed by Martin Wiles on Jan 27, 2013

In tragic times, we are tempted to ask why. The question itself is not wrong-after all Jesus asked it of his Father while on the cross, but it may not be the most appropriate question or lead to the best end.

Introduction: A. When tragedy strikes, we either grow bitter toward God or draw closer to him. B. Can God prevent tragedy? Yes. Why doesn’t he always? We can’t answer that. C. God is imminent and transcendent, but he’s not always imminent when we want him to be. D. As the writer ...read more

Scripture: Hebrews 13:5-6

Denomination: Baptist

Dangerous Prayers: Search Me Oh God

Contributed by Rick Gillespie- Mobley on May 15, 2016

This sermon is on being willing to pray a dangerous prayer such as search me oh God. It also deals with how we are tempted to keep quiet because of fear of rejection from the society around us.

Some of the material from this sermon comes from the series done by Craig Groeschel in his sermon series, Dangerous Prayers.: The video and audio version of this sermon can be found at newlifeatcalvary.org Dangerous Prayers—Search Me Psalm 139 10-24 1 Corinthians 11:23-31 Have you ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 139:23-24

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Spiritual Equilibrium Part 1 Series

Contributed by Rodney V Johnson on Jan 27, 2019

This message is about having spiritual balance. It utilizes the story of Jesus being tempted by Satan to identify areas where we need to be in spiritual equilibrium in order to fulfill our mission here on earth.

Spiritual Equilibrium: Part 1 Scriptures: Ephesians 6:12; Galatians 5:17; Matthew 4:1-4 The title of my message this morning is “Spiritual Equilibrium” and we will be dealing with this subject for the next two weeks. Several years ago I developed some seasonal allergies that led to fluid ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 4:1-4, Ephesians 6:12, Galatians 5:17

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Fellowshipping With The Father And The Son - Part 12

Contributed by Chuck Brooks on Aug 3, 2020

Even with a strong knowledge of the Word and a close relationship with the Father, you and I are still susceptible to being tempted by and succumbing to the allures of the world and its lust of the flesh, lust of the eyes, and the boastful pride of life.

(1 John 2:12 NKJV) I write to you, little children, Because your sins are forgiven you for His name's sake. (1 John 2:13 NKJV) I write to you, fathers, Because you have known Him who is from the beginning. I write to you, young men, Because you have overcome the wicked one. I write to you, ...read more

Scripture: 1 John 2:12-14

Denomination: Independent/Bible

How The Holy Spirit Helps Us Put A Positive Spin On Every Problem

Contributed by Paul Fritz on Oct 18, 2000

The Holy Spirit helps us view problems with the mind of Christ. When you are tempted to say, "All these problems make me think that my efforts are not worth it, remember Romans 8:28.

1. The Holy Spirit increasingly sanctifies those who are a part of His family. The Spirit frees us from the problems, restrictions and penalties of sin as He sanctifies us. 2 Cor. 3:18, Paul writes, "But we all with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord are changed from ...read more

Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 5:23

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

The Temptations Of Christ (Luke 4)

Contributed by Jonathan Spurlock on Jan 25, 2023

Jesus fasted or ate no food for 40 days after He was baptized. While there, the Devil came and tempted or put Jesus to the test in three different areas. Jesus triumphed, and so can we!

Based on a message preached at First Baptist Church, Chamois, MO, on 1-22-2023. This is not an exact transcription. Introduction: Last week we looked at how John the Baptist came preaching, far away from town, much like he might do here if he lived here. To give a kind of local flavor, he might ...read more

Scripture: Luke 4:1-13

Denomination: Baptist

Following Jesus Into The Desert Series

Contributed by Lanny Smith on Jan 21, 2021

What tempts you? How do you resist? We often find it difficult to not give in. Let's follow Jesus into the desert as he experiences the same temptations as we do.

You can listen to the podcast of this sermon here: https://www.buzzsprout.com/697261/7412800 Following Jesus Into the Desert Intro: • [video - the marshmallow test] We’re not so very different than these amazingly cute kids. First conducted at Stanford U. in 1972. • We sneak up on the edge of ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 4:1-11, 1 Corinthians 10:12-13, 1 Peter 5:9

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Trusting Or Fleeing Series

Contributed by Joseph Marshall on Oct 9, 2022

This Psalm is thought to have been written during the times when David was in the courts of Saul and he was being tempted to flee; and not trust in God but to believe that his safety was only dependent upon his actions.

I. FACING THE TEMPTATION TO FLEE A. People may be used to advise us wrongly (v. 1-3). 1. They were undermining David’s confidence in the Lord. 2. Just like Rabshakeh did to Jerusalem in Hezekiah’s day. 3. People who cannot see things from a spiritual perspective will advise us from their point of ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

Stop Putting God On Trial

Contributed by Caleb Onwuka on Jan 25, 2026

A moment comes in every believer’s life when the weight of unanswered prayers, delayed promises, or unexpected storms tempts us to drag God into the courtroom of our emotions. But God is not the accused, and we are not the judge.

Today I come to you with a Message the Lord laid in my heart last night; Faith is trusting God's character when His methods confuse us. Instead of putting God on trial, we step back from the witness stand and remember who He is. Let me ask you something this morning… Have you ever noticed how ...read more

Scripture: James 2:17

Denomination: *other

I Am Going Somewhere

Contributed by Sherman Gordon on Mar 30, 2007

SOMETIMES WHEN LIFE HAS THROWN YOU A CURVEBALL IT IS TEMPTING TO WALK AWAY FROM THE PLATE OF LIFE, BUT DR. SEUSS TEACHES US THE IMPORTANCE OF REMAINING IN THE GAME. REVIEW THIS INTERESTINGTAKE ON A DR. SEUSS CLASSIC.

SCRIPTURE: LUKE 19:1-10 SUBJECT: I AM GOING SOMEWHERE A FEW WEEKS AGO . . . DR. THEODOR SEUSS (DR. SEUSS). . . AUTHOR GREEN EGGS/HAM DID I EVER TELL YOU HOW LUCKY YOU ARE? HOW THE GRINCH STOLE CHRISTMAS INTERESTING STORY . . . 1936, HIS FIRST BOOK AND TO THINK I SAW IT ON MULBERRY STREET WAS ...read more

Scripture: Luke 19:1-10

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Asking According To His Will (Part Ii) Series

Contributed by Richard Tow on Jan 25, 2016

What are the keys to an effective prayer life? Perseverance! We are sometimes tempted to lose heart in our pursuit of an answer from God. This message explores four observations from Scripture about persisting in prayer.

Asking According to His Will (II) (12/13/15 www.lifechurchspringfield.org) Our ...read more

Scripture: 1 John 5:14-15

Denomination: Charismatic

Lesson #9 [2c1]: Both Were Faithful (Hebrews 3:1-2) Series

Contributed by John Lowe on Oct 26, 2019

Next to Abraham, Moses was undoubtedly the man most revered by the Jewish people. To go back to the Law meant to go back to Moses, and the recipients of this letter to the Hebrews were sorely tempted to do just that.

6/30/19 Tom Lowe Lesson #9 [2C1]: BOTH WERE FAITHFUL (HEBREWS 3:1-2) Introduction: At least some of the first readers of the Book of Hebrews were believers who came to Christ out of a background of Judaism. They were steeped in Old Testament understanding. When they heard the Gospel, they ...read more

Scripture: Hebrews 3:1-2

Denomination: Baptist