1 John 17:17 “Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth”

2 Purpose DefineInstructEncourage

3 Attitude: 1. Manner, disposition, feeling, position, etc., with regard to a person or thing; tendency or orientation, esp. of the mind: a negative attitude; group attitudes. 2. Position or posture of the body appropriate to or expressive of an action, emotion, etc.: a threatening attitude; a relaxed attitude. Source: Dictionary.com “Attitude” Defined

4 What should our attitude be toward TEMPTATION?

5 Introduction Temptation – Two-fold meaning: – That which tests or tries or proves a person. – That which induces or entices a person to sin. Scriptures use both senses: – To test or try: Gen. 22:1; Jas. 1:2-3 – That which entices to sin: Jas. 1:12-14; Matt. 6:13

6 To Test or Try “And it came to pass after these things, that God did tempt Abraham, and said unto him, Abraham: and he said, Behold, here I am” (Gen. 22:1). “My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; 3 Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience” (Jas. 1:2-3).

7 To Entice to Sin “Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him. 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: 14 But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed” (Jas. 1:12-14). “And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil…” (Matt. 6:13)

8 What We Will Discuss! The Right Attitude Toward the Source of Temptation! Not To Be Dismayed When Tempted! Victory Over Temptation is Possible! The Blessings of Temptation!

9 Right Attitude Toward the Source!

10 Right Attitude Toward Source Temptation is Not From God – Jas. 1:13 –God tries but does not induce His children to sin! Abraham – Gen. 22:1 Uses His power to save us – Rom. 1:16 Two Sources of Temptation: –From WITHIN: Jas. 1:14 –From WITHOUT: By sinful people – Prov. 1:10 The Old Tempter – Matt. 4:1 Not a Sin to be Tempted! –Jesus Tempted Matt. 4:1-11; Heb. 2:18; 4:15; 1 Pet. 2:22 Yielding to Temptation is Sinful! –Jas. 1:13-15

11 Do Not Be Dismayed When It Comes

12 Do Not Be Dismayed We are not exempt from temptation: –Not by Character! Jesus - Matt. 3:16-4:1 –Not by Sonship or Citizenship! Jesus tempted after Father acknowledged Him! –Matt. 3:17-4:11; Phil. 3:20 –Not By Solitude! Jesus tempted when alone in the wilderness! –Matt. 4:1-2

13 Do Not Be Dismayed Christians in a world of sin can experience concentrated temptations! –Lk. 8:13 Devil is trying to upset God’s will and take His Children! – 1 Pet. 5:8 Temptation does not end at conversion! –May by increased! Jas. 1:2-3; 1 Pet. 1:6

14 Do Not Be Dismayed There are three avenues of temptation: –Lust of the FLESH –Lust of the EYE –PRIDE of life 1 Jn. 2:15-17

15 1 John 2:15-17 “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. 17 And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.”

16 Do Not Be Dismayed There are three avenues of temptation: –Lust of the FLESH –Lust of the EYE –PRIDE of life Eve tempted this way – Gen. 3:1-6 Jesus tempted this way – Matt. 4:1-11 We are tempted this way! 1 Jn. 2:15-17

17 Victory Over Temptation is Possible!

18 Victory Is Possible! God’s People can Escape! –He provides the way: 1 Cor. 10:12-13; 2 Pet. 2:9 What is the way? –By being prepared for it – Ps. 119:11 –By watching & praying - Matt. 26:41; 6:13 –By a strong purpose – Dan. 1:8; Phil. 1:17 –By fleeing it – 1 Cor. 10:14; 6:18; 2 Tim. 2:22 Joseph - Gen. 39:12 –By resisting it – Jas. 4:7 Saying “NO”! –By discernment – Heb. 5:12-14; Phil. 1:10-11 Ability to recognize it!

19 The Blessings of Temptation!

20 The Blessings of Temptation A blessing if we overcome it! –A curse if we yield to it! STRENGTH –Increases our fortitude & courage! Strength turns to victory – Jas. 1:2-3 EXALTATION –Joseph exalted after victory! Gen. 39:9-13; 41:33-44 –Jesus exalted by the Father AFTER His death! Acts 2:33; 5:31; Phil. 2:9-11

21 1 Peter 5:6 “Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time.”

22 Conclusion! Must Have the Right Attitude Toward the Source of Temptation! Must Not To Be Dismayed When Tempted! Realize Victory Over Temptation is Possible! Know the Blessings of Temptation!

23 “What Shall We Do?” Acts 2:37 An alien sinner must… –Hear the Gospel - Romans 10:17 –Believe - Romans 10:10 –Repent – Acts 17:30 –Confess Christ - Acts 8:37 –Be Baptized in water - Acts 2:38 An erring Child of God must… –Repent and Pray - Acts 8:22