HOW TO MEET TEMPTATION
James 1:2
INTRO: Every Christian will meet temptations, so it is important then that we know how to meet them. The knowledge that we need is gained from the scriptures.
I. WHAT ARE TEMPTATIONS?
A. To tempt means to put on trial or test.
1. Temptation is the act, of Satan trying to persuade us to do
evil.
2. He uses every effort he has to lead us into his trans.
3. He uses very attractive bait, and makes beautiful offers.
B. Paul’s Affliction in the flesh was a temptation to Him.
1. Gal. 4:13-14.
2. Paul’s affliction was well known to the Galatians.
3. It was something that ordinarily would have made him less de
sirable in the ministry, but love covered. it all.
4. This was Paul’s temptation, and he was tempted to quit
preaching.
C. Persecutions are temptations.
1. Persecutions often tempt the Christian to be quiet about
his religion.
2. They tempt them to become as the world to avoid the persecu
tions of men.
3. They sometimes cause us to strike back with words, and some
times blows.
II. HOW MAY WE PROTECT OURSELVES AGAINST THEM?
A. May get protection by watching and praying.
1. Luke 22:45-46, Matt. 26:41-42.
2. The occasion was the last visit of Christ to the garden.
a. The disciples were tired and sleepy.
b. Jesus knew of the awful temptation about, to befall them
all.
c. A test was coming and Jesus knew his disciples were doing
little to prepare for it.
B. And lead us not into Temptation but deliver us from evil.
1. Jesus closed with this prayer.
2. As the best protection, He recommended prayer.
C. Self-control is a great protection.
1. James 1:14.
2. For every inch that we give, the devil gets a stronger
foothold, and more room to strike.
3. When we place ourselves in the enemies territory, We make
ourselves more available to temptations.
4. The farther away from sin and the world we live, the fewer
temptations we will have to hear.
