Overcoming Temptation: Embracing Growth and Divine Support
Summary
In our journey with Christ, we often find that the closer we grow to Him, the more we face temptations. This is not because we are weak, but because we are significant in God's plan, and Satan seeks to derail us. Temptation is not a sin; it is merely a choice. Jesus Himself was tempted, yet He did not sin. The key is not to be intimidated by temptation but to see it as an opportunity for growth. We must remember that attraction is not a sin; it is the action that follows that can lead us astray. We cannot control what catches our attention, but we can control what holds it.
God promises us a way out of every temptation. He assures us that no temptation will be too strong for us to bear, and He will provide an escape route. This requires honesty with ourselves and others. Confessing our temptations to trusted friends or loved ones can diminish their power over us.
Moreover, God promises to support us in times of trouble. Life on Earth is not perfect, and we will face trials and tribulations. However, God assures us that He will be with us through deep waters and fiery trials. He will not let us drown or be consumed. Our strength comes from Christ, and it will be provided when we need it.
Finally, God promises justice. He sees every hurt and injustice we face, and He grieves with us. While life is not fair, God is just, and He will repay those who have wronged us. We are called to leave vengeance to Him and trust in His righteous judgment.
Key Takeaways:
1. Temptation as a Growth Opportunity: Temptation is not a sin but a choice. It is an opportunity to grow in faith and character. Jesus was tempted but did not sin, showing us that we can overcome temptation by relying on God's strength. [02:24]
2. Attraction vs. Action: Attraction is not a sin; it is a natural human response. The sin lies in the actions we take following that attraction. We must learn to control what holds our attention and focus on what is righteous. [03:05]
3. God's Promise of Escape: God promises that no temptation will be too strong for us to bear. He provides a way out, but we must be honest with ourselves and others about our struggles to diminish their power. [09:05]
4. Support in Times of Trouble: God promises to support us through trials and tribulations. Life is not perfect, but God will be with us in deep waters and fiery trials, ensuring we are not overwhelmed. [16:35]
5. Divine Justice: God sees every injustice and hurt we experience. He promises to repay those who have wronged us, and we are called to trust in His justice rather than seek revenge ourselves. [23:42]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:09] - The Nature of Temptation
- [00:48] - Temptation vs. Inspiration
- [01:29] - Handling Unwanted Thoughts
- [02:09] - Temptation is Not a Sin
- [03:05] - Attraction vs. Action
- [04:39] - Controlling Attention
- [06:09] - False Shame and Temptation
- [07:11] - Common Temptations and Solutions
- [08:11] - The Power of Confession
- [09:05] - God's Promise of Escape
- [10:28] - Strength Against Evil
- [12:04] - Support in Trouble
- [16:19] - God's Presence in Trials
- [19:20] - Divine Justice and Retaliation
- [23:42] - God's Record of Our Hurts
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
1. 1 Corinthians 10:13 - "No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. 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 endure it."
2. Isaiah 43:2-3 - "When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze."
3. Romans 12:19 - "Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: 'It is mine to avenge; I will repay,' says the Lord."
Observation Questions:
1. According to the sermon, why does Satan tempt those who are growing closer to Christ? [00:09]
2. What distinction does the sermon make between attraction and action? [03:05]
3. How does God promise to support us during times of trouble, according to Isaiah 43:2-3? [16:35]
4. What does Romans 12:19 say about seeking revenge, and how does this relate to the sermon’s message on divine justice? [23:42]
Interpretation Questions:
1. How can viewing temptation as an opportunity for growth change a person's perspective on their spiritual journey? [02:24]
2. In what ways does confessing temptations to others help diminish their power over us? [08:11]
3. How does the promise of God’s presence in trials provide comfort and strength to believers? [16:35]
4. What does it mean to trust in God’s justice rather than seeking revenge ourselves, and how might this impact our relationships? [23:42]
Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a recent temptation you faced. How did you respond, and what could you do differently next time to see it as an opportunity for growth? [02:24]
2. Identify a situation where you felt attracted to something or someone. How did you manage your actions following that attraction? [03:05]
3. Think of a time when you were in trouble or faced a trial. How did you experience God’s support, and what can you do to remind yourself of His promises in future challenges? [16:35]
4. Is there a temptation you are currently struggling with that you could confess to a trusted friend or loved one? How might this confession help you? [08:11]
5. Consider a situation where you felt wronged. How can you practice leaving vengeance to God and trusting in His justice? [23:42]
6. What practical steps can you take to control what holds your attention and focus on what is righteous? [04:39]
7. How can you remind yourself of God’s promise to provide a way out of temptation in your daily life? [09:05]
Devotional
Day 1: Temptation as a Pathway to Spiritual Growth
Temptation is not inherently sinful; it is a choice that presents an opportunity for spiritual growth and character development. As believers draw closer to Christ, they may encounter more temptations, not as a sign of weakness, but as a testament to their significance in God's plan. Jesus Himself faced temptation and emerged sinless, demonstrating that reliance on God's strength can lead to victory over temptation. By viewing temptation as a chance to strengthen faith, believers can transform challenges into stepping stones toward spiritual maturity. [02:24]
1 Corinthians 10:13 (ESV): "No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he 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."
Reflection: Identify a recent temptation you faced. How can you reframe it as an opportunity for growth and rely on God's strength to overcome it?
Day 2: Distinguishing Between Attraction and Action
Attraction is a natural human response and not a sin in itself. The critical aspect lies in the actions that follow such attractions. Believers are encouraged to control what holds their attention and focus on what aligns with righteousness. By understanding the distinction between attraction and action, individuals can navigate their thoughts and desires more effectively, ensuring that their actions reflect their commitment to living a life pleasing to God. [03:05]
James 1:14-15 (ESV): "But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death."
Reflection: Think of a situation where you felt attracted to something or someone. How can you ensure that your actions align with your values and faith?
Day 3: Embracing God's Promise of Escape
God assures believers that no temptation will be too strong to bear and promises a way out. This requires honesty with oneself and others about personal struggles, as confession can diminish the power of temptation. By trusting in God's promise and seeking accountability, believers can find the strength to resist temptation and choose the path of righteousness. [09:05]
Hebrews 4:15-16 (ESV): "For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need."
Reflection: Consider a temptation you are currently facing. Who can you confide in to help you find the escape route God has promised?
Day 4: Finding Support in Times of Trouble
Life is filled with trials and tribulations, but God promises to support believers through these challenges. He assures His presence in deep waters and fiery trials, ensuring that His followers are not overwhelmed. By relying on Christ's strength, believers can navigate life's difficulties with confidence, knowing that they are not alone and that divine support is always available. [16:35]
Isaiah 43:2 (ESV): "When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you."
Reflection: Reflect on a current trial you are experiencing. How can you lean on God's promise of support and presence to find peace and strength?
Day 5: Trusting in Divine Justice
God sees every injustice and hurt experienced by His followers and promises to repay those who have wronged them. Believers are called to trust in His righteous judgment rather than seeking revenge themselves. By leaving vengeance to God, individuals can find peace and focus on living a life that reflects His love and justice. [23:42]
Romans 12:19 (ESV): "Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, 'Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.'"
Reflection: Think of a situation where you have been wronged. How can you release the desire for revenge and trust in God's justice to bring resolution?
Quotes
"I've been walking with the Lord I've been a friend of Jesus for over 50 years you know what I've discovered the more mature I get the more Satan tempts me because Satan doesn't bother with you if you're if you're not doing anything but if you if if you can make a difference with your life he's going to really go after you." [00:01:04]
"You're not responsible for every thought that comes into your mind you're responsible for what you do with it when Satan gives you an idea and puts it in your mind we call that Temptation when God gives you an idea and He suggests that in your mind that we call that an inspiration." [00:51:96]
"The bad news is you're going to be tempted the rest of your life the good news is it's not a sin to be tempted it's sin to give into temptation but it's not a sin to be tempted the Bible says Jesus was tempted in every Point as we were but he never sinned temptation is just a choice that's all it is." [01:27:88]
"Attraction is not a sin action is write this down attraction is not a sin action is you are not responsible for your attractions you are responsible for your actions if we're walking down a buffet you know uh I might see a certain kind of potato salad that's very attra active to me and I'm you know I'm salivating and everything that where did that come from it's just inside me." [03:05:00]
"I can't control what gets my attention I can control what keeps my attention hear the difference I can't control what gets my attention I if I'm at a beach and a beautiful woman walks by it's probably going to get my attention I'm just not going to do anything about it I'm going to turn my mind and think about something else." [04:39:00]
"God has promised to provide a way out of Temptation the Bible says this in 1 Corinthians chap 10 verse 13 remember that The Temptations that come into your life are no different from what others experience now I know Satan tells you you're you're nobody else feels this like you do nobody's tempted this way and he wants to isolate you." [06:09:00]
"If we all share the same Temptations then we if we talk about it with each other they lose their power over us when you have a Temptation and you keep it a secret then it's going to get worse for instance if all of a sudden you're being tempted at work by a coworker to like have an affair if you keep that a secret it's just going to get worse." [07:11:00]
"God is faithful and because God is faithful he promises to things first he will keep the Temptation from becoming so strong that you can't stand up against it that's his first promise second and when you're tempted he'll show you a way out so that you'll not give into it now it's comforting to know that God understands our struggles." [09:05:00]
"God promises to support me in trouble God promises to support me in trouble he's going to guide me when I'm confused he's going to help me when I'm tempted and he's going to support me when I'm in trouble now what's the difference between Temptation and trouble oh big difference temptation is inside me uh trouble is outside me temptation is internal trouble is external." [12:04:00]
"When you go through deep Waters notice he doesn't say if it's a matter when okay you're you're going to go through deep Waters at times in your life when you go through deep Waters and great trouble I will be with you I'm going to support you and when you go through rivers of difficulty you will not drowned and when you walk through fires of Oppression you know when the heat's on you will not be burned up for I am the Lord your God." [16:19:00]
"The strength I need will come when I need it God doesn't give me strength today for a problem I'm going to have next week the Bible doesn't say we're to pray give us this day our weekly bread or our monthly bread it says God give me my daily bread I need just enough strength for today God's not going to give you strength for to tomorrow until it's tomorrow." [19:20:00]
"Never avenge yourselves in other words don't retaliate don't try to get revenge against the P person who's hurt you never avenge yourselves leave that to God for he has said that he will repay those who deserve it wow now follow me on this God is a god of love and because God is love that's why we all have love in our lives if God if our creator wasn't loving there would be no love in the universe." [23:42:00]
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