Don’t Give In To Temptation
Introduction:
Temptation – Each of us has been tempted before. It
can come in many forms and wear many faces. But how do we keep from
giving in to temptation? A great example is that of Joseph in the
Old Testament. Read
Genesis 39:7-9.
“And it came to pass after these things that his
master’s wife cast longing eyes on Joseph and she said, ‘Lie with
me.’ But he refused and said to his master’s wife, ‘Look, my master
does not know what is with me in the house, and he has committed all
that he has to my hand. There is no one greater in this house than
I, nor has he kept back anything from me but you, because you are
his wife. How then can I do this great wickedness and sin against
God?’ ” NKJV
Satan found that he could not overcome Joseph with
troubles from the world, so he tried to entice him with sensual
pleasures. This story reveals four principles to keep in mind when
we are tempted.
Body:
I.
Satan Is Responsible for Temptations
·
God is not to blame. (James
1:13)
“Let no one say when he is tempted, ‘I am tempted by
God’; for God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He Himself tempt
anyone.” NKJV
Satan is to blame. (I
Corinthians 7:5)
“Do not deprive one another except with consent for a
time, that you may give yourselves to fasting and prayer; and come
together again so that Satan does not tempt you because of your lack
of self-control.” NKJV
Also remember how Jesus was tempted by Satan in the
wilderness. (Mark
1)
Sometimes he uses evil people. (II
Peter 2:14, 18)
“having eyes full of adultery and that cannot cease
from sin, enticing unstable souls. They have a heart trained in
covetous practices, and are accursed children. 18 For when they
speak great swelling words of emptiness, they allure through the
lusts of the flesh, through lewdness, the ones who have actually
escaped from those who live in error.” NKJV
·
Satan is very good at deceiving people. (II
Corinthians 2:11)
“lest Satan should take advantage of us; for we are
not ignorant of his devices.” NKJV
He is the master at misleading. That’s what
temptation is all about. Satan promises what he can’t deliver.
II.
There Is A Difference between Temptation and Sin
·
Jesus and Joseph were both tempted, but neither one
sinned. (Hebrews
4:15)
“For we do not have a High Priest who cannot
sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we
are, yet without sin.”
(I
Peter 1:19)
“but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb
without blemish and without spot.”
(I
Peter 2:22)
“Who committed no sin, Nor was deceit found in His
mouth;” NKJV
·
Temptation is the road that leads to sin. (James
1:14-15)
“But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his
own desires and enticed. Then, when desire has conceived, it gives
birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death.”
NKJV
It is the perversion or twisting of some legitimate
or natural desire. (I
John 2:15-17)
“Do not love the world or the things in the world.
If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him.
For all that is in the world – the lust of the flesh, the lust of
the eyes, and the pride of life – is not of the Father but is of the
world. And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he
who does the will of God abides forever.” NKJV
·
Being tempted is not a sign of weakness.
(I
Corinthians 10:13)
“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.” NKJV
When temptations come, and they will, there is always
a way out, an escape.
III.
There Is A Reason Why Satan Tempts Us
·
He knows sin will hurt our influence for good. If
Joseph would have given in to Potiphar’s wife, his influence would
have been greatly diminished.
·
Satan knows that sin can ruin your life. (John
10:10)
“The thief does not come except to steal, and to
kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that
they may have it more abundantly.”
(I
Peter 5:8)
“Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the
devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.”
NKJV
·
Sin will cost you your soul.
(Romans
6:23)
“For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God
is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” NKJV
IV.
We Can Be Victorious Over Temptation
·
Satan is not all-powerful. He can be defeated.
(James
4:7)
“Therefore
submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.” NKJV
·
Our victory comes through Christ. He intercedes for
us and is always with us.
·
He has provided us with the means to overcome
temptation:
o
The Word of God (Psalm
119:11)
“Your word I have hidden in my heart, That I might
not sin against You.”
(Mark
4:4)
“And it happened, as he sowed, that some seed fell by
the wayside, and the birds of the air came and devoured it.” NKJV
o
Conviction of our conscience (Psalm
119:104)
“Through Your precepts I get understanding; Therefore
I hate every false way.” NKJV
o
Exhortation from our brethren (Hebrews
3:13)
“but exhort one another daily, while it is called
‘Today,’ lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of
sin.” NKJV
o
A full suit of armor (Ephesians
6:10-11)
“Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in
the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may
be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.” NKJV
o
The escape route from God (I
Corinthians 10:13)
“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.” NKJV
Conclusion:
Joseph was able to overcome temptation and so can
we. God has provided the means for us to resist Satan. We just
have to use them.
Sermon Adapted from Mike Kiser
Bobby Stafford
April 10, 2016
The
church of Christ
