Overcoming Temptation: God's Faithfulness in Our Struggles
Summary
In this sermon, I introduced Pastor Juan Marrero, the North Campus Minister of Prestonwood in Espanol, and celebrated the growth of this ministry. We thanked God for the 30 lives that have been changed already and prayed for the thousands more that will be transformed by the power of the gospel. The sermon then continued with the seventh week of the series "Distinctives for Disciples," focusing on the subject of temptation and how to overcome it. I emphasized that temptation is a reality of life lived in a world fractured by sin, and the question is not if we will face temptation, but how we will fight it.
The sermon then delved into the scripture from First Corinthians chapter 10, discussing how temptation is common to everyone, but not the same for everyone. I used the example of Bernie Madoff's Ponzi scheme to illustrate that while we may not all face the same specific temptations, we all face the general temptation to sin. I highlighted the faithfulness of God, who provides a way out of every temptation, and encouraged believers to flee from idolatry when temptation shows up. The sermon concluded with a call to worship and an invitation for anyone moved by the message to come to the altar.
Key Takeaways:
- Temptation is a reality of life lived in a world fractured by sin, and we must learn how to fight it effectively. ([49:33])
- Temptation is common to everyone, but not the same for everyone. We all face the general temptation to sin, even if the specific temptations we face differ. ([49:33])
- God is faithful and provides a way out of every temptation. With each individual temptation, God provides a way for us to escape. ([49:33])
- When temptation shows up, believers are called to flee from idolatry. ([49:33])
- The invitation to come to the altar is always open for anyone moved by the message. ([49:33])
Study Guide
Bible Reading:
1. John 8:12 #!!31:39!!#
2. 1 John 1:7 #!!32:12!!#
3. Ephesians 5:8 #!!32:12!!#
Observation Questions:
1. What does it mean to "walk in the light" as mentioned in these passages?
2. How does the concept of "light" contrast with "darkness" in these verses?
3. What does it mean to have fellowship with one another in the light of Christ?
Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the concept of "light" in these passages relate to overcoming temptation?
2. How does walking in the light influence our relationships with others according to these verses?
3. What does it mean to be cleansed from all sin in the light of Jesus?
Application Questions:
1. Can you identify a recent situation where you felt tempted? How could you have applied the concept of "walking in the light" to overcome this temptation?
2. Who in your life could you invite for personal accountability to help you walk in the light and resist temptation?
3. How can you practically change your environment or habits to better "walk in the light" and resist temptation?
4. Can you think of a specific way you can demonstrate walking in the light to others this week?
5. How can you use these passages to encourage someone else who is struggling with temptation?
Devotional
Day 1: Flee from Temptation
When faced with temptation, the biblical directive is clear and profound: run. This is not a passive act, but a conscious decision to remove ourselves from situations that could lead us into sin. It's about taking spiritual action and making necessary changes to avoid falling into temptation ([30:57]).
1 Corinthians 10:14 - "Therefore, my dear friends, flee from idolatry."
Reflection: What are some practical steps you can take to flee from temptation in your daily life?
Day 2: Starve the Flesh, Feed the Spirit
We must identify the things in our life that feed our fleshly desires and starve those things. Conversely, we should pursue the things that draw us closer to God and feed our spirit. This involves making conscious choices about what we consume, both physically and spiritually ([22:51]).
Galatians 5:16-17 - "So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh."
Reflection: What are some things you need to starve in your life that draw you away from God, and what are some things you need to feed that draw you closer to Him?
Day 3: Draw Close to God
The closer we draw to God, the further sin is from us. This involves delighting ourselves in the Lord and walking by the Spirit. It's about nurturing our relationship with God and allowing His presence to guide our actions and decisions ([25:28]).
James 4:8 - "Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded."
Reflection: How can you draw closer to God in your daily life?
Day 4: Invite Personal Accountability
Inviting personal accountability into our lives is crucial in overcoming temptation. This involves allowing others who love Jesus and love us to hold us accountable and ask hard questions. It's about living in the light and shunning the darkness ([33:27]).
Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 - "Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up."
Reflection: Who in your life can you invite to hold you accountable in your walk with God?
Day 5: Live in the Light
As followers of Christ, we are called to live in the light. This means shunning the darkness and embracing the light of Christ in all areas of our lives. It's about being transparent, honest, and accountable in our actions and decisions ([34:33]).
1 John 1:7 - "But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin."
Reflection: What are some practical ways you can live in the light in your daily life?
Quotes
1. "God has better for you. God has more for you. So get out of there. Change your job, do whatever it is you have to do. Change your friendships, change your phone, change your access to the internet. Whatever it is that you need to do to get out and away from Temptation, run. Take spiritual action and run." - 30:57
2. "We are a people who will either live in the light or we will die in the dark. We will either live in the Light of Christ or we will die in the dark without him." - 31:39
3. "You have to invite personal accountability into your life if you really want to overcome Temptation that would draw you offsides and lead you into sin. It's going to require your willingness to invite others to hold you accountable to the life that God has given you that's possible in Christ Jesus." - 35:10
4. "Temptation is common to everyone. That's the reality of Life lived in a world fractured by sin. Temptation is common to everyone. Now notice that I didn't say that temptation is the same for everyone. It's not all the same but it is certainly shared." - 04:50
5. "Why would you fight in your own strength when we have the power of Heaven available to help us win the war? God has better for you. There are some of you who are here today and your journey with Jesus needs to begin by trusting him for your salvation." - 37:00
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