WHAT ARE YOU THINKING?

Think About Your Sin Problem
May 16, 2021

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GOOD INTENTIONS- FAILURE- GUILT- GOOD INTENTIONS- FAILURE- GUILT

Romans 7:15 - I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do.

1. UNDERSTAND your pattern of temptation.

Proverbs 4:25-27 - Let your eyes look straight ahead, fix your gaze directly before you. 26 Make level paths for your feet and take only ways that are firm. 27 Do not swerve to the right or the left; keep your foot from evil.

• WHEN am I most tempted?

• WHERE am I most tempted?

• WHO is with me when I’m most tempted?

• WHAT temporary benefit do I get if I give in?

Hebrews 10:25 - There is pleasure in sin for a short time.

• HOW do I feel right before I’m tempted?

2. GUARD the condition of your mind.

Proverbs 4:23 - Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life.

• Focus on what’s causing the thoughts that cause the emotions.

Ephesians 4:27 - Do not give the devil a foothold.

3. PRAY for God’s help.

Matthew 26:41 - Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the body is weak.

Psalm 50:15 - …call upon me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you will honor me.

4. POINT your attention elsewhere.

James 1:14-15 - but each one is tempted when, by his own evil desire, he is dragged away and enticed. 15 Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death.

Temptation always follows a predictable process:

• ATTENTION

• INCENTIVE

• ACTION

Key: Don’t fight it, flee from it.

2 Corinthians 10:5 - We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.

James 4:7-8 - Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. 8 Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.

HOMEWORK:

• MANAGE my mind.

Proverbs 4:23 - Be careful how you think, your life is shaped by your thoughts. (NCV)

Proverbs 23:19 - Keep your mind on what is right.

2 Timothy 2:22 - Turn your back on lustful thoughts and give your positive attention to goodness, integrity, love and peace. (Ph)

The key is not resisting. The key is replacing and refocusing.

• Make a commitment to GOD’S standard.

Psalm 119:9 - How can [anyone] keep his way pure? By living according to Your Word.

Am I more committed to what I believe God says will meet my needs or am I more committed to what I think will meet my own needs?