Overcoming Temptation 1 Corinthians 10 12 13 We

Overcoming Temptation 1 Corinthians 10: 12 -13

We often sing, “Yield not to temptation, for yielding is sin…” l With this sentiment there is little, if any, disagreement, l although we may not be sure exactly what “temptation” is, or l how we may be able to overcome it.

But, understand that: l Temptation is a very personal matter. What is tempting to me, may hold no attraction whatsoever to you / vice versa. Therefore, we will not presume to be able to identify & deal with specific areas of temptation. I trust your abilities to realize those things or situations which are potential problems for you.

What we will do instead is: Deal with Temptation(s) in the general sense, and hopefully be able to identify some present effective methods for overcoming any temptation. l Obviously, having the right information is not all there is to it. l Personal conviction and strength of character certainly enters in…. l

But, If we don’t have the right information, then Personal conviction and strength of character will not be adequate tools to overcome it.

So, first let’s consider a few prerequisite matters: l Regarding the differences between Tests, Trials, & Temptations. Tests = Trials = commands from God; +/circumstances which may make obedience difficult Temptations = our reactions to the commands of God in difficult circumstances

Also, let’s remember that: l The true > > > l Source of Temptation: Is not God, James 1: 13 Is not altogether Satan Is Self! James 1: 14 -15 Now, hopefully we’re ready to begin to also realize that: 1. God expects us to overcome; and, 2. He has given us the info necessary to do so.

1 Corinthians 10: 12 -13 Overcoming Temptation Step # 1, Recognize not only the Possibility but the Probability of Sin, v. 12. l l l I didn’t say man had to sin- just that he does sin! There are times when our ignorance, weakness, or rebellion causes us to transgress God’s will. This in and of itself is not the point. But, We must remove the bullet-proof mentality of false pride from our evaluation of ourselves, vv. 1 -11; Rom. 3: 23; 1 John 1: 8. By admitting the possibility/probability, we can begin to prepare to overcome!

1 Corinthians 10: 12 -13 Overcoming Temptation Step # 2, Admit that “I am not a Special Case, ” v. 13 a. “No temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to man…. ” Psychologists/Psychiatrists may cringe, educators weep, and lawyers may appeal to the Supreme Court, but in regard to temptation, there are no special cases! l Understand our proclivity to justify ourselves by special-case logic: “This is different” is a lie! 1 John 2: 15 -17 > Heb. 11: 32 -38 > 12: 3 -4 > Rev. 2: 10 l

1 Corinthians 10: 12 -13 Overcoming Temptation Step # 3, Realize/Trust the Faithfulness of God, v. 13 b. l l l “God is faithful and will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able…. ” Now be sure and get this: Regarding temptation, “I can’t” is also a lie! Based upon the very faithfulness of God, there is no such thing as “I can’t” in regard to temptation! Anything else indicts His power & judgment. Phil. 1: 20 > 2: 13 -16 > 3: 17 > 4: 13 Facing & overcoming temptation is not about faith in self, but faith in God!

1 Corinthians 10: 12 -13 Overcoming Temptation Step # 4, Look for & take the promised Way of Escape, v. 13 c. l l l “with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, that you may be able to endure it. ” Question: Do you trust God? (already noting faithfulness) “Escape” is not the easy way out we might think. What it means is God will never leave you with nothing but wrong choices! There will always be a “right” thing to do. But, It may well be the most difficult, gut-wrenching thing you’ve ever had to do in you life- but it is there! 2 Pet. 2: 9

So when you: l l l Know the difference between Tests, Trials, & Temptations, and understand that You are the real source of temptation, and recognize the Possibility/Probability of Sin, and admit that You’re not a Special Case, and realize the Faithfulness of God, and look for and find the Way of Escape He promised, TAKE IT by Overcoming Temptation and doing the right thing!

Conclusion- additional helps: l Control your Personal Circumstances. >to the degree possible, and over the ones of which you do have control. >Don’t put yourself in compromising positions in which: (1) you’re likely to be tempted, and (2) you give up some measure of control/security. Gen. 39: 7 -12 2 Sam. 13: 1 -33 2 Tim. 2: 22 l Make conscience decisions beforehand & remind yourself of them. (“I have decided to follow Jesus”) >Decide beforehand what is & isn’t right, Col. 3: 1 -3 Rom. 12: 1 -2 Phil. 4: 8

Conclusion- additional helps: l Pray constantly for strength to overcome, and then be willing to exercise to attain it! (don’t just keep sinning, excusing, and praying forgiveness) James 1: 2 -8 Heb. 5: 14 Then, Practice! it has a way of perfecting our ability to Overcome Temptation!