Enemies Without, Traitor Within By Pastor Vernon
Three Faces of Enemies The devil and the world have teamed up to attack our flesh. Devil is a spiritual adversary that uses world culture [ eg. Immoral arts & entertainment], to attack our flesh
Exodus 1:9 Exo 1:10 Come on, let us deal shrewdly with them….. The world bombards us with enticements, and the traitor [flesh] within, betrays us. The flesh : “you deserve it” “nobody will notice”
Some Wisdom to Overcoming Temptation
Look for the God given exit. 1Co 10:13 (GNB) Every test that you have experienced is the kind that normally comes to people. But God keeps his promise, and he will not allow you to be tested beyond your power to remain firm; at the time you are put to the test, he will give you the strength to endure it, and so provide you with a way out. (KJV) There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.
Make a Committment Make a vow to yourself, God and Spouse that you will not yield to temptation Draw a line in the sand and refuse to cross it. Don’t rationalize. Don’t allow your gaze to become a stare.
ACCOUNTABLITY Ask a trusted friend to hold you accountable for decisions you make. Invite a trusted person to regularly ask you how you are doing?
BEWARE OF STRESS TRIGGERS Greatest falls are at times of highest stress. Pray “temptation buster” : Dear Holy Spirit, You’ve been sent to me to be my personal Comforter. I am in desperate need of comfort. I do not want to sin. Please comfort me in Jesus Name.
Flee Temptations : 2 Tim 2:22 Never Compromise or Flirt with Sin Know your weakness and deal with it If you don’t embarrass sin, sin will embarrass u. Your thumb controls your remote.
COST Remember the terrible cost of sin. David’s lust served to embarrass his family. The risks are great, the costs are high. DON’T GIVE IN TO THE THING THAT HAS AS IT’S ASSIGNMENT YOUR DESTRUCTION.
MEDITATE ON GOD’S WORD Psa 119:11 Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee. Job 31:1 (GNB) I have made a solemn promise never to look with lust at a woman. (KJV) I made a covenant with mine eyes; why then should I think upon a maid?
ARMORPLATE YOUR SOUL Eph 6:11 Put on all the armor that God gives you, so that you will be able to stand up against the Devil's evil tricks.