Podcast

Sermon Notes

Principles of Overcoming Temptation

Chances are good you never plan to wreck your life.

PROBLEM: you also don’t plan not to!

The quality of your decisions determines the quality of your life!

Either we make decisions with help of the Holy Spirit or decisions make us! Again, most of us aren’t great decision-makers! POWER OF PRE-DECIDING.

“When faced with _______________ (situation), I have pre-decided ___________ (to take this action).”

We don’t want decisions based on what feels good in the moment, but on who we want to be for the rest of our lives!

Remember when our values are clear (who God has called me to be) decisions are easier.

So have you ever given in to temptation? Did you regret it? WHY? You weren’t ready!

1 Corinthians 16:13 (Paul)

13 Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men (be mature), be strong.

Matthew 26:41 (Jesus)

41 Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.”

So why should we prepare? Be ready? Watch and pray? Because Satan Is Coming for You (steal kill and destroy)

2 Corinthians 2:9a, 11 9a

This is why I wrote…, 11 so that we would not be outwitted by Satan; for we are not ignorant of his designs.

You Are Not As Strong As You Think

1 Corinthians 10:12

Therefore let anyone who thinks that he stands take heed lest he fall.

People overestimate their ability to resist temptation. You think you can resist more than you can!

Why do we overestimate? Resisting temptation takes tons of energy! Part of your brain that controls willpower wears out! We focus on resisting one area – fall short in another area!

Satan is coming for you and you’re not as strong as you think!

3 Principles for Fighting/Avoiding Temptation:

1. Move The Line

The line is that line that shows us in our minds how close we can get to the line without sinning…

PRE-DECIDE – I’m putting distance between me and temptation! (Move the line)

Creating barriers between you and sin – Restrictive? (Freeing!)

2. Magnify The Cost

What if the worst-case scenario comes true?

Sin always affects others eventually!

Numbers 32:23

…behold, you have sinned against the Lord, and be sure your sin will find you out.

3. Plan Your Escape Story of Joseph and Potiphar’s Wife…

Genesis 39:6-7

So often we use disappointments to justify disobedience.

1 Corinthians 10:13

13 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.

No one plans to mess up – Few plan not to!

Be honest with where you are vulnerable – How devil will attack you.

Pre-Decide – I’m putting distance between myself in temptation

Why would I resist temptation in the future if I have the power to eliminate it today? Take precautions in advance to avoid the temptation!

Remember: Satan is going to attack – You are not as strong as you think.

Move the line – Magnify the Cost – Plan your Escape

When you know who God has called you to be – Decisions are easier

Decisions won’t be based on emotions in the moment, but on the values God has placed in your heart!