“The Way of Escape”

Emergency Escape! Some things we need to know: Where it is! When to use it! Why to use it! How to use it!

1 Corinthians 10:13 “No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.”

What is Temptation? It is a trial, a test of one’s faithfulness James 1:2 Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kind

Temptation Defined to test (objectively), i.e. endeavor, scrutinize, entice, discipline:-assay, examine, go about, prove, tempt(-er), try. Strong Abraham was tried (tempted) Genesis 22:1-13 Hebrews – 11:17; James 2:21-22

Entice Greek – Deleazo: Satan uses bait (lures) to catch us! Strong’s – to entrap, allure, beguile, entice Genesis 3:13 Thayer – to bait, to catch by bait. Satan uses bait (lures) to catch us! “wiles” (trickery) Ephesians 6:11

Who or What Tempts Us? Not God! He cannot tempt us! Jas. 1:13 - Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man God is the source of all good things! James 1: Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. He allows us to be tried! Job 1, 2

Progression of Temptation! “But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. 15 Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.” James 1:14-15 Fruit of Temptation = SIN then DEATH! Romans 6:23 – “for the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life.”

1 John 2:15-16 “15 Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 16 For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.”

Three “Points” of Temptation 1 John 2:15-16 Lust of the flesh - fleshly desire Lust of the eyes - looks good Pride of life - a reason to glory Used by the Devil from the beginning! Genesis 3:1-6

Genesis 3:5-6 “For God doth know that in the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil. And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make one wise, she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and gave also unto her husband with her; and he did eat”

Genesis 3:6 Analyzed “good for food” “pleasant to the eyes” Lust of the flesh “pleasant to the eyes” Lust of the eyes “desired to make one wise” Pride of life

NO!! Question??? Is it a sin to be tempted? Remember! Well????? “ But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. 15 Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.” Is it a sin to be tempted? Jesus was tempted – Matthew 4:1-11 Remember! James 1:14-15 Well????? WHY NOT?? NO!!

Progression of Temptation! “But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. 15 Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.” James 1:14-15 Fruit of Temptation = SIN then DEATH! Romans 6:23

Here’s Why! Christ was tempted, but did not sin! “…who did no sin…” – 1 Peter 2:21-23 “…in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin” Heb. 4:15 2 Cor. 5:21; Heb. 2:18, 7:26; 1 Jn. 3:5 But, He rebuffed the Devil with Scripture! “it is written” – Matthew 4:1-11 vs. 4 – Duet. 8:3 vs. 7 – Duet. 6:16 (cf. 1 Cor. 10:9) vs. 10 – Duet. 6:13 Devil used the 3 points of temptation - Matt. 4:1-11 vs. 1-4 – “lust of the flesh” vs. 5-7 – “pride of life” vs. 8-10 – “lust of the eyes”

1 Peter 5:8-9 8 “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: 9 Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world.”

Christ Used the “Way of Escape”! “No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.” – 1 Cor. 10:13 Christ did not take the bait!

Beware of The Devil’s Bait! Question Will we use the “way of escape” provided to bare up against the temptations of this life? We Must! Caution! Beware of The Devil’s Bait!

“The Way of Escape” Part # 2

“Way of escape” # 1 Follow the example of Jesus! 1 Peter 2:21-24; 4:1-4 Don’t be brought down to the tempters level! – Matt. 27:11-43 Did no sin! Did not use guile! Did not revile back! Went as a lamb to the slaughter! Isa. 53:7 “the Lamb of God” – John 1:29, 36 For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps: Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth: Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously: (1 Pet. 2:21-23)

“Way of escape” # 2 Don’t violate your conscience! Romans 14:23”….whatsoever is not of faith is sin.” Jews on Pentecost: “pricked in their heart” – “to pierce thoroughly, to agitate violently ("sting to the quick"):--prick.” Jews Steven addressed: Railed on & stoned the messenger! Acts 7:51-60 1 Tim. 4:2 – “seared” = “to brand (“uncertainty"), i.e. (by implication) to render unsensitive results.:--sear with a hot iron.” – RESULTS -2 Tim 4:3-4; Eph. 4:17-20

“Way of escape” # 3 Use Scripture as did Jesus! Matt 4:1-11 Devil used the 3 points of temptation Vs. 1-4 – “lust of the flesh” vs. 5-7 – “pride of life” vs. 8-10 – “lust of the eyes” Rebuffed the Devil with Scripture! “it is written” – Matthew 4:1-11 vs. 4 – Duet. 8:3 vs. 7 – Duet. 6:16 (cf. 1 Cor. 10:9) vs. 10 – Duet. 6:13 “the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God” Eph 6:17 Heb. 4:12 Must Study – 2 Tim. 2:15-18; Heb. 5:12-14; Eph. 4:11-14 Necessary to properly use the Sword!

“Way of escape” # 4 Walk the strait & narrow way! Matt 7:13-14 This is the unpopular way! The way of the minority! God’s people always in the minority! Don’t follow a multitude to do evil! – Exodus 23: 2 A multitude crucified Jesus - Matt. 27:24-26 Noah didn't – Gen. 6:8 (found in grace in the eyes of the Lord) V9 – (Noah was a just man); 7: 1 (…seen righteous before me in this generation). Hebrews 11: 7; 2 Peter 2: 5

“Way of escape” # 5 Choose Godly Companions! 1 Cor. 15:33-34  Do not be misled: “Bad company corrupts good character. 34 Come back to your senses as you ought, and stop sinning; for there are some who are ignorant of God—I say this to your shame To be Godly, surround yourself with Godly people! Remember the power of leaven! 1 Cor. 5:6 – “your glorying is not good. Know ye not that a little leaven leaveneth the whole lump.” Evil influences can rub-off on you!

“Way of escape” # 6 RUN! Joseph Fled! “Flee fornication!” - 1 Cor. 6:15-18 1 Cor. 10:14; 1 Tim. 6:8-11; 2 Tim 2:22 Joseph Fled! Genesis 39:1-21 He got himself out of the house! Falsely accused! Was treated unkindly! Thrown into prison But, - vs. 21 – Lord showed him mercy!

1 Corinthians 10:13 “No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.”

Summary Some ways of escape… Follow the example of Christ! Don’t violate your conscience! Use scripture as Jesus did! Take the straight and narrow route! Seek Godly companions! Run like Joseph did!

Beware of The Devil’s Bait! Question Will we use the “way of escape” provided to bare up against the temptations of this life? We Must! Caution! Beware of The Devil’s Bait!