Every temptation is an opportunity to do good!
Temptation is only a choice: While temptation is Satan's primary weapon to destroy you, God wants to use it to develop you! (See the book of Job) God also allows Satan to tempt in order to test us (Job 1&2)
First Recognize how temptation works:
1. Satan identifies a desire inside of you; it always starts in your mind (James 4.1 & Mark 7.21-23
2. Second is doubt; Satan tries to get you to doubt what God has said about sin: is it really wrong, doesn't God want me to be happy, etc. (Hebrews 3.12)
3. Thrid is deception; Satan cannot tell the truth, or he will only tell the half truth, in fact he is called the "Father of Lies" (John 8.44)
4. Last comes the disobedience; this is when we begin to act out the actual thought. (James 1.14-16)
Second Overcome the temptation:
1. Refuse to be intimidated.
You will NEVER outgrow temptation; temptation is a sign that Satan hates you, not because you are weak. Carefully read I Corinthians 10.13... and note Paul says "when you are tempted..." NOT if.
2. Recognize you pattern of temptation and be prepared for it.
Recognize when, what, and where you are most vulnerable to give into temptation.... Satan most definitely knows them! (I Peter 5.8)
3. Request God's help
If God is waiting to help us defeat temptation, why don't we call Him more often? He says this, "Call on me in the time of trouble. I will rescue you, and you will honor me." (Psalm 50.15)
Jesus understands... after all He was also tempted by the devil (Hebrews 4.15)
And remember, temptation keeps us dependant on God. Temptation only becomes a sin when you give into it!
Thanks to Rick Warren for sharing this in his book, "The Purpose Driven Life"
For His Purpose,
Neia
Temptation is only a choice: While temptation is Satan's primary weapon to destroy you, God wants to use it to develop you! (See the book of Job) God also allows Satan to tempt in order to test us (Job 1&2)
First Recognize how temptation works:
1. Satan identifies a desire inside of you; it always starts in your mind (James 4.1 & Mark 7.21-23
2. Second is doubt; Satan tries to get you to doubt what God has said about sin: is it really wrong, doesn't God want me to be happy, etc. (Hebrews 3.12)
3. Thrid is deception; Satan cannot tell the truth, or he will only tell the half truth, in fact he is called the "Father of Lies" (John 8.44)
4. Last comes the disobedience; this is when we begin to act out the actual thought. (James 1.14-16)
Second Overcome the temptation:
1. Refuse to be intimidated.
You will NEVER outgrow temptation; temptation is a sign that Satan hates you, not because you are weak. Carefully read I Corinthians 10.13... and note Paul says "when you are tempted..." NOT if.
2. Recognize you pattern of temptation and be prepared for it.
Recognize when, what, and where you are most vulnerable to give into temptation.... Satan most definitely knows them! (I Peter 5.8)
3. Request God's help
If God is waiting to help us defeat temptation, why don't we call Him more often? He says this, "Call on me in the time of trouble. I will rescue you, and you will honor me." (Psalm 50.15)
Jesus understands... after all He was also tempted by the devil (Hebrews 4.15)
And remember, temptation keeps us dependant on God. Temptation only becomes a sin when you give into it!
Thanks to Rick Warren for sharing this in his book, "The Purpose Driven Life"
For His Purpose,
Neia