Lesson #19
· A product that isn’t tried can’t be sold with confidence that it will perform its designed functions. Temptations can be useful For your Spiritual Development.
· Having Temptation is not a Sin. An increase in temptations is a sign that God has really done something in your life.
· Since verse 13 in the following says that God does not tempt us, what good is temptation; since God already know us better than we know ourselves?
James 1:1-14
James, a bondservant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, To the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad: Greetings. 2 My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, 3 knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. 4 But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing. 5 If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him. 6 But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind. 7 For let not that man suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; 8 he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways. 9 Let the lowly brother glory in his exaltation, 10 but the rich in his humiliation, because as a flower of the field he will pass away. 11 For no sooner has the sun risen with a burning heat than it withers the grass; its flower falls, and its beautiful appearance perishes. So the rich man also will fade away in his pursuits. 12 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. 13 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. 14 But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed.
· You can allow yourself to be tempted by being drawn away after your own lusts; but God cannot be tempted and He doesn’t tempt anyone; yet He may lead us into temptation, or allow the enemy Satan to tempt us. The good thing about any temptation allowed by the Lord is He is always there controlling and limiting it and helping us master it.
Matthew 4:1
Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil.
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.
You are in spiritual battle.
· Before you became a Christian, you served Satan. He is an angelic ruler cast out of heaven because of rebellion. His purpose is to entice people away from God and to attack the work of God.
· He does this by appealing to the cravings of our sinful nature.
Luke 10:17-18 Then the seventy returned with joy, saying, "Lord, even the demons are subject to us in Your name." 18 And He said to them, "I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven.
Ephesians 6:12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.
Matthew 4:3 Now when the tempter came to Him, he said, "If You are the Son of God, command that these stones become bread."
Ephesians 2:1-3 And you He made alive, who were dead in trespasses and sins, 2 in which you once walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit who now works in the sons of disobedience, 3 among whom also we all once conducted ourselves in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, just as the others.
· The sinful nature [the flesh] is that part that is within you that does not and cannot respond to the Holy Spirit.
Galatians 5:17 For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary to one another, so that you do not do the things that you wish.
James 1:14 But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed.
· That old sin nature cannot be reformed or changed; it can only be crucified through the Cross of Jesus.
Galatians 5:24 And those who are Christ's have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.
Romans 6:11 Likewise you also, reckon yourselves to be dead indeed to sin, but alive to God in Christ Jesus our Lord.
· There are temptations to do what you know to be wrong. There are temptations not to do what you know to be good and right.
Matthew 16:21-23 From that time Jesus began to show to His disciples that He must go to Jerusalem, and suffer many things from the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised the third day. 22 Then Peter took Him aside and began to rebuke Him, saying, "Far be it from You, Lord; this shall not happen to You!" 23 But He turned and said to Peter, "Get behind Me, Satan! You are an offense to Me, for you are not mindful of the things of God, but the things of men."
Genesis 39:7 And it came to pass after these things that his master's wife cast longing eyes on Joseph, and she said, "Lie with me."
· Have a good and healthy attitude and a clear understanding about temptation. Don’t resent trials and temptations. Realize that temptations, though they come from Satan is one of the “all things” that will work for our good. You should consider it pure joy.
Romans 8:28 And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.
James 1:2 My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials,
· Trials and temptations bring about the “time of need” that makes us call on God for his grace. There is nothing like temptations to teach us how weak we are and how strong God is.
Hebrews 4:16
Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.
Matthew 26:41 Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak."
1 Corinthians 10:12 Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall.
To think you can stand under you own power is foolish. Do not go looking to pick fights with the Occult. To be proud, careless, or cocky of oneself precedes a great fall. The devil is called the deceiver and knows all the tricks of the trade. If a demon presents itself while you are ministering of course you can cast out devils, but don‘t go looking for a fight.
· Do not get involved a study about spiritism, witchcraft, fortune telling, horoscopes, and Ouija boards. You don’t want or need to just learn about them, they are satanic and not territory to venture into. Don’t roll in the mud or eat out of a garbage can.
Revelation 2:24 Now to you I say, and to the rest in Thyatira, as many as do not have this doctrine, who have not known the depths of Satan, as they say, I will put on you no other burden.
· Don’t play with temptation because you think you are strong or everyone else is doing it so to be one of the gang I must do it also – after all I don’t want to be “more holier than thou!”
· Don’t think or get into conversations that are designed to gratify the sinful nature such as Pornographic movies & magazines.
· Flirting, and a manner of dress that emphases your physical anatomy that would cause the opposite sex to desire you must be avoided.
Romans 13:14 But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to fulfill its lusts.
Matthew 5:27-30 "You have heard that it was said to those of old, 'You shall not commit adultery.' 28But I say to you that whoever looks at a woman to lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart. 29If your right eye causes you to sin, pluck it out and cast it from you; for it is more profitable for you that one of your members perish, than for your whole body to be cast into hell. 30And if your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off and cast it from you; for it is more profitable for you that one of your members perish, than for your whole body to be cast into hell.
· Resisting is the way you deal with most temptations, “resist the devil and he will flee” But first you must submit yourself to God -- place yourself afresh in God controls. That puts you on God’ side and he will fight for you.
James 4:6-7 But He gives more grace. Therefore He says: "God resists the proud, But gives grace to the humble." 7 Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.
Another way you resist temptations is to run for your life.
· You may be tempted with sexual immorality or with Idolatry, or the love of money and evil desires of youth, do not run with that crowd. Some TV programs are a good example.
1 Corinthians 6:18 Flee sexual immorality. Every sin that a man does is outside the body, but he who commits sexual immorality sins against his own body.
Genesis 39:11-12 But it happened about this time, when Joseph went into the house to do his work, and none of the men of the house was inside, 12 that she caught him by his garment, saying, "Lie with me." But he left his garment in her hand, and fled and ran outside.
1 Corinthians 10:14 Therefore, my beloved, flee from idolatry.
1 Timothy 6:10-11 For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. 11 But you, O man of God, flee these things and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, gentleness.
2 Timothy 2:22 Flee also youthful lusts; but pursue righteousness, faith, love, peace with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.
Romans 13:13 Let us walk properly, as in the day, not in revelry and drunkenness, not in lewdness and lust, not in strife and envy.
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.
· A product that isn’t tried can’t be sold with confidence that it will perform its designed functions. Temptations can be useful For your Spiritual Development.
· Having Temptation is not a Sin. An increase in temptations is a sign that God has really done something in your life.
· Since verse 13 in the following says that God does not tempt us, what good is temptation; since God already know us better than we know ourselves?
James 1:1-14
James, a bondservant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, To the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad: Greetings. 2 My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, 3 knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. 4 But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing. 5 If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him. 6 But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind. 7 For let not that man suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; 8 he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways. 9 Let the lowly brother glory in his exaltation, 10 but the rich in his humiliation, because as a flower of the field he will pass away. 11 For no sooner has the sun risen with a burning heat than it withers the grass; its flower falls, and its beautiful appearance perishes. So the rich man also will fade away in his pursuits. 12 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. 13 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. 14 But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed.
· You can allow yourself to be tempted by being drawn away after your own lusts; but God cannot be tempted and He doesn’t tempt anyone; yet He may lead us into temptation, or allow the enemy Satan to tempt us. The good thing about any temptation allowed by the Lord is He is always there controlling and limiting it and helping us master it.
Matthew 4:1
Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil.
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.
You are in spiritual battle.
· Before you became a Christian, you served Satan. He is an angelic ruler cast out of heaven because of rebellion. His purpose is to entice people away from God and to attack the work of God.
· He does this by appealing to the cravings of our sinful nature.
Luke 10:17-18 Then the seventy returned with joy, saying, "Lord, even the demons are subject to us in Your name." 18 And He said to them, "I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven.
Ephesians 6:12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.
Matthew 4:3 Now when the tempter came to Him, he said, "If You are the Son of God, command that these stones become bread."
Ephesians 2:1-3 And you He made alive, who were dead in trespasses and sins, 2 in which you once walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit who now works in the sons of disobedience, 3 among whom also we all once conducted ourselves in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, just as the others.
· The sinful nature [the flesh] is that part that is within you that does not and cannot respond to the Holy Spirit.
Galatians 5:17 For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary to one another, so that you do not do the things that you wish.
James 1:14 But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed.
· That old sin nature cannot be reformed or changed; it can only be crucified through the Cross of Jesus.
Galatians 5:24 And those who are Christ's have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.
Romans 6:11 Likewise you also, reckon yourselves to be dead indeed to sin, but alive to God in Christ Jesus our Lord.
· There are temptations to do what you know to be wrong. There are temptations not to do what you know to be good and right.
Matthew 16:21-23 From that time Jesus began to show to His disciples that He must go to Jerusalem, and suffer many things from the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised the third day. 22 Then Peter took Him aside and began to rebuke Him, saying, "Far be it from You, Lord; this shall not happen to You!" 23 But He turned and said to Peter, "Get behind Me, Satan! You are an offense to Me, for you are not mindful of the things of God, but the things of men."
Genesis 39:7 And it came to pass after these things that his master's wife cast longing eyes on Joseph, and she said, "Lie with me."
· Have a good and healthy attitude and a clear understanding about temptation. Don’t resent trials and temptations. Realize that temptations, though they come from Satan is one of the “all things” that will work for our good. You should consider it pure joy.
Romans 8:28 And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.
James 1:2 My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials,
· Trials and temptations bring about the “time of need” that makes us call on God for his grace. There is nothing like temptations to teach us how weak we are and how strong God is.
Hebrews 4:16
Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.
Matthew 26:41 Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak."
1 Corinthians 10:12 Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall.
To think you can stand under you own power is foolish. Do not go looking to pick fights with the Occult. To be proud, careless, or cocky of oneself precedes a great fall. The devil is called the deceiver and knows all the tricks of the trade. If a demon presents itself while you are ministering of course you can cast out devils, but don‘t go looking for a fight.
· Do not get involved a study about spiritism, witchcraft, fortune telling, horoscopes, and Ouija boards. You don’t want or need to just learn about them, they are satanic and not territory to venture into. Don’t roll in the mud or eat out of a garbage can.
Revelation 2:24 Now to you I say, and to the rest in Thyatira, as many as do not have this doctrine, who have not known the depths of Satan, as they say, I will put on you no other burden.
· Don’t play with temptation because you think you are strong or everyone else is doing it so to be one of the gang I must do it also – after all I don’t want to be “more holier than thou!”
· Don’t think or get into conversations that are designed to gratify the sinful nature such as Pornographic movies & magazines.
· Flirting, and a manner of dress that emphases your physical anatomy that would cause the opposite sex to desire you must be avoided.
Romans 13:14 But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to fulfill its lusts.
Matthew 5:27-30 "You have heard that it was said to those of old, 'You shall not commit adultery.' 28But I say to you that whoever looks at a woman to lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart. 29If your right eye causes you to sin, pluck it out and cast it from you; for it is more profitable for you that one of your members perish, than for your whole body to be cast into hell. 30And if your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off and cast it from you; for it is more profitable for you that one of your members perish, than for your whole body to be cast into hell.
· Resisting is the way you deal with most temptations, “resist the devil and he will flee” But first you must submit yourself to God -- place yourself afresh in God controls. That puts you on God’ side and he will fight for you.
James 4:6-7 But He gives more grace. Therefore He says: "God resists the proud, But gives grace to the humble." 7 Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.
Another way you resist temptations is to run for your life.
· You may be tempted with sexual immorality or with Idolatry, or the love of money and evil desires of youth, do not run with that crowd. Some TV programs are a good example.
1 Corinthians 6:18 Flee sexual immorality. Every sin that a man does is outside the body, but he who commits sexual immorality sins against his own body.
Genesis 39:11-12 But it happened about this time, when Joseph went into the house to do his work, and none of the men of the house was inside, 12 that she caught him by his garment, saying, "Lie with me." But he left his garment in her hand, and fled and ran outside.
1 Corinthians 10:14 Therefore, my beloved, flee from idolatry.
1 Timothy 6:10-11 For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. 11 But you, O man of God, flee these things and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, gentleness.
2 Timothy 2:22 Flee also youthful lusts; but pursue righteousness, faith, love, peace with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.
Romans 13:13 Let us walk properly, as in the day, not in revelry and drunkenness, not in lewdness and lust, not in strife and envy.
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.
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