Each Day Already is a Challenge

Sermon Notes - July 29

This continues our pastor's series from James.

Faith Works (Part 4)

Taming Temptation

James 1:12 NIV
Bless is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.

Don't panic.

† James 1:13 NIV
When tempted, no one should say, "God is tempting me."

† 1 Corinthians 10:13 NIV
No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. 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 stand up under it.

† Hebrews 4:15 NLT
This High Priest (Jesus) of our understands our weaknesses, for He faced all of the same temptations we do, het He did not sin.

You will be tempted. Being saved does not keep temptation away. It is not a sin to be tempted; the sin is giving in to temptation.

Don't pass the buck.

† James 1:13 GW
When someone is tempted, he shouldn't say that God is tempting him. God can't be tempted by evil, and God doesn't tempt anyone.

Quite blaming other people, God, the government, even the devil.

Be prepared.

† James 1:14-16 NCV
But people are tempted when their own evil desire leads them away and traps them. This desire leads to sin, and then the sin grows and brings death. My dear brothers and sisters, do not be fooled about this.

† 1 Corinthians 10:12 NIV
So if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don't fall.

† 2 Corinthians 3:11 GW
I don't want Satan to outwit us. After all, we are not ignorant about Satan's scheming.

What we can count on:

It begins with me.

† James 1:14a MSG
The temptation to give in to evil comes from us and only us...

God's plan is not about me. Satan's plan is all about me.

He exposes my weaknesses.

† James 1:14 NRSV
But one is tempted by one's own desire, being lured and enticed by it.

† James 1:14b MSG
We have no one to blame but the leering, seducing flare-up of our own lust.

Any out of control urge is wrong.

He moves me from attention to action.

† James 1:15a NIV
Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin...

We go from imagination to fantasy to action.

We are like fish. We think we can nibble and nibble and nibble at the bait. But...

There is a price.

† James 1:15b GW
When sin grows up, it gives birth to death.

We have the freedom of kicks but not freedom from kick-backs.

Re-prioritize (change focus).

† James 1:17 NLT
Whatever is good and perfect comes to us from God above, who created all heaven's lights. Unlike them, he never changes or casts shifting shadows.

† Philippians 4:8 NIV
Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable - if anything is excellent or praiseworthy - think about such things.

If you're in the car and in a bad mood, don't listen to the Blues station. Turn on a contemporary Christian or Gospel station!

Get power to live.

† James 1:18 NCV
God decided to give us life through the word of truth so we might be the most important of all the things he made.

† 1 Corinthians 10:13 NLT
But remember that temptations that come into your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will keep the temptation from becoming so strong that you can't stand up against it. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you will not give in to it.

Accept Jesus as Lord and Savior. Be born again!

Salem's answers to taming temptation.
Small groups. (Being accountable.)
Bible reading plan. (Learning and growing and understanding.)