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Introduction

A. From Eve to Christ to us, temptation is a universal problem.

B. Temptation is common to man…, (1 Corinthians 10:13.)

C. Temptation falls into the three categories of lust of the flesh, lust of the eye, and the pride of life, 1 John 2:15

D. Both Eve and Jesus were exposed to all three temptations at once. BUT, TEMPTATION IS NOT SIN! It is the avenue to sin. You can win the battle over temptation by following several simple rules:

1. Use the power of the word of God

A. Matthew 4 – In all three temptations, Jesus responded, “…It is written…”

B. Psalms 119:11 “Thy word have I hid in my heart, that I might not sin against thee.”

C. Strength requires that you get in the Word, and get the Word in you.

D. If knowledge is power, then knowledge of the Word gives us power to live above sin.

2. Don’t over-estimate your own strength

A. Psalms. 103:14 “…remembereth that we are dust.”

B. James 1:12-15 READ CAREFULLY!

I. God does not tempt us!

II. “Drawn away of his own lust…”

III. Lust must be conceived (entertained) in order to become sin.

C. Ephesians 6:12 “For we wrestle not…” MORTALITY IS NO MATCH FOR IMMORTALITY!

D. Man is a three-part being (Physical, spiritual, emotional) and THE MAJORITY RULES!

E. No matter how spiritual you are, if your body and your emotions gang up on your spirit you will fall into sin. The Bible is full of examples. (David, Elijah, etc.)

3. Don’t put yourself in a compromising situation

A. Most people who fall into sin do so because they allowed themselves to get into a situation conducive to sin.

B. Consider David on the rooftop leering at Bathsheba.

C. Consider Samson sleeping with his head in Delilah’s lap.

D. Consider Peter warming his hands by the sinner’s fire.

E. You MUST exercise control over this!

F. If you don’t want to commit adultery, then avoid that business lunch with your secretary.

G. If you don’t want to commit fornication, stay away from the lover’s lanes.

H. If you don’t want to drink, stay away from people and places where they do.

I. If you don’t want to smoke, throw away your cigarettes and avoid smokers.

J. If you don’t want to lust, throw away that Playboy magazine under your mattress and avoid the R and X-rated movies.

K. If you don’t want to gossip, don’t allow your conversation to degenerate.

IV. “Run like crazy”

A. This is more than just home-spun humor, it is godly wisdom.

B. Gen. 39:7-12 Joseph was wise enough to run when Potiphar’s wife invited him into her bed. STRONG IS THE MAN WHO RECOGNIZES HIS OWN WEAKNESS!

C. Matthew 3:7 “…flee from wrath…”

D. 1 Corinthians 6:18 “…flee fornication…”

E. 1 Corinthians 10:14 “…flee from idolatry…”

F. 2 Timothy. 2:22 “…flee also youthful lusts..”

G. We can flee to the rock Christ Jesus.

V. Invitation

Perhaps you have succumbed to Satan’s temptation. Jesus stands ready to forgive. Furthermore, He will give you strength to rise above future temptations.