Dealing with Temptation - Sunday School.pptx

For God's Glory

1. DEALING WITH TEMPTATION

2. For a Christian, success often means growing closer to God. A key aspect of this pursuit is the fight against temptation. What does the Bible say about temptation? Was Jesus also tempted during his time on Earth? What can we do when we’re tempted?

3. Temptation is the intentional enticement of a person, by some bait —usually pride, always self-gratifying— to disobey God’s revealed Word. Let’s define temptation first. Temptation, or testing is  something that the Bible says the believer will experience .

4. What does the Bible say about temptation?

5. We have a real enemy that seeks to destroy us. “Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. ” -1 Peter 5:8 2. We are not alone in our temptation–whatever it is. “No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man…” -1 Corinthians 10:13 3. We can resist temptation and obey God. Every time. “[God] will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.” -1 Corinthians 10:13

6. Was Jesus also tempted during his time on Earth?

7. 3 Temptations that Jesus Faced 1 “One does not live by bread alone” Matthew 4:3-4 3 “Worship the Lord and serve Him only” Luke 4:5-8 2 “Do not test the Lord” Matthew 4:5-7

8. By the time the tempter shows up, Jesus’ body is starving. The first temptation is for Jesus to use God’s power to meet his own-very real-needs. 1. One does not live by bread alone Luke 4:3-4 Matthew 4:1-4 The devil said to Him , “If you are the Son of God, tell this stone to become bread.” Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone’ (Luke 4:3-4) When push comes to shove, we often give in to our hunger for legitimate needs like approval, love, or pleasure because we elevate them above pleasing God. The moment we promote the Lord’s desires above our own, it becomes easier to resist the tempter.

9. 3 Temptations that Jesus Faced 1 “One does not live by bread alone” Matthew 4:3-4 3 “Worship the Lord and serve Him only” Luke 4:5-8 2 “Do not test the Lord” Matthew 4:5-7

10. Next, the devil moves from physical needs to Jesus’ ministry. 2. Do not test the Lord Matthew 4:5-7 “If you are the Son of God,” he said, “throw yourself down. For it is written: “‘He will command his angels concerning you, and they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.’” Jesus answered him, “It is also written: ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test’” (Matthew 4:5-7). In ministry, we’re sometimes tempted to use our gifts, abilities, or assets to draw people to us. We might have the best intentions for turning their attention to God later, but it gets easier and easier to rely on gimmicks and tricks to attract others to us rather than draw their attention to God.

11. 3 Temptations that Jesus Faced 1 “One does not live by bread alone” Matthew 4:3-4 3 “Worship the Lord and serve Him only” Luke 4:5-8 2 “Do not test the Lord” Matthew 4:5-7

12. The third temptation (according to Matthew) is about power. The devil was offering Jesus a shortcut. 3. Worship the Lord and serve Him only Matthew 4:8-10 “All this I will give you,” he said, “if you will bow down and worship me.” Jesus said to him, “Away from me, Satan! For it is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only’” (Matthew 4:8-10). We’re often met with choices that allow us to arrive at our goal by following a questionable path. But in God’s economy, holy ends don’t justify unholy means. We need to make sure that we’re worshiping God through our adherence to His precepts. This is the only path to get where we truly want to be.

13. What can we do when we’re tempted?

14. 1. Reconcile with God Romans 6:17-18

15. According to the Bible, our first step in overcoming temptation is to turn to Him in repentance and faith. 1. Reconcile with God Romans 6:17-18 We must confess our faults to Him and commit to repentance each day. As a slave of righteousness, seek to please God in everything we think, say, and do. Pray for His protection and strength to endure the temptations we face daily. “Thanks be to God that though you were slaves of sin, you became obedient from the heart to that form of teaching to which you were committed, and having been freed from sin, you became slaves of righteousness” (Romans 6:17–18)

16. 2. Meditate on God’s Word Romans 12:2

17. The unsaved world around us entices and even pressures you to follow along with its wickedness. But Paul warns us: 2. Meditate on God’s Word Romans 12:2 Sin is deceptive: it promises what it does not give and gives what it never promised. Conquer deceit with the truth of God’s word. If you have a specific temptation that you frequently face, be sure to memorize scripture that confronts that sin directly. “And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind , so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect” (Romans 12:2).

18. 3. Avoid Tempting Situations Proverbs 4:14-15

19. If you ask God to help you avoid temptation, then you should also be vigilant to stay away from tempting situations. 3. Avoid Tempting Situations Proverbs 4:14-15 Stay away from those who try to influence you to do evil, even friendships. Your relationships are serious. The Bible warns us, “Do not be deceived: ‘Bad company corrupts good morals’” (1 Corinthians 15:33). If you do find yourself in danger of sin, get out of there quickly. Do not yield to your ungodly desires and make every effort to subdue them for righteousness’ sake (Matthew 5:29–30). “Do not enter the path of the wicked and do not proceed in the way of evil men. Avoid it, do not pass by it; turn away from it and pass on” (Proverbs 4:14–15).

20. 4. Be Transparent to God and Others 1 John 1:9

21. We must recognize that your sin is fundamentally directed against God. Tell God about your sin and the temptations that you have faced. Rejoice in His promise that when: 4. Be Transparent to God and Others 1 John 1:9 “…we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9) When we confess our sin to God, we might also need to confess our sin to others that we have offended. If we have repented of our sin, ask for forgiveness so we can be reconciled with one another.

22. Conclusion Knowing weak areas and anticipating temptation are two vital parts to our game plan for resisting temptation. When you fall into temptation, look back at the series of events that might have slowly pushed you toward disobedience. During those times, pray to God for help against temptation and remind yourselves of truths of Scripture to prevent lies from lodging themselves in your mind. Fight against temptation with every ounce of energy you have–and ask trusted brothers or sisters to help you and keep you accountable. We can’t do it on our own.

23. To God be all the Glory!