Sermon Notes

Intro

We have come to the final sermon in our mini-series entitled Fighting Temptation, and just to remind you of what we have covered so far.

1. Where does temptation come from?
2. Temptation to sin does not come from God (James 1:13)

• Temptation comes from The Devil, The World and our Human Desires/Nature (James 1:14-15, John 10:10, 1 John 2:16)

• Temptation & Tests can have a positive impact on our spiritual development
• James reminds us that when we face trials, we develop endurance and patience, which are essential to our spiritual journeys with Jesus in this world. (James 1:12)

• No Temptation or test is stronger than God’s grace
• Even if we yield to temptation, God’s love and grace are sufficient for us in our weakness, through genuine repentance. (2 Cor 12:1-10)

• Remember, Temptation in and of itself is not sinful
• Every believer faces daily temptations, just as Jesus did (Hebrews 4:15).

•  It is only when we give in to temptation that it becomes sinful.

This morning, we are going to look at some practical wisdom from God’s word to help us navigate the temptations we face daily in life.

1. Identify your areas of weakness – Matthew 4:1-3

• After fasting for 40 days and nights, Jesus was understandably hungry.

• It is no surprise that the devil’s first temptation involved food: turning stones into bread.

Challenge – The enemy is aware of our weaknesses and aims to tempt us to sin in areas where we feel vulnerable. We must recognize these weaknesses so we can protect ourselves against them.

2. Determine personal boundaries in life (Gen 39:6-9)

• Joseph recognized his boundaries within Potiphar’s household.

• Everything was under his control except for Potiphar’s wife.

• To combat temptation, we too need to establish clear and defined boundaries in our lives.

Challenge – Without personal boundaries, we will struggle to resist temptation. It is essential to make an individual decision not to cross certain lines that contradict God’s word because we desire to please Him.

3. Understand when you are most vulnerable (Matthew 4:1-3)

• After fasting for 40 days and 40 nights, Jesus would have reached the pinnacle of spiritual strength. (From His human nature, His divine nature would not have needed to be strengthened) 

• We are often most vulnerable to temptation after praying, fasting, or spending time in worship and devotion.

4. Know your weapons of defence and use them (Matthew 4:1-11)

¹⁰ Jesus said to him, “Away from me, Satan! For it is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.’^[e]”

¹¹ Then the devil left him, and angels came and attended him.

• Jesus, after every temptation, used the word of God to fight back against temptation from the devil.

• The Word/Bible ~ Psalm 119:11
• Prayer ~ Luke 18:1
• Fasting ~ Matthew 17:21
• Run ~ 2 Tim 2:22

Challenge – Studying the Bible is never a waste and helps build us up spiritually to resist temptation, as the devil cannot withstand the powerful word of God.

5. Surround yourself with the right company
(Proverbs 1:8-19, 27:17, Amos 3:3)

• Although God has not called us to live in isolation from the world, having non-Christian friends is perfectly acceptable.

• However, we must be cautious about the company we keep because we can easily be tempted to stray from God’s will through our associations.

• Solomon advised young men to avoid those who entice them to sin.

Challenge – Having people in your life whom you trust completely is valuable. These individuals allow you to be vulnerable and share your weaknesses. They can serve as accountability partners, providing support, encouragement, and prayer during challenging times when you feel weak.

Discussion Questions

1. Although we have established over the past two weeks that temptation does not come from God, why do you think God permits the devil to tempt people, including Christians, in the world?
2. How would you explain to a new believer, who has been told they are a new creation in Christ and have been born again of water and the Spirit, why they still have a nature that is tempted to sin and can even give in to that temptation? (See James 1:14-15)
3. It’s not enough to say “No” just once. We must continue saying “No” and never let our guard down. Look at what the bible says in Genesis 39:11-12:
   • “One day, however, no one else was around when he went in to do his work. She came and grabbed him by his cloak, demanding, “Come on, sleep with me!” Joseph tore himself away, but he left his cloak in her hand as he ran from the house.
   • What are some effective methods that you have used to continue saying “No” (resist temptation) when you were being tempted?
4. Consider Proverbs 1:8-19. Why do you think the company we keep and our associations with others are important in fighting temptation?
5. Why would the Spirit lead Jesus to be tempted? How does this fit with Jesus teaching the disciples to pray “Lead me not into temptation?”
6. Why does Satan attempt to use Scripture in his second temptation? What does this teach us about Satan?