POWER OVER TEMPTATION

Sermon Notes, August 24, 2014

Rev. Jan Sinozich

Pastor Jan’s message was titled “Power Over Temptation,” and was based on James 1:12-18.

The Garden of Eden was perfect.  God created us for relationship.  He wanted people who would (of their own free will) choose to love Him, choose to be like Him.  When Adam and Eve chose the wrong option, sin entered the world and everything changed.  Mankind’s oldest problem, temptation, goes all the way back to Adam and Eve. 

James 1:12-18 talks about trials and temptation.  Trials are situations used by God to help us grow.  Temptations are designed by the devil to cause us to sin.  In verse 12, God proves His love for us as we endure—persevere—and tells us we’ll receive the crown of life through His love.  How do we say no when we want to say yes to temptation?

Be realistic.  (v. 14)  Everyone is tempted.  It’s a common misconception that once you become a Christian you’ll have no more problems. (1 Corinthians 10:13, Hebrews 4:15)  Don’t hide behind a mask, pretending all is well: be real.  It’s not a sin to be tempted, but it is a sin to give in to temptation.  Don’t give in.

Be responsible. (v. 13)  Don’t blame others—or God.  God doesn’t tempt. He gave us the gift of free will.  We bring most of our problems on ourselves. God never contradicts Himself or His Word.

Be ready. (v. 16)  When temptation comes, be ready.  Don’t be deceived.  Temptation is subtle—if you’re not ready you’ll buy into it, with its half-truths.  Understand how temptation operates.  (2 Corinthians 2:11)  We’re enticed by our own desires. (v. 14)  Any out-of-control desire becomes destructive.  We’re entrapped through deception;  what kind of bait does Satan use on you?  We’re endorsed in disobedience. (v. 15a) It starts with the desire.  Then Satan moves to deception.  And deception turns to disobedience.  What starts in your mind, your imagination, results in action. (Romans 12:2)  We’re enslaved in death. (v. 15b)  Death is the tragic consequence of giving in.  Losing the battle against temptation has eternal results.

In order to overcome temptation, we must be realistic, admitting we have a problem.  We must be responsible, not blaming anyone else and not making excuses.  We have to get ready for temptation, understanding the process Satan has used since the Garden of Eden.

Be refocused. (v. 17)  If temptation begins with our inner thoughts, then changing what we think about is the key to overcoming it.  Think on things that are good, positive, just, honest. (Philippians 4:8)  Physically remove yourself from the situation. (Genesis 39:12)

Be reborn.  Accepting Jesus as savior is the starting point.  He says He will be with you. He never allows more than we can bear.  And He will provide a way out so you can stand up under temptation. (1 Corinthians 10:13)