How to Handle TempationBefore Temptation Handles You

How to Handle TempationBefore Temptation Handles You

Speaker: Doug Humphrey Senior PastorSpeaker: Doug Humphrey Senior Pastor

13 Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am being tempted by God”; for God cannot be tempted by evil, and He Himself does not tempt anyone.

14 But each one is tempted when he is carried away and enticed by his own lust.

15 Then when lust has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and when sin is accomplished, it brings forth death.

16 Do not be deceived, my beloved brethren.

17 Every good thing given and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shifting shadow.

18 In the exercise of His will He brought us forth by the word of truth, so that we would be a kind of first fruits among His creatures.

I. Take responsibility for your own sin.

You will never see victory over those temptations with which you struggle, as long as you fail to take full responsibility for your actions.

I. Take responsibility for your own sin.

A. God never tempts you to sin!

13 Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am being tempted by God”; for God cannot be tempted by evil, and He Himself does not tempt anyone.

Two Important Truths

1. God is too holy to be tempted.

2. God is too loving to tempt others.

Defining Our Terms

• Temptation: An enticement to do evil.

• Trial: A difficult circumstance which affords us an opportunity to refine and prove our faith.

I. Take responsibility for your own sin.

A. God never tempts you to sin.

B. Temptation is sourced in the human heart.

14 But each one is tempted when he is carried away and enticed by his own lust.

II. Recognize that temptation follows a consistent pattern.

The Temptation Cycle

Desire

Deception

Disobedience

Death

II. Recognize that temptation follows a consistent pattern.

A. Desire: (v.14) [emotions]

II. Recognize that temptation follows a consistent pattern.

A. Desire: (v.14) [emotions]

B. Deception (v. 14) [intellect]

14 But each one is tempted when he is carried away and enticed by his own lust.

II. Recognize that temptation follows a consistent pattern.

A. Desire: (v.14) [emotions]

B. Deception (v.14) [intellect]

C. Disobedience: (v.15) [will]

15 Then when lust has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and when sin is accomplished, it brings forth death.

13 No temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to man; and God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, so that you will be able to endure it.

1 Corinthians 10

II. Recognize that temptation follows a consistent pattern.

A. Desire: (v.14) [emotions]

B. Deception (v.14) [intellect]

C. Disobedience: (v. 15) [will]

D. Death (v.15)

15 Then when lust has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and when sin is accomplished, it brings forth death.

19 He who is steadfast in righteousness will attain to life, And he who pursues evil will bring about his own death.

Proverbs 11:19

14 The teaching of the wise is a fountain of life, To turn aside from the snares of death.

Proverbs 13:14

16 He who keeps the commandment keeps his soul, But he who is careless of conduct will die.

Proverbs 19:16

III. When faced with temptation, consider God's goodness and respond to God's truth.

III. When faced with temptation, consider God's goodness and respond to God's truth.

A. Victory comes through dwelling on the goodness of God.

16 Do not be deceived, my beloved brethren.17 Every good thing given and every perfect

gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shifting shadow.

III. When faced with temptation, consider God's goodness and respond to God's truth.

A.Victory comes through dwelling on the goodness of God.

B. Victory comes through applying the truth of God.

TemptationTemptation God's WordGod's Word

Sexual lust Sexual lust 1 Thessalonians. 4:31 Thessalonians. 4:3Position/power Position/power Matthew 20:25-28Matthew 20:25-28Overeating Overeating Proverbs 23:21Proverbs 23:21Materialism Materialism Matthew 12:13-21Matthew 12:13-21Anger Anger Ephesians 4:26-31Ephesians 4:26-31Revenge Revenge Ephesians 4:32Ephesians 4:32Despair Despair Psalm 42Psalm 42WorryWorry Philippians 4:6-7Philippians 4:6-7

1. Take responsibility for your own sin.

2. Recognize that temptation follows a specific pattern.

3. When faced with temptation, consider God’s goodness and respond to God’s truth.

Application/ChallengeApplication/Challenge