Victory Over Temptation Lesson 2 Series

“The temptation to sin and deny God’s plan for your life are no different than the temptation others experience. But a faithful God has a plan for your life, and will not allow You to experience temptations more severely than you can overcome. And when you are tempted, He has a way for you to overcome it/them and give you victory.

1 Corinthians 10:13, ELT

A. WHAT TO KNOW ABOUT TEMPTATION

1. Your temptation is not God inspired. “And remember, when you are being tempted, do not say, “God is tempting me.” God is never tempted to do wrong, and he never tempts anyone else” (James 1:13, NLT).

2. Your temptation comes from satan. “Be watchful your adversary prowls around seeking someone to devour” (1 Peter 5:8).

a. He is wise.

b. Powerful.

c. Deceptive.

3. Satan will target your weariness/desire. “Each person is tempted when he is lured away and enticed by his own desires” (James 1:14).

a. A fishing lure is a false tiny fish to attract hungry fish.

b. Entice, to arouse hope, desire, or need for bait.

c. Enticement is directed at defenseless person.

4. Giving into temptation. “Listen to me … don’t let your heart be pulled to your sin … it has been the ruin of many … it lives on the road to the grave ... enjoying it is living in the room of death (Proverbs 7:24-27, ELT).

B. WHAT VICTORY IS PROMISED

1. The Ten Commandments are warnings against temptation and sin.

2. Jesus’ example of victory over temptation and satan (Matthew 4:1-11):

a. Satan’s word “if” Thou makes stones into bread, jump off temple, kneel and worship him.

b. Jesus word of victory “it is written” (v. 4, 7, 10).

3. Jesus’ present help in our struggles. “Our High Priest – Jesus the Son of God, understands our weaknesses, for he faced the same testings that we face, yet he did not sin. So … come boldly … receive His mercy … grace to give us victory in our time of need” (Hebrews 4:14-16, ELT).

C. STEPS TO VICTORY

1. Know your victory is in Jesus

2. Recognize your sinfulness, you are not perfect. Psalm 19 secret sin, 1 John 1:8, 10 ignorant sin/trespasses

3. Yield to Jesus.

4. Confess immediately and daily “But if we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness.” (1 John 1:9).

5. Repent in mind and action.

If you have never really accepted Jesus as your personal Savior, would you do it right now? Do not delay or put it off. If you would like to receive Christ by faith, pray this simple prayer in your heart:

Dear Lord, I acknowledge that I am a sinner. I believe Jesus died for my sins on the cross, and rose again the third day. I repent of my sins. By faith I receive the Lord Jesus as my Savior. You promised to save me, and I believe You, because You are God and cannot lie. I believe right now that the Lord Jesus is my personal Savior, and that all my sins are forgiven through His precious blood. I thank You, dear Lord, for saving me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

If you prayed that prayer, God heard you and saved you. I personally want to welcome you to the family of God and rejoice with you.

Dr. Towns’ email is eltowns@liberty.edu.

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