Pastor Steve's Sermon Notes
September 15, 2002

The Bible talks about two different kinds of testing. One is called trials. The other is called temptation. Both of them use the same word in Greek. Sometimes it's translated “trials” sometimes “temptations.” It doesn't matter because sometimes a situation can be both a trial and a temptation. But to distinguish them—trials are situations designed by God in order to help us grow. Temptations are designed by the devil in order to cause us to sin.

Five Principles On How To Handle Temptation

Be Realistic

All of us are tempted. “When tempted…” not “if tempted...” It's just like trials, temptations are inevitable. The more you grow toward the Lord, the more you're going to be tempted. It is not a sin to be tempted. It is a sin to give in to temptation. (Heb. 4:15)

Be Responsible

Accept responsibility. Don't blame other people for your problems. We love to blame people, even God. (vs. 13)

Be Ready

When temptation comes, be ready. Be prepared for it. Peter says, “Be on your guard.” Jesus said, “Watch and pray that you enter not into temptation.” Paul said, “Put on the whole armor of God.” Be ready. Be prepared. Temptation does not warn you in advance. One of the reasons it's a temptation is because you don't even know it's there. It catches you by surprise. You've got to be ready and on your guard.

Four Steps That The Devil Uses In Order To Tempt You:

1. Desire. “Each one is tempted when, by his own evil desires…” (vs. 14) Most desires are OK. God gives us desires. But any desire out of control becomes destructive.

2. Deception. “…he is dragged away and enticed…” (vs. 14) The word “dragged away” is a hunter's term which literally means “snared in a trap.” “Enticed” is a fisherman's term which means “lured by bait.” What kind of bait does the devil use on you? He hides his hook in his bait and the bait appeals to your weakness.

3. Disobedience. “Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin…” (vs. 15) What begins in your mind results in an action. First the devil gets your attention, then he gets you to have an attitude, then he gets you to commit the action.

4. Death. “…and sin, when it is full-grown gives birth to death.” (vs. 15) That's the tragic consequence of giving in. That's what losing the battle causes—devastating results. What is death? The exact opposite of living. If you overcome temptation you get the crown of life, but the wages of sin are death—spiritual separation from God.

Be Refocused

If temptation begins with our inner thoughts then changing what we think about is the key to overcoming it. The key to overcoming temptation is not to fight temptation but simply refocus your thoughts. Turn your attention on something else. Shift your thoughts. Change your mind. Refocus. (Phil. 4:8) Focus your mind on the goodness of God.

Be Reborn

The single most important principle in breaking bad habits and getting control of your life is to let God have control of it. Get Him in your life so He can start changing your character.

You will not be able to say no to temptation until you first learn to say yes to God. You need His power in your life.

West Phoenix Baptist Church

4449 W. Indian School Road
Phoenix, AZ 85031
Phone: 602-278-4012
Fax: 602-272-4672
E-mail: information@westphoenix.org