Seven Temptation Fighters

Seven Temptation Fighters James 4:7NKJ

A certain boy was severely warned by his dad not to go swimming again, but he disobeyed and came back home all wet. His dad asked him, “why did you disobey me despite my warnings. He answered, ‘I was tempted by the devil. I won’t do it again. His father said, good, next time you’re tempted by the satan, tell him NO, that he should get behind you.”

The next day, the boy did the same thing again, and when he got home his father was disappointed, and asked him “why he disobeyed again. The boy answer, ‘when the devil came to tempt me I said, ‘no get behind me devil, so he went behind me and pushed me into the water.”

James 4:7NKJ Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.

James 4:7TM So let God work his will in you. Yell a loud no to the Devil and watch him scamper. Say a quiet yes to God and he’ll be there in no time.

“Temptation is the devil looking through the keyhole. Yielding is opening the door and inviting him in.” (Billy Sunday)

“Victorious living does not mean freedom from temptation, nor does it mean freedom from mistakes.” E. Stanley Jones

This one verse shows what it really means to be humble. James writes, Submit. Literally to line up under. This word is used of soldiers under the authority of their commander. In the NT, it describes Jesus’ submission to His parents’ authority. It also describes Jesus’ obedient life to His heavenly Father.

“Listen, a truly humble person will give submission to God.”

James 4:7AMP So be subject to God. Resist the devil [stand firm against him], and he will flee from you.

“Temptation comes to everyone!’ When it comes,’ I want to give you 7 things to remember.”

1. Never say “never.”

You never become so Spiritual that you are immune.

1 Corinthians 10:13NKJ No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.

Realize you can stumble on the last lap.

Because you haven’t blown it yet doesn’t mean you can’t. “Satan is the master at timing, and he’s in no hurry.”

In the Australian bush country grows a little plant called the "sundew." It has a slender stem and tiny, round leaves fringed with hairs that glisten with bright drops of liquid as delicate as fine dew. Woe to the insect, however, that dares to dance on it. Although its attractive clusters of red, white, and pink blossoms are harmless, the leaves are deadly. The shiny moisture on each leaf is sticky and will imprison any bug that touches it. As an insect struggles to free itself, the vibration causes the leaves to close tightly around it. This innocent-looking plant then feeds on its victim.

Acknowledge your basic drives.

St. Augustine said, “There is nothing more powerful in bringing down the spirit of a man than the touch of a woman.”

Remember, “If you indulge your flesh, it will always want more!”

Understand that you are responsible.

Sin is a choice. If you choose to abuse God’s grace you will pay- now or later.

Galatians 6:7NLT Don’t be misled—you cannot mock the justice of God. You will always harvest what you plant.

You’re not a helpless pawn. (Pray.)

“You can’t help what happened yesterday, but you ‘can’ choose right now.”

Luke 22:39-46NLT Then, accompanied by the disciples, Jesus left the upstairs room and went as usual to the Mount of Olives. 40 There he told them, “Pray that you will not give in to temptation.”

41 He walked away, about a stone’s throw, and knelt down and prayed, 42 “Father, if you are willing, please take this cup of suffering away from me. Yet I want your will to be done, not mine.” 43 Then an angel from heaven appeared and strengthened him. 44 He prayed more fervently, and he was in such agony of spirit that his sweat fell to the ground like great drops of blood. 45 At last he stood up again and returned to the disciples, only to find them asleep, exhausted from grief. 46 “Why are you sleeping?” he asked them. “Get up and pray, so that you will not give in to temptation.”

If you’ve sinned, there’s hope.

God forgives because of His Son- Jesus; Jesus pled once and forever on the cross for every sinner.

On the cross He said, “Father forgive them, they know not what they do.”

Stay safe by staying close.

Those who transfer their allegiance from satan to God will find that satan will flee from them; he is a defeated foe.