RESISTING TEMPTATION

What Is Temptation?  The Old Testament Hebrew word Nasah means "an attempt to prove the quality of something." Nasah is most often translated in the Bible as "test, prove, tempt or try."

What Is Temptation?  The New Testament Greek word Peirasmos means "a temptation to sin" or "a trial with a beneficial purpose." This same Greek word is also translated "test" or "trial."

How Do You Track Temptation? Facing Temptation  Facing Temptation — Temptation is experienced by everyone. — Temptation occurs often in an area where you have been previously ensnared. — Temptation begins in your mind. — Temptation takes advantage of your attractions and fears.

How Do You Track Temptation? Facing Temptation  Facing Temptation — Temptation appears to meet a legitimate need but does so illegitimately in the wrong way or at the wrong time

How Do You Track Temptation?  Falling into Temptation — Temptation strikes when your heart is "off guard." — Temptation is entered into by allowing your imagination to dwell on the tempting thoughts. — Temptation uses rationalization to numb your conscience.

How Do You Track Temptation?  Falling into Temptation — Temptation becomes relentless and urgent. — Temptation provides highly unusual opportunities to enter into sin

Temptation is.... Enticing.... It appeals to your hopes and desires. Enjoyable.... It promises you immense pleasure. Evasive.... It evades the truth with excuses. Enslaving.... It ensnares your mind and emotions. Escalating.... It multiplies your appetite for more. Elusive.... It fails to produce what was promised. Exclusive.... It restricts your relationship with God.

R R ECOGNIZE THE SOURCE E E XPECT TO WIN THE WAR S S EARCH YOUR HEART I I MAGINE THE CONSEQUENCES S S ENSE GODS PRESENCE T T RANSFORM YOUR THOUGHTS Resist Temptation!

Resisting Temptation  RECOGNIZE THE SOURCE: Realize that Satan is the author of tempting thoughts. (John 13: 2, 27) Remember Satan's purpose is to destroy your character. Refuse to be snared by Satan. Recall that Satan is a defeated foe. "For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms." (Ephesians 6:12)Ephesians 6:12

Resisting Temptation  EXPECT TO WIN THE WAR: Expect to give your total commitment. Expect many battles. Expect to win even if you lose some minor battles. Expect Christ to win the war for you. "In all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us." (Romans 8:37)Romans 8:37

Resisting Temptation  SEARCH YOUR HEART: Do you know that temptation is revealing your unmet need? Do you know the unmet needs to which you are vulnerable (the need for love, for significance and for security)? Do you know whether you sincerely want to be delivered from this sin? Do you know that you are powerless to overcome sin in your own strength? "Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time." (1 Peter 5:6)1 Peter 5:6

Resisting Temptation  IMAGINE THE CONSEQUENCES. Think about the loss of your reputation. Think about the guilt and shame you would experience. Think about the loss of peace and a clear conscience. Think about the pain you may cause others. Think about the tragic consequences suffered by those who yielded to temptation in Scripture: —Lot's wife was turned to salt. (Genesis 19) —Samson lost his sight and strength. (Judges 16) —David grieved over his divided family. (2 Sam 12)

Resisting Temptation  SENSE GOD'S PRESENCE. God is with you every moment. God knows your needs and desires. God knows your every thought. God knows how to help you control your thoughts. "Nothing in all creation is hidden from God's sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account." (Hebrews 4:13)Hebrews 4:13

Resisting Temptation  TRANSFORM YOUR THOUGHTS WITH TRUTH. See your temptation as a test of loyalty. State the spiritual truth that sin has no power over you. Spend regular time praying for Christ's strength. Seek God's will and way through reading His Word. Select specific Scriptures to memorize that apply to your area of temptation. "The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ." (2 Corinthians 10:4-5)2 Corinthians 10:4-5

R R ECOGNIZE THE SOURCE E E XPECT TO WIN THE WAR S S EARCH YOUR HEART I I MAGINE THE CONSEQUENCES S S ENSE GODS PRESENCE T T RANSFORM YOUR THOUGHTS Resist Temptation!