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. –“Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him.” {James 1:12}

It is a trial, a test of one’s faithfulness. –“In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ.” {1 Peter 1:6,7} What is Temptation?

Temptation Defined “ To test (objectively), i.e., endeavor, scrutinize, entice, discipline:-assay, examine, go about, prove, tempt(-er), try.”– Strong Abraham was tested. – “…Do not lay your hand on the lad, or do anything to him; for now I know that you fear God, since you have not withheld your son, your only son, from Me." {Genesis 22:12}

Entice Greek – Deleazo:“Greek – Deleazo: –Strong’s – –Strong’s – “to entrap, allure, beguile, entice.” “And the LORD God said to the woman, ‘What is this you have done?’ The woman said, ‘The serpent deceived me, and I ate.’" {Genesis 3:13} –Thayer—”to bait, to catch by bait.”

Satan uses Bait (lures) to catch us! –“wiles”—(trickery) –“Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil." {Ephesians 6:11} Entice

Who or What Tempts Us? Not God! He cannot tempt us. –“Let no one say when he is tempted, ‘I am tempted by God;’ for God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He Himself tempt anyone.” {James 1:13} God is the source of all good things. –“Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning.” {James 1:17}

God allows us to be tried! Trials help us build faith and character. – “And the LORD said to Satan, ‘Behold, all that he has is in your power; only do not lay a hand on his person.’ So Satan went out from the presence of the LORD.” {Job 1:12} – “... Have you considered My servant Job, that there is none like him on the earth, a blameless and upright man, one who fears God and shuns evil? And still he holds fast to his integrity, although you incited Me against him, to destroy him without cause.” {Job 2:3} Who or What Tempts Us?

Progression of Temptation “But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed. Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin ; and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death.” {James 1:14,15} Fruit of temptation = SIN and DEATH ! – “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” {Romans 6:23}

Three Avenues of Sin! “Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world--the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life -- is not of the Father but is of the world.” 1 John 2:15,16

Three Points of Temptation Lust of the flesh –Fleshly desire Lust of the eyes –Looks good Pride of Life –A reason to glory All were used by the devil at the beginning…

Three Avenues of Sin! “For God knows that in the day you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil. So when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree desirable to make one wise, she took of its fruit and ate. She also gave to her husband with her, and he ate.” Genesis 3:5,6

Three Points of Temptation Lust of flesh –“Good for food” Lust of the eyes –“Pleasant to the eyes” Pride of life –“Desired to make one wise” Satan’s tactics are still the same!!!

Question??? Is it a sin to be tempted? –Jesus was tempted (Matthew 4:1-11) Remember… –James 1:14,15 Well???? Why not? “ 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.” NO!!

Here’s Why! Christ was tempted, but He did not sin! – “…who did no sin…” {1 Peter 2:22} – “Tempted in all points like us, yet without sin” {Hebrews 4:15} But, He rebuffed the Devil with Scripture! “It is written”— Matthew 4:1-11 – 4:4—Deuteronomy 8:3 – 4:7—Deuteronomy 6:16 – 4:10—Deuteronomy 6:13

The Devil used the three points of temptation. –4:1-4—”lust of the flesh”—stones to bread –4:5-7—”pride of life”—tempt God –4:8-10—”lust of the eyes”—kingdoms of the world Jesus Refused the Bait!!! Here’s Why!

Jesus is Our Example! “For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps: Who committed no sin, nor was deceit found in His mouth;” who, when He was reviled, did not revile in return; when He suffered, He did not threaten, but committed Himself to Him who judges righteously.” 1 Peter 2:21-23

We Must Resist! “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. Resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world. ” 1 Peter 5:8,9

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.” He Refused the Bait!!!

Way of Escape #1 Follow the example set by Jesus. –1 Peter 2:21-24; 4:1 Don’t be brought down to the tempter’s level! {Matthew 27:11-43} –Did not sin! –Did not use guile! –Did not revile back! Went as a lamb to the slaughter –Isaiah 53:7—”The Lamb of God.”

Don’t violate your conscience. –Romans 14:23 The Jews on Pentecost {Acts 2} –“pricked in the heart”—to pierce thoroughly, (figuratively) to agitate violently (sting to the quick)--prick The Jews Stephen addressed –Acts 7:51-60—Railed and stoned Stephen –Conscience “seared,”—to brand; to render insensitive, w/hot iron {1 Timothy 4:2} Way of Escape #2

Use Scripture as Jesus did! – Matthew 4:1-11 “The sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God” {Ephesians 6:17; Hebrews 4:12} Study so you can properly use the sword! – 2 Timothy 2:15 – Hebrews 5:12-14 – Ephesians 4:11-14 Way of Escape #3

Walk the strait and narrow! – Matthew 7:13,14 This is the unpopular way! God’s people are always in the minority! Don’t follow a multitude to do evil! – Exodus 23:3 – Multitudes crucified the Lord—Matthew 27:24-26 – Noah didn’t—Genesis 6:8,9; Hebrews 11:7 – Israel did—Exodus 32:1-3 Way of Escape #4

Choose Godly companions! –1 Corinthians 15:33,34 To be godly, surround yourself with godly people! Remember the power of leaven. –1 Corinthians 5:6; Galatians 5:9 Evil influence can rub-off on you! Way of Escape #5

Run! – 1 Corinthians 6:15-18; 2 Timothy 2:22 Flee sins of sexual immorality! Joseph fled! – Genesis 39 – Ran out of the house! – Falsely accused! – Treated unkindly! – Thrown into prison! – Lord showed him mercy! Way of Escape #6

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 to escape… –Follow the example set by Christ! –Don’t violate your conscience! –Use Scripture as Jesus did! –Take the straight and narrow route! –Seek Godly companions! –Run like Joseph did!

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