Garwood Presbyterian Church

"Please Don't Tempt Me - I Might Like It!"

Mat. 6:9-13, I Cor. 10:13, James 1:13-15

1. I Cor. 10:13 Says That God Will Provide a Way Out of Any Temptation
   1. The question is, "Do you want to take it?"
   2. Because James 1:13-15 says that we are tempted by our own evil desires, which can give birth to us sinning, which in turn can lead us to experiencing death = an addiction.
      1. Then we don't want the way out of temptation; it's too late.
      2. When Pastor Gary was drinking alcohol every day many years ago, he did not want any way out of the temptation to drink; it was too late for that.
      3. Besides not taking drugs because they are bad for you, you should also not take them because you may like them! Then you will have a hard time quitting them.
   3. So be sure to do those things which will provide you a way out of temptation before it becomes an addiction.
   4. Realize that temptations are not just alcohol and drugs, gambling, pornography, and cigarettes, along with too much TV, video games, or food. One can also be tempted to yell and argue too much, and then stay angry, be anxious, impatient, selfish, unreliable, irresponsible, or depressed.
2. To Overcome Temptation, Be a Christian
   1. And have God's Spirit in you to help you from the inside out.
   2. I John 4:4
3. Make God Your Source of Happiness
   1. Instead of your temptation.
   2. Psalm 16:2, 11 and Psalm 43:4
4. Stay Away from Whatever Tempts You
   1. Out of sight, out of mind.
      1. Mark 14:38
   2. Ask for God's help to stay away from it.
      1. "And lead us not into temptation," Matthew 6:13.
      2. Jesus will help you with this. See Hebrews 2:18.
5. Admit Your Weakness
   1. Let temptation humble you, instead of depressing you.
   2. The failure and depression that follows giving in to temptation leads to giving in even more to the temptation, which leads to acquiring an addiction and our downfall.
   3. However, humbling ourself before God leads to Him lifting us up. See James 4:7-10.
6. Pray on the Armor of God Every Day in the Morning
   1. Ephesians 6:10-17
7. Study God's Word and Be Committed to Keeping It
   1. Jesus' example in Matthew 4:1-11.
   2. Psalm 119:11
8. Have Other People Help You
   1. Have a prayer partner you can talk with about your temptation, and who will hold you ac-countable for your dealing with it.
      1. Ecclesiastes 4:9-10.
   2. Join a support group that helps people with your temptation.
      1. Like Alcoholics Anonymous, or even better, a Christian group like Overcomers.