Steps for Surviving Temptation

Steps for Surviving Temptation 
1 Corinthians 10:13

When it comes to temptation, our culture offers little motivation to resist it. Giving in to temptation is much easier than resisting temptation.

Everyone, including Jesus, has faced temptation. And everyone, except Jesus, has yielded to it.  

What is Temptation?

• A sinful desire which is highly attractive in the short run, but destructive in the long run.
• Temptation is the devil trying to get you to fulfill a natural God-given desire in the wrong way.
• Temptation is the invitation to live independently of God.

Lies about Temptation

1) Temptation is a __________.

Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am being tempted by God,” for God cannot be tempted with evil, and he himself tempts no one. But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death. (James 1:13-15, ESV)

2) Temptation is __________ when you become a Christ-follower.

Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. (James 4:7-8, ESV)

3) Only __________ can overcome temptation.

For because he himself has suffered when tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted. (Hebrews 2:18, ESV)

Truths about Temptation

1. Temptation is subtle; what it offers may seem harmless at first glance.
2. Temptation often hits hardest in our areas of ___________.
3. Temptation is something that is always with you. You will have to face it every day.
4. After salvation, you will face more temptation than when you were lost.
5. ____________ is everywhere; expect temptation.

Levels of Temptation

Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride of life—is not from the Father but is from the world. (1 John 2:15-16, ESV)

• Desires of the flesh – The lust for ____________.
• Desires of the eyes - The lust for ____________.
• Pride of life – The lust for ____________.

“It is not the temptations you have, but the decision you make about them that counts.” (Billy Graham)

Steps for Surviving Temptation

No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it. (1 Corinthians 10:13, ESV)

1) ____________ Temptation (1 Corinthians 10:13a)

No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man.

• Temptation is a ____________ reality.
• Temptation is a ____________ reality.

“No one is immune to temptation. Not even a hero. Not even a nobody. Not even people like you and me. Lust is never very far away. And just when you least expect it, there it is again.” (Charles Swindoll)

2) ____________ Temptation (1 Corinthians 10:13b)

God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability,

• God ____________ at the situation.
• God ____________ the severity.

“Pray constantly for His enabling grace to say no to temptation, choosing to take all practical steps to avoid known areas of temptation and flee from those that surprise us.” (Jerry Bridges)

3) ____________ Temptation (1 Corinthians 10:13c)

but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.

• ____________ on the situation and way of escape.
• ____________ the presence of temptation.

“Recognize temptation for what it is, and then reject it – immediately and without compromise.” (Billy Graham)

Practical Steps to Surviving Temptation

1. Create a safe ____________ around your life.
2. Establish _______________ for the areas where you are most tempted to sin.
3. Do not put yourself in a situation or relationship where you can fall.
4. ____________ the desire to give into the temptations of sexual sins, addictions, and the love of money.
5. Recognize the people and situations that give you ____________ and pray for God’s help.
6. In times of weakness, remember the word ___________. Don’t let yourself become too hungry, angry, lonely, or tired.
7. Follow the example of Jesus. Turn to God’s Word and prayer.
8. Seek friends who love God and can offer help when you are tempted.
9. ____________ your media viewing time and ____________ access to questionable media.
10. Put on the armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.

Closing Thought

“Often it appears that we are losing our battle against temptation and sin. But Christ has won the war for us. He has given us resources to overcome the Tempter − the indwelling Spirit of God, the inspired Word of God and the interceding Son of God.” (Warren Wiersbe)

Making It Personal:

• Have you established a safe zone around your life? Think about the areas where you are most tempted. What boundaries do you need to put in place to help you not sin?
• How have you been tempted this past week? How did you respond? Has your thought life been pure? What are you wrestling with in your thought life?
• In the last few weeks, have you allowed yourself to be in the wrong place or with the wrong people who tempt you to do things you should avoid? What changes do you need to make?
• When are you most likely to experience temptation? Where? Why? What triggers it? What comes before? What should you change to lessen the temptation in your life?
• What questionable movies, streaming shows, internet images or videos are you watching on your phone, iPad, or TV? Will it pass the Philippians 4:8 test?