1) Temptation is not if, but when. “When tempted…” James 1:13a Temptation Truths:   1) Temptation is not if, but when. “When tempted…” James 1:13a

American Temptations Materialism Mental purity Me-ism

“When tempted, no one should say, God is tempting me.” James 1:13a,b Temptation Truths: 2) Don’t blame God. “When tempted, no one should say, God is tempting me.” James 1:13a,b

“The woman you put here with me – she gave me some fruit from the tree, and I ate it.” Genesis 3:12

3) Recognize the temptation process: a) Temptation begins within each of us. “But each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire...” James 1:14a

“I do not understand what I do “I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do.” Romans 7:15

Recognize the temptation process: Temptation is a liar. “But each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed.” James 1:14

Recognize the temptation process: Yielding to temptation is painful.

“Then, after desire had conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death.” James 1:15

God will give you the victory if God will give you the victory if... a) You really believe His ways are best. "Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights." James 1:17a

God will give you the victory if. b) You focus on the character of God God will give you the victory if... b) You focus on the character of God. “…who does not change like shifting shadows.” James 1:17b

“He chose to give us birth through the word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of all He created.” James 1:18

Some Suggestions 1) Stay connected with Christ and claim His power source.

“No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind “No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.” 1 Corinthians 10:13

Some Suggestions Stay connected with Christ and claim His power source. 2) Recognize your weaknesses.

Some Suggestions 3) Remember the price tag of yielding to sin.

Some Suggestions 3) Remember the price tag of yielding to sin. 4) Try to avoid tempting situations.

“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 10:5

“Watch your thoughts; they become words “Watch your thoughts; they become words. Watch your words; they become actions. Watch your actions; they become character. Watch your character, for it becomes your destiny.”