Temptations, Once In – You Better Get Out (by Assoc. Pastor Linda Pugsley)

© sharefaith.com

In Matthew 6:13, we see a prayer that asks God not to lead us into temptation. But in James 1:13, it states that when someone is tempted, don’t say it is God because He doesn’t tempt anyone. Do we have a contradiction here?

Nope…God will never directly lead us into temptation. But in the trials He constructs, you yourself may be tempted. Don’t freak out now…there are some positive aspects of temptation. God uses them in your life:

• To reveal what is in your heart
• To replay significant life issues
• To remind others of His grace and goodness
• To reinforce your will
  

Read Genesis 3 and review the temptation of Adam and Eve. It wasn’t just something that happened…it happened in stages:

• Deceit–they were told a good thing would happen
• Delight–they were delighted with the fruit
• Desire–they really wanted that fruit
• Deliberation–they thought on it awhile
• Defeat–they went ahead and ate the fruit that was forbidden
• Despair–they felt so bad…shame and blame began

But there are steps out of temptation:

• Fight the good fight (James 4:7, 1 Peter 5:8-9)
• Follow Jesus (1 Peter 2:21, James 4:7-8)
• Flee from sin (1 Corinthians 10:14, 2 Timothy 2:22, Romans 13:14)
• Feed your soul (Matthew 4:1-11, Psalm 119:11)

Just sayin’.

(Listen to entire sermon below.)

---

NOW GO LIVE IT!

---

---

If you have never put your complete faith in Jesus Christ for your eternal salvation, why not believe what God's word says and call on Jesus Christ to save you right now? Click here and let us show you how you can KNOW JESUS.

---