COMPLETED: JAMES: How to Win Over Temptation

JAMES

How to Win Over Temptation
July 24, 2022


“Peirasmos”


Trials (from God) – to help us grow


Temptations (from Satan) – to cause us to sin


James 1:12 – “Blessed is the man that endures temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord has promised to them that love him.” (KJV)


How can I win over temptation?


I. Be TRUTHFUL


James 1:13 - When tempted, no one should say…


1 Corinthians 10:13 - No temptation has seized you except what is common to man.


Hebrews 4:15 - For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are–yet was without sin.


II. Be ACCOUNTABLE


James 1:13 - When tempted, no one should say, “God is tempting me.” For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone…


Genesis 3:12-13 - The man said, “The woman you put here with me she gave me some fruit from the tree, and I ate it.”…13 … The woman said, “The serpent deceived me…”


III. Be READY


2 Peter 3:17 - Therefore, dear friends, since you already know this, be on your guard…


Matthew 26:41 – “Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation.”


James 1:14 - each one is tempted when, by his own evil desire, he is dragged away and enticed. …16 Don’t be deceived, my dear brothers.


*How do you prepare for temptation?


2 Corinthians 2:11 - in order that Satan might not outwit us. For we are not unaware of his schemes.


How temptation works:


STEP 1. DESIRE - emotions


James 1:14 - … but each one is tempted when, by his own evil desire…


Temptation is using our God-given desire in a God-forbidden way.


STEP 2. DECEPTION - mind


James 1:14 - … he is dragged away and enticed.


Dragged away means: snared in a trap. Enticed means: lured by bait.


STEP 3. DESIGN - will


James 1:15 - Then, after desire has conceived


STEP 4. DISOBEDIENCE - behavior


James 1:15 - … it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full grown, gives birth to death.


STEP 5. DEATH


James 1:15 - gives birth to death.


James 1:17 - Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.


IV. Be REFOCUSED


If temptation begins with our inner thoughts then changing what we think about is the key to overcoming it. This is the principle of replacement, the key to overcoming temptation.


Philippians 4:8 - Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable – if anything is excellent or praiseworthy – think about such things.


2 Corinthians 10:5 - … take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.


V. Be REBORN


James 1:18 - He chose to give us birth through the word of truth, that we might be a kind of first fruits of all he created.


1 Corinthians 10:13 - And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.


A. FELLOWSHIP with other Christ followers.


B. Get into God’s WORD.


James 1:12 – “Blessed is the man that endures temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord has promised to them that love him.” (KJV)