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Spiritual Warfare:  The World, the Flesh, the Devil & the Glory of God

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Overcoming Temptation

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Introduction



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     There are many reasons why we may find ourselves in the throes' of temptation. Temptation may strike our thoughts through our emotions, or strike our emotions through our thoughts. The sources of temptation find their way through our flesh and can come about through the acts of others, difficult circumstances, or the devil and his kingdom of darkness attempt to steal or weaken our faith through our most vulnerable areas, as well as through divers temptations. Christian spiritual warfare will involve temptations for pleasure, but also to anger, manipulation, doubt, fear, falling into discouragement, and especially pride particularly addressed to those in leadership roles. 1Ti 3:6 Not a novice, lest being lifted up with pride he fall into the condemnation of the devil.

In the book of Proverbs, 4:23, we read,

"Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life."

Joh 10:10

The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.

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Guarding Against Temptation



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1. Temptation - Guarding against temptation (1)    

Mat 26:41 Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.

Luk 8:13 They on the rock are they, which, when they hear, receive the word with joy; and these have no root, which for a while believe, and in time of temptation fall away.

Luk 22:46 And said unto them, Why sleep ye? rise and pray, lest ye enter into temptation.

Heb 3:8 Harden not your hearts, as in the provocation, in the day of temptation in the wilderness:

Jas 1:12 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.

     Since the flesh is weak and we are all vulnerable to temptation, the Word calls on us to be watchful, prayerful, and maintain a reasonable readiness for the unexpected. If the Word instructs us that it takes the power of Christ to overcome the world, the flesh, and the devil, then we know that good intentions are simply not enough. Many of us are familiar with the saying, "No good deed goes unpunished." The more we become rooted in Christ, the stronger our stand against discouragement and hardness from the adversities of life.

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God Cannot Tempt with Evil



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2. Temptation - God is never a source of temptation (1)

     Jas 1:13 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:

Jas 1:14 But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed.

Jas 1:15 Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.

Jas 1:16 Do not err, my beloved brethren.

Jas 1:17 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.

Jas 1:18 Of his own will begat he us with the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures.

Jas 1:19 Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath:

Jas 1:20 For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God.

Jas 1:21 Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls.

     How many of us, at some point in our lives, thought that God tests us with temptation, yet this idea is contrary to the Word of God. God is the author of every "good" and "perfect" gift, for the Word instructs us that God is completely Light. It is the devil that is referred to as the tempter in Matt. 4:3.

3. Overcoming Temptation - Know that God is Light (2)

1Jn 1:5 This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all.

Mat 4:16 The people which sat in darkness saw great light; and to them which sat in the region and shadow of death light is sprung up.

2Ti 1:10 But is now made manifest by the appearing of our Saviour Jesus Christ, who hath abolished death, and hath brought life and immortality to light through the gospel:

Luk 2:32 A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel.

Joh 1:4 In him was life; and the life was the light of men.

Mat 13:36 Then Jesus sent the multitude away, and went into the house: and his disciples came unto him, saying, Declare unto us the parable of the tares of the field.

Mat 13:37 He answered and said unto them, He that soweth the good seed is the Son of man;

Mat 13:38 The field is the world; the good seed are the children of the kingdom; but the tares are the children of the wicked one;

     We are truly blessed as Christians to have the light of God, through Christ, abiding within us, for its the light that dispels the darkness, in which the Holy Spirit illuminates our minds and hearts with the love of God. Remember that the devil doesn't just try to tempt us to willfully sin, but he often strikes at our weaknesses hoping to discourage our faith. Fortifying ourselves with Scripture that focuses on the light and goodness of God will strengthen us in times of pressure. The Lord sows the good seed through His Word and gift of Holy Spirit.  

The Word: Now the parable is this: The seed is the word of God (Lu. 8:11).

The Holy Spirit: Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever (1Pe 1:23).

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Jesus Came to Destroy Devil's Works



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4. Overcoming Temptation - The Purpose of the Lord Jesus Christ (1)

Jesus Christ came to destroy the works of the devil

Heb 2:14 Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil;

2Ti 2:26 And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will.

1 Jn 3:8 " . . .For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil.

Act 26:18 To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me.

Luk 4:18 The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised,

Luk 4:21 And he began to say unto them, This day is this scripture fulfilled in your ears.

 The Word is very clear about the purpose of Jesus Christ. The Lord came to destroy the destroyer, not to employ the devil so that God's people can become more spiritual, but to deliver us from all of the power and evil works of the devil.

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The Many Hats of Satan & His Kingdom



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5. Overcoming Temptation - The Tempter described (1)

The many hats of the devil & his kingdom of darkness

Luk 4:5 And the devil, taking him [Jesus] up into an high mountain, shewed unto him all the kingdoms of the world in a moment of time.

Luk 4:6 And the devil said unto him, All this power will I give thee, and the glory of them: for that is delivered unto me; and to whomsoever I will I give it.

Luk 4:7 If thou therefore wilt worship me, all shall be thine. 1Pe 5:8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:

2Co 11:3 But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ.

Act 13:10 And said, O full of all subtilty and all mischief, thou child of the devil, thou enemy of all righteousness, wilt thou not cease to pervert the right ways of the Lord?

Gen 3:1 Now the serpent was more subtil than any beast of the field which the LORD God had made. And he said unto the woman, Yea, hath God said, Ye shall not eat of every tree of the garden?  

The adversary wears many hats. He has power in the world, and when profitable to his kingdom of darkness, he can reward his followers, or those who worship him with powerful positions. He can be subtle and chip away at the Truth to cause doubt through deception. On the other hand, he is as a roaring lion, seeking to intimidate and devour his victims. He is full of mischief and perversion.

6. Overcoming Temptation - The Tempter described (2)

The many hats of the devil & his kingdom of darkness con't . .

. Rev 12:9 And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him.

Joh 8:44 Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it.

Rev 12:12 Therefore rejoice, ye heavens, and ye that dwell in them. Woe to the inhabiters of the earth and of the sea! for the devil is come down unto you, having great wrath, because he knoweth that he hath but a short time.

Rev 2:13 I know thy works, and where thou dwelleth, even where Satan's seat is: and thou holdest fast my name, and hast not denied my faith, even in those days wherein Antipas was my faithful martyr, who was slain among you, where Satan dwelleth.

1Th 2:18 Wherefore we would have come unto you, even I Paul, once and again; but Satan hindered us.

1Ch 21:1 And Satan stood up against Israel, and provoked David to number Israel.

     The devil is often referred to as the deceiver of the whole world, a hater of truth and all that is genuinely good, a murderer, a hinderer, and a provoker of sin. The Bible tells us that as we near toward the end of this age, the wrath of the devil will be great because he knows he is running out of time, and that his kingdom and power on the earth will soon end.

With the help of the Holy Spirit and God's Word, we need to continue to learn to recognize and avoid his pitfalls.

7. Overcoming Temptation - The Tempter described (3)

The many hats of the devil & his kingdom of darkness con't . . .

Luk 9:42 And as he was yet a coming, the devil threw him down, and tare him. And Jesus rebuked the unclean spirit, and healed the child, and delivered him again to his father.

Luk 22:31 And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat:

Luk 22:32 But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not .

2Co 11:13 For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ.

2Co 11:14 And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light.

2Th 2:9 Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders.

Joh 10:10 The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.

2Co 12:7 And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure.

     Satan is always depicted as the behind the scenes source of humanity's misery, as well as those who follow his evil ways. His mischievousness is not always made apparent, since he also operates under a guise of light. Power is never a sure sign of God's hand in a situation.

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Taking a Stand



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8. Overcoming Temptation - Taking a stand (1)

Mat 24:43 But know this, that if the goodman of the house had known in what watch the thief would come, he would have watched, and would not have suffered his house to be broken up.

Luk 8:12 Those by the way side are they that hear; then cometh the devil, and taketh away the word out of their hearts, lest they should believe and be saved.

1Pe 5:8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:

Eph 4:27 Neither give place to the devil.

Jas 4:7 Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.

Eph 6:11 Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.

2Co 6:7 By the word of truth, by the power of God, by the armour of righteousness on the right hand and on the left,

Eph 6:13 Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.

Rom 13:12 The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light.  

     Since as human beings, we are also dealing with the infirmities of the flesh, in which the stresses and the negativities that are also a part of this life can wear us down and make us more susceptible to the wiles of the devil. In these times, we can remind ourselves that as we entertain the suggestions of the other side, we entertain a thief, a liar and a murderer, and knowing this, we can find the encouragement and direction that we need to stay on track.

10. Overcoming Temptation - Taking a stand (2)

God is Faithful

1Th 5:21 Prove all things; hold fast that which is good.

1Th 5:22 Abstain from all appearance of evil.

1Th 5:24 Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it.

1Co 10:13 There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.

Rom 12:2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

1Th 5:23 And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.  It is good to be cautious in that we don't harden our hearts through doubt and give in to temptation, for the Lord is faithful and will preserve us.

11. Overcoming Temptation - Taking a stand (3)

The Promises of God

Rev 3:10 Because thou hast kept the word of my patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth.

Rev 3:11 Behold, I come quickly: hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown.

Rev 3:12 Him that overcometh will I make a pillar in the temple of my God, and he shall go no more out: and I will write upon him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, which is new Jerusalem, which cometh down out of heaven from my God: and I will write upon him my new name.

Rev 3:13 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.

Jas 1:12 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.  

Jas 1:16 Do not err, my beloved brethren.

Jas 1:17 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.

     Not only does the Lord provide supernatural strength to us in the present, but He also promises great rewards to the faithful in Christ. Salvation is a gift to every believer, but there are also great rewards awaiting those who continue to stand with the Lord against temptation.

Endure temptation - stay under, persevere, remain

Tried - approved Crown of life - badge of royalty, prize in public games, symbol of honor

12. Overcoming Temptation - Taking a stand (4)

Expect the Lord's immediate help  

Heb 2:17 Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people.

Heb 2:18 For in that he himself hath suffered being tempted, he is able to succour them that are tempted.

Heb 4:14 Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession.

Heb 4:15 For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.

Heb 4:16 Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.

 Succour - to aid or relieve: - help, succour.

hold fast - to use strength, that is, seize or retain (literally or figuratively): - hold, keep, lay hand (hold) on, obtain, retain, take (by).

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Satan's Temptation of Christ & Scripture



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13. Overcoming Temptation - The Word of God (1)

Satan's direct temptation of Christ

Mat 4:3 . . . If thou be the Son of God, command that these stones be made bread.

Mat 4:4 But he [Jesus] answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.

Mat 4:6 And [Satan] saith unto him, If thou be the Son of God, cast thyself down: for it is written, He shall give his angels charge concerning thee: and in their hands they shall bear thee up, lest at any time thou dash thy foot against a stone.

Mat 4:7 Jesus said unto him, It is written again, Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God.

Mat 4:9 And [Satan] saith unto him, All these things [all the kingdoms of the world & their glory] will I give thee, if thou wilt fall down and worship me.

Mat 4:10 Then saith Jesus unto him, Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve.

The Lord is our perfect example for upholding the Word of Truth in times of temptation.

     Vincent's Word Studies on "It is written" (γέγραπται) notes:

The perfect tense. “It has been written, and stands written.”

     The first recorded words of Jesus after this entrance upon his ministry are an assertion of the authority of scripture, and that though he had the fulness of the Spirit. When addressing man, our Lord seldom quoted scripture, but said, I say unto you. In answer to Satan he says, It is written.

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Examples of man tempting God



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15. Overcoming Temptation - incidents of man tempting God (3)

2 examples of tempting God that had dire consequences

OT

Deu 6:16 Ye shall not tempt the LORD your God, as ye tempted him in Massah.

1Co 10:9 Neither let us tempt Christ, as some of them also tempted, and were destroyed of serpents.

Num 21:5 And the people spake against God, and against Moses, Wherefore have ye brought us up out of Egypt to die in the wilderness? for there is no bread, neither is there any water; and our soul loatheth this light bread.

NT

Act 5:3 But Peter said, Ananias, why hath Satan filled thine heart to lie to the Holy Ghost, and to keep back part of the price of the land?

Act 5:4 Whiles it remained, was it not thine own? and after it was sold, was it not in thine own power? why hast thou conceived this thing in thine heart? thou hast not lied unto men, but unto God.

Act 5:5 And Ananias hearing these words fell down, and gave up the ghost: and great fear came on all them that heard these things.

Act 5:7 And it was about the space of three hours after, when his wife, not knowing what was done, came in. Act 5:8 And Peter answered unto her, tell me whether ye sold the land for so much? And she said, Yea, for so much.

Act 5:9 Then Peter said unto her, How is it that ye have agreed together to tempt the Spirit of the Lord? Behold, the feet of them which have buried thy husband are at the door, and shall carry thee out.

     In both the Old and New Testaments, the one thing both stories seem to have in common is the great witness of the faithfulness and power of God. The former witnessed a great deliverance out of the bondage of Egypt through many signs and wonders, and it is likely that the latter witnessed the great miracles wrought at the hands of the apostles in the name of Christ. After God's people asked for the Lord's forgiveness, the Lord told Moses to do the following:

Num 21:8 And the LORD said unto Moses, Make thee a fiery serpent, and set it upon a pole: and it shall come to pass, that every one that is bitten, when he looketh upon it, shall live. There is no further information on Ananias and Sapphira, except that both gave up the ghost (died) that very day. 

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Manifold Temptations



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16. Overcoming Temptation - Manifold temptations (1)

Faith in adversity

1Pe 1:3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,

1Pe 1:4 To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you,

1Pe 1:5 Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.

1Pe 1:6 Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations:

1Pe 1:7 That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ:

1Pe 1:8 Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory:

1Pe 1:9 Receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls.

In heaviness - put to grief or sorrowful

Manifold temptations - diversity of trials or adversity

Season - now for a little while

17. Overcoming Temptation - Manifold temptations (2)

Jas 1:2 My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations;

Jas 1:3 Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience.

Jas 1:4 But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.

Jas 1:5 If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.

Jas 1:6 But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed.

Act 20:19 Serving the Lord with all humility of mind, and with many tears, and temptations, which befell me by the lying in wait of the Jews:

     Sometimes we are first challenged to overcome a double mind in regards to our faith in God, before we are able to receive God's bountiful supply of grace and wisdom in times of need. Upbraideth - defame, rail at, chide, taunt.

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Walk in the Spirit



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18. Overcoming Temptation - Walk in the Spirit (1)

The lust of the flesh

Gal 5:16 This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.

Gal 5:17 For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would.

Gal 5:18 But if ye be led of the Spirit, ye are not under the law.

Gal 5:19 Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness,

Gal 5:20 Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies,

Gal 5:21 "Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like . . ."

Sensual sins like fornication (porneia, prostitution, harlotry) uncleanness (akatharsia, moral impurity) lasciviousness (aselgeia, wantonness) sexual vice of all kinds prevailed in heathenism.

Idolatry (worship of idols) witchcraft (pharmakeia from pharmakon, a drug, the ministering of drugs)

Drunkenness (methai, old word and plural, drunken excesses. revellings (kōmoi, old word also for drinking parties like those in honour of Bacchus, in N.T. only here and Rom 13:13; 1Pe 4:3).

19. Overcoming Temptation - Walk in the Spirit (2)

The lust of the world

1Jn 2:15 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.

1Jn 2:16 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.

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

2Pe 1:4 Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.

Jas 4:2 Ye lust, and have not: ye kill, and desire to have, and cannot obtain: ye fight and war, yet ye have not, because ye ask not.

     When we find ourselves desiring the things of this world, and we think that there is no fulfillment without them, it is helpful to remind ourselves that the Lord said He has given us everything we need for both life and godliness.

2Pe 1:3 According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue:

20. Overcoming Temptation - Walk in the Spirit (3)

The lust of the eyes

Gen 3:1 Now the serpent was more subtil than any beast of the field which the LORD God had made. And he said unto the woman, Yea, hath God said, Ye shall not eat of every tree of the garden?

Gen 3:2 And the woman said unto the serpent, We may eat of the fruit of the trees of the garden:

Gen 3:3 But of the fruit of the tree which is in the midst of the garden, God hath said, Ye shall not eat of it, neither shall ye touch it, lest ye die.

Gen 3:4 And the serpent said unto the woman, Ye shall not surely die:

Gen 3:5 For God doth know that in the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil.

Gen 3:6 And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make one wise, she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and gave also unto her husband with her; and he did eat.

Gen 3:7 And the eyes of them both were opened, and they knew that they were naked; and they sewed fig leaves together, and made themselves aprons.

And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food — Her imagination and feelings were completely won; and the fall of Eve was soon followed by that of Adam.

     The history of every temptation, and of every sin, is the same; the outward object of attraction, the inward commotion of mind, the increase and triumph of passionate desire; ending in the degradation, slavery, and ruin of the soul (Jam 1:15; 1Jo 2:16). (JFB)

21. Overcoming Temptation - Walk in the Spirit (4)

The pride of life Examples:

Dan 4:30 The king spake, and said, Is not this great Babylon, that I have built for the house of the kingdom by the might of my power, and for the honour of my majesty?

Luk 18:11 The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican.

Luk 18:12 I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess.

Luk 12:15 And he [Jesus] said unto them, Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man's life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth.

Col 3:2 Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.

2Co 3:5 Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think any thing as of ourselves; but our sufficiency is of God;

2Co 9:8 And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work:

Rom 12:3 For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.

     How to achieve true treasures are found in the words of the Lord, "By humility and the fear of the LORD are riches, and honour, and life" (Pro 22:4).

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Enticement of sinners



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22. Overcoming Temptation - Against Crime (1)

Greedy of gain:

Pro 1:10 My son, if sinners entice thee, Consent thou not.

Pro 1:11 If they say, Come with us, Let us lay wait for blood; Let us lurk privily for the innocent without cause;

Pro 1:12 Let us swallow them up alive as Sheol, And whole, as those that go down into the pit;

Pro 1:13 We shall find all precious substance; We shall fill our houses with spoil;

Pro 1:14 Thou shalt cast thy lot among us; We will all have one purse:

Pro 1:15 My son, walk not thou in the way with them; Refrain thy foot from their path:

Pro 1:16 For their feet run to evil, And they make haste to shed blood.

Pro 1:17 For in vain is the net spread In the sight of any bird:

Pro 1:18 And these lay wait for their own blood; They lurk privily for their own lives.

     The whole context of the verses above is to follow after wisdom, for we can become ensnared by evil through the enticements of bad company from lesser to greater crimes against humanity.

As Scripture states, "guard your heart with all diligence for out of it are the issues of life." (Pro. 4:23)

    One way to guard our hearts is to be determined to "consent not" to do any harm to anyone, from the smallest to the greatest of matters. Let us make room for God to enlarge the miracle of life He placed in the heart of every believer in Christ, for His Spirit will be magnified in you.

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Don't be a Stumbling Block



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24. Overcoming Temptation - Stumbling block (1)

Rom 14:10 But why dost thou judge thy brother? or why dost thou set at nought thy brother? for we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ.

Rom 14:12 So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God.

Rom 14:13 Let us not therefore judge one another any more: but judge this rather, that no man put a stumbling block or an occasion to fall in his brother's way.

Rom 14:14 I know, and am persuaded by the Lord Jesus, that there is nothing unclean of itself: but to him that esteemeth any thing to be unclean, to him it is unclean.

Rom 14:15 But if thy brother be grieved with thy meat, now walkest thou not charitably. Destroy not him with thy meat, for whom Christ died.

Rom 14:16 Let not then your good be evil spoken of:

Condemn - G 2919 Strong's By implication - to try, punish, condemn, damn and avenge.

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Spiritual Intervention



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25. Overcoming Temptation - Spiritual Intervention (1)

Restoration

Gal 6:1 Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.

Gal 6:2 Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.

1Th 5:14 Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly, comfort the feebleminded, support the weak, be patient toward all men.

1Th 5:15 See that none render evil for evil unto any man; but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all men.

1Th 5:16 Rejoice evermore.

1Th 5:17 Pray without ceasing.

1Th 5:18 In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.

Overtaken in a fault - The verb means lit. to take before; to anticipate or forestall.

Elsewhere only Mar 14:8; 1Co 11:21. lxx, Wisd. 18:17. Not, be detected in the act by some one else before he can escape, but surprised by the fault itself; hurried into error.

Thus πρὸ has the sense of before he is aware, and ἐν is instrumental, by. For fault or trespass, see on Mat 6:14 (VWS).

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About the Rich



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26. Overcoming Temptation - Wisdom for the rich (1)

Pro 30:9: Lest I be full, and deny thee, and say, Who is the LORD? or lest I be poor, and steal, and take the name of my God in vain.

Pro 28:20 A faithful man shall abound with blessings: but he that maketh haste (to press / hurry) to be rich shall not be innocent.

1 Ti 6:9: But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition.

1 Ti 6:10: For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.

1Ti 6:17 Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy;

1Ti 6:18 That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate;

Jas 1:11 For the sun is no sooner risen with a burning heat, but it withereth the grass, and the flower thereof falleth, and the grace of the fashion of it perisheth: so also shall the rich man fade away in his ways.

Rev 3:17 Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked:

Note: Money is not evil, but the love of money is the root of all evil. Whether we have much or little, we are all called to put the Lord first,

Mat 7:24 - 25 Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock: And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock.

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Against Discouragement



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28. Overcoming Temptation - Against discouragement (2)

In times of spiritual warfare remember: the Lord edifies / Satan tears down (dissuades our confidence in God) God's encourages us:

Heb 12:3 For consider him [Jesus Christ] that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds.

Gal 6:9 And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.

2Co 4:16 For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day.

2Co 4:1 Therefore seeing we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we faint not;

Luk 18:1 And he spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint;

Mat 15:32 Then Jesus called his disciples unto him, and said, I have compassion on the multitude, because they continue with me now three days, and have nothing to eat: and I will not send them away fasting, lest they faint in the way.

As the Lord moved in compassion for the people in Mat. 15:32, so will He make provision to meet our needs today. God is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow!

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Understand the Struggle



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30. Overcoming Temptation - Against self-condemnation (4)

In times of spiritual warfare remember: the Lord edifies / Satan tears down (dissuades our confidence in God.

Another way Satan tears down is to get the believer to dwell on self-condemnation.

Rom 7:18 For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not.

Rom 7:19 For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do.

Rom 7:20 Now if I do that I would not, it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me.

Rom 7:21 I find then a law, that, when I would do good, evil is present with me.

Rom 7:22 For I delight in the law of God after the inward man:

Rom 7:23 But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members.

Rom 7:24 O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death?

Rom 7:25 I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord. So then with the mind I myself serve the law of God; but with the flesh the law of sin.

     As Christians we need to identify ourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, not with the sin nature that dwells in the flesh. We are delivered by the Spirit of God, and as we choose to follow Him in our minds and hearts, we will be transformed into His image.

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Resisting Sin / Sinners



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35. Overcoming Temptation - Resisting sin & sinners (1)

Heb 12:1 Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,

Heb 12:2 Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.

Heb 12:3 For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds.

Heb 12:4 Ye have not yet resisted unto blood, striving against sin.

2Co 10:3 For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh:

2Co 10:4 (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;)

2Co 10:5 Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;

High thing --- But “high thing” is not so much “height” as something made high, and belongs to those regions of air where the powers of darkness exalt themselves” against Christ and us.

Exalteth - Such were the high towers of Judaic self-righteousness, philosophic speculations, and rhetorical sophistries, the “knowledge” so much prized by many (opposed to “the knowledge of God”)

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God Delivers the Godly



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36. Overcoming Temptation - God delivers the godly out of temptation (1)

1Pe 5:9 Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world.

2Pe 2:4 For if God spared not the angels that sinned, but cast them down to hell, and delivered them into chains of darkness, to be reserved unto judgment;

2Pe 2:5 And spared not the old world, but saved Noah the eighth person, a preacher of righteousness, bringing in the flood upon the world of the ungodly;

2Pe 2:6 And turning the cities of Sodom and Gomorrha into ashes condemned them with an overthrow, making them an ensample unto those that after should live ungodly;

2Pe 2:7 And delivered just Lot, vexed with the filthy conversation of the wicked:

2Pe 2:8 (For that righteous man dwelling among them, in seeing and hearing, vexed his righteous soul from day to day with their unlawful deeds;)

2Pe 2:9 The Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptations, and to reserve the unjust unto the day of judgment to be punished:

1Pe 5:10 But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you.

God knows how to deliver the godly — He is at no loss for means, even when men see no escape.

Temptation - Trial

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*Verses from KJV or ASV, definitions from Strong's Heb./Gk. Dictionaries.  All sources - esword, unless otherwise stated.

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  By Magdalene

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