Presented by: Bill Perkins

Battle Four: “Fight Through Pain”

I. Fight through pain A. With anticipation - Warriors face exhaustion and pain

Next to him was Eleazar son of Dodai the Ahohite Next to him was Eleazar son of Dodai the Ahohite. As one of the three mighty men, he was with David when they taunted the Philistines gathered at Pas Dammim for battle. Then the men of Israel retreated, 10 but he stood his ground and struck down the Philistines till his hand grew tired and froze to the sword. The LORD brought about a great victory that day. The troops returned to Eleazar, but only to strip the dead. 11 Next to him was Shammah son of Agee the Hararite. When the Philistines banded together at a place where there was a field full of lentils, Israel's troops fled from them. 12 But Shammah took his stand in the middle of the field. He defended it and struck the Philistines down, and the LORD brought about a great victory. 2 Samuel 23:10

I. Fight through pain A. With anticipation - Warriors face exhaustion and pain With Preparation—Break the temptation cycle

man, unstable in all he does man, unstable in all he does. 9 The brother in humble circumstances ought to take pride in his high position. 10 But the one who is rich should take pride in his low position, because he will pass away like a wild flower. 11 For the sun rises with scorching heat and withers the plant; its blossom falls and its beauty is destroyed. In the same way, the rich man will fade away even while he goes about his business. 12 Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him. 13 When tempted, no one should say, "God is tempting me." For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; 14 but each one is tempted when, by his own evil desire, he is dragged away and enticed. 15 Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death. 16 Don’t be deceived, my dear brothers. 17 Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. 18 He chose to give us birth through the word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of all he created. 19 My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, 20 for man's anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires. 21 Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you. James 1:13-15

Death Shame Sin Acting Out Conception Ritualization Enticement The Temptation Cycle Enticement Preoccupation Preoccupation Enticement Death Shame Sin Acting Out Conception Ritualization Enticement Preoccupation Death Shame Conception Ritualization Sin Acting Out

Jesus taught us to ask God to never allow us to have an opportunity to sin when we have the desire to sin..

9"This, then, is how you should pray:    " 'Our Father in heaven,    hallowed be your name,     10your kingdom come,    your will be done        on earth as it is in heaven.     11Give us today our daily bread.     12Forgive us our debts,        as we also have forgiven our debtors.     13And lead us not into temptation,    but deliver us from evil.' 14For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. 15But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins. Matthew 6:13

Jesus urged us when we’re strong to protect ourselves from times of weakness.

You can break the temptation cycle 3. Sign up with Covenant Eyes 1. Fortify your mind with scripture and pure images 2. Identify every ritual and ruthlessly get rid of it 3. Sign up with Covenant Eyes

Covenant Eyes

You will never win the battle alone You will never win the battle alone. You must lock arms with a few other warriors.

Braveheart

Discussion Questions Why do Christian men tend to hide behind a mask of spirituality? What rituals do you need to remove from you life when your strong in order to protect yourself when you’re weak? Why is it so important in the fight for your heart to have a battle plan to help you fight through pain? What’ s your plan?

Presented by: Bill Perkins