1. How a Christian should deal with temptation

2. Temptation It is the enticing or inducement to yield to the lust of the flesh, eyes, and pride. The Christian's greatest danger is succumbing to temptation. Remember the song that we sing: "Yield Not To Temptation, For Yielding Is Sin". Not a sin to be tempted, but to give in to temptation is sin.

3. Temptation After one becomes a Christian he/she has the same desires and temptations facing him/her that he/she had before. There will always be some form of temptation that every Christian must deal with. It is a trial or testing of one's faith and loyalty to God. One that we must face on a regular basis.

4. SOURCE OF TEMPTATIONS TO DO EVIL Certainly not from God God does not tempt anyone to sin James 1:13 God tries or proves His children but does not induce them to do evil. Gen. 22:1,2. God does permit us to be tempted but not beyond our capability to overcome. 1 Cor. 10:12,13.

5. SOURCE OF TEMPTATIONS TO DO EVIL From Satan He has many devices to tempt us, But we are the ones to blame when we yield to temptation. Adam and Eve had a choice, and they made the wrong choice. So also does everyone who sins. Satan only has the power we allow him to have.

6. TEMPTATIONS ARE SURE TO COME. By no circumstances, environment, or conditions are we exempt. Not by character or spiritual power because we can overcome if we want to. Even Jesus was tempted, and Satan should have known better.

7. BENEFITS OF TEMPTATIONS. How could there possibly be a benefit? To be tempted is not to sin, but only when one yields to the temptation to sin. To man who yields it is a curse--but the man who overcomes is blessed. Jas. 1:2- 15 One who yields is made weaker--one who overcomes is made stronger.

8. BENEFITS OF TEMPTATIONS It teaches us patience. Jas. 1:2,3. It will increase our desire to go to heaven where we will be free from all temptations. Phil. 1:21-23. He shall be crowned. Jas. 1:12.

9. OVERCOMING TEMPTATIONS God's people can overcome any temptation. 1 Cor. 10:12,13. What is the way of escape? The way of escape is through preparation. Psa. 119:11. Jesus overcame because He filled His heart with the word. Mt. 4:1-11. And we can too

10. OVERCOMING TEMPTATIONS By way of prayer and watchfulness. Mt. 26:41. By way of strong purpose. Dan. 1:8; 1 Cor. 9:27. May be by way of flight. 1 Cor. 10:14; 2 Tim. 2:22 May be by way of fight. Eph. 6:10-18; 1 Tim. 6:12

11. OVERCOMING TEMPTATIONS By avoiding bad company. Psa. 1:1,2; 1 Cor. 15:33 Keep busy for the Lord--idleness is the devil's workshop Finding the way of escape is beneficial It is all a matter of want to. We must look for the escape that the Lord has provided.

12. Conclusion Are you a victim of temptation? Have you succumbed or yielded to such? The Lord has made provision for those who fall. To you that have fallen, get up (repent), confess and pray. To you that are still in the grasp of Satan and have not become children of God, then you too can overcome temptation by: Hearing God's Word. Believing in God and His Word.Repenting of your sins. Confessing with your mouth what you believe in your heart, that Jesus is the Son of God, and then be baptized by a burial in water for the remission of your sins. Then live soberly, righteously, and godly the rest of your life and heaven will be your home. Paul tells us that as Children of God we can do all things through Christ Who strengthens us. Phil. 4:13.