-
So What Do You Wanna Do Series
Contributed by Randy Harp on Feb 6, 2002 (message contributor)
Summary: Part three of Dating 101 (Guidelines for Dating)
Dating 101
So What Do You Wanna Do
Three Lies About Temptation
Lie # 1 No one else GOES THROUGH what I’m going through
But remember that the temptations that come into your life are not different from what others experience … I Corinthians 10:13
Lie # 2 The temptation is too STRONG for me to resist
… And God is faithful. He will keep the temptation from becoming so strong that you can’t stand up against it … I Corinthians 10:13
Lie # 3 There is no WAY OUT … except to give in
… When you are tempted, He will show you a way out so that you will not give in to it. - I Corinthians 10:13
Four Steps In Temptation
Lest Satan should take advantage of us; for we are not ignorant of his devices. - II Corinthians 2:11
Step # 1 DESIRE
But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires … - James 1:14
Step # 2 DECEPTION
… and he is enticed. - James 1:14
Step # 3 DISOBEDIENCE
Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin … - James 1:15
Step # 4 DEATH
… and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death. - James 1:15
How To Resist Temptation
1. Resist by relying on God’s STRENGTH
The Lord know how to deliver the godly out of temptations … - II Peter 2:9
2. Resist by avoiding PEOPLE, PLACES or THINGS that can negatively influence you
Do not be deceived: Evil company corrupts good habits. - I Corinthians 15:33
3. Resist through the power of PRAYER
Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak. - Mathew 26:41
4. Resist through the power of GOD’S WORD
Your Word I have hidden in my heart, that I might not sin against You. - Psalm 119:11
5. Resist by having Christian FRIENDS to help you
Though one may be overpowered by another, two can withstand him. And a threefold cord is not quickly broken. - Ecclesiastes 4:12
6. Resist by RUNNING away
Flee also youthful lusts … - II Timothy 2:22
Flee sexual immorality… - I Corinthians 6:18
One Last Thought
You are not alone in your STRUGGLES. At times it will seem like it is IMPOSSIBLE not to give in. Remember that God is there with you.
You are of God, little children, and have overcome them, because He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world. - I John 4:4