2. 1 Pet 5:8 “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.” (NKJV)

3. I. Why Do We Yield ? 1. Follow at a distance “But Peter followed Him at a distance to the high priest's courtyard. And he went in and sat with the servants to see the end.” Matt. 26:58 NKJV

4. 2. Get in the Wrong Crowd Judas was in the crowd that plotted to kill Jesus Matt. 26:47 John 18:3 Mk.14:43 Unhealthy spiritual environment Bad company ruins good morals. 1 Cor. 15:33 ESV

5. 3. Over Confidence Matt. 26:31-35 Peter bragged “Even if I have to die with You, I will not deny You!“ Mt. 26:35 “Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall.” 1 Cor. 10:12 NKJV

6. II. Any good from Temptation ? File that rubs off the rust of our over-confidence Endured temptations:  Prove  Mature  Bless

7. Temptations do not make a man weak, they just show what he IS ! What we are comes to light when we are free to do as we like.

8. “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.” James 1:12 Happy

9. III. How to Overcome Temptations 1. Be aware of temptations Peter was self-confident Jesus was tempted - Mt. 4 1 Pet. 4:12 ESV “beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you...”

10. 2. Remember Job James 5:11 3. Resist the Devil James 4:7 “Resist the devil, and he will flee from you” Do not give in to the temptation

11. “No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.” 1 Cor. 10:13 ESV

12. 4. Draw Near to God James 4:8 “Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you.” 5. Arm Yourself Eph. 6:11 “Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.”

19. 6. Pray to God Matt. 6:13 “and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.” Matt. 26:41 ESV “Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation.”

20. They do not make us weak They show what we are Enduring temptations make us ready to enter heaven

21. We are At War ! We can Win !!!  Resist the Devil  Draw near to God

24. Sermon by Arthur Pigman Evans Church of Christ 515 Gibbs Road Evans, Ga. 30809 706-855-1249evanscoc@bellsouth.netwww.evansgachurchofchrist.org Sunday Evening November 1, 2009