“Overcoming Our Temptations”

Introduction:

A. Temptation is a reality all of us face daily (James 1:15-17; Matt. 26:41; Lk. 8:13; James 1:12).

B. The Devil is actively plotting to tempt each of us right now as we speak (Lk. 22:31; Job. 1:7; 1 Pet. 5:8).

C. Some of the greatest men of God have been sorely tempted by the Adversary (David, Job, Peter, Christ).

D. Since temptation is a reality, we must learn not to avoid it but to overcome it!!

E. From the temptation of Christ, we can learn three motivations to overcome our temptations.

I. Spend Your Life Preparing for temptation (Matt. 4:1-2).

A. Be about the Father’s Business (Lk. 2:49).

B. Keep on Growing in Christ (Lk. 2:52).

C. Know God’s Holy Word (Matt. 4:4,7,10).

D. Make sure you are God’s child (Matt 3:13-17).

II. Realize HOW Satan works (Matt. 4:3-11).

A. The Lust of the Flesh (Matt. 4:3-4).

1. Satan plays dirty.

2. Satan uses our own abilities in an ungodly way.

3. Satan Makes us focus on the physical not the spiritual.

4. Deut. 8:3

B. The Pride of Life (Matt. 4:5-7).

1. Satan Gives our pride a religious façade.

2. Satan Tries to make us prove God’s care.

3. Satan Makes us do things that are harmful to ourselves.

4. Deut. 6:16

C. The Lust of the Eyes (Matt. 4:8-10).

1. Satan Makes me want worldliness.

2. Satan Promises me things he cannot give.

3. Satan Tries to make us worship Him.

4. Deut. 6:13

III. Realize the rewards of overcoming temptation (Matt. 4:11; Lk. 4:13).

A. Makes us stronger in the faith (James 1:2-3; Ps. 119:67;71).

B. Makes the Devil flee from us (Lk. 4:13).

C. Ultimately, Heaven will be our reward (Matt. 4:11).