Don’t go swimming if you don’t want to get wet

This week we conclude our sermon series entitled ‘Fighting Temptation’. Preaching from Nathan Gordon. Service led by Beverley Sills

Fighting Temptation

Gen 39:6-12, 1 Cor 10:13, 2

Nathan Gordon

Beverley Sills

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)

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

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)

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)

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.

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)

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?