THE CHRISTIAN AND TEMPTATIONS
"Yield Not To Temptation, For Yielding Is Sin".

Introduction
Living the life of a Christian is not a bed of ease or life of idleness.
It requires much toil and labor.
It will be a constant fight with temptation.
The Christian's greatest danger is succumbing to temptation.

WHAT IS TEMPTATION?
It is the enticing or inducement to yield to the lust of the flesh James 1:14.
After one becomes a Christian he has the same desires and temptations facing him that he had before.
He does not receive a "second blessing" as some may claim, to remove the temptation from him.
It is a trial or testing of one's faith and loyalty to God.
Consider Job and his trials.

SOURCE OF TEMPTATIONS TO DO EVIL
Not from God (James 1:13).
God tries or proves His children but does not induce them to do evil (Genesis 22:1,2).
God does permit us to be tempted but not beyond our capability to overcome
(1 Corinthians 10:12,13).
Temptation comes from Satan (Matthew 4:1; 1 Corinthians 7:5).
Worldly things are Satan's avenues of sin (1 John 2:15,16).
Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden were offered what they wanted (Genesis 3).
They were tempted in three ways:
Lust of the flesh--good to eat.
Lust of the eyes--delight to behold.
Pride of life--make one wise.
Christ was tempted in the same way.
Lust of the flesh--stones to bread.
Lust of the eyes--kingdoms of the world.
Pride of life--cast thyself down.
One can be tempted from within (James 1:14; 1 John 2:15,16).

TEMPTATIONS ARE SURE TO COME
By no circumstances, environment, or conditions are we exempt.
Not by character or spiritual power.
Jesus was tempted right after receiving the Spirit (Matthew 3:16; 4:1).
Not by Sonship. (Matthew 3:17).
Not by solitude
Jesus was alone on occasions. (Matthew 4:2).

BENEFITS OF TEMPTATIONS
It may be hard to imagine, but there are benefits of temptation.
To be tempted is not to sin, but only when one yields to the temptation to sin.
There is a song that I have already mentioned that says: "Yield Not To Temptation, For Yielding Is Sin."
The man who yields is cursed -- but the man who overcomes is blessed (James 1:2-15).
One who yields is made weaker--one who overcomes is made stronger.
It works patience( and builds endurance (James 1:2,3).
It will increase our desire to go to heaven where we will be free from all temptations (Philippians 1:21-23).
He shall be crowned with glory (James 1:12; 2 Timothy 4:7-8)

OVERCOMING TEMPTATIONS
God's people can overcome any temptation 1 Corinthians 10:12,13).
What is the way of escape?
The way of escape is through preparation Psalm 119:11).
Jesus overcame because He filled His heart with the word (Matthew 4:1-11).
We can also by way of prayer and watchfulness (Matthew 26:41).
By way of strong purpose (Daniel 1:8; 1 Corinthians 9:27).
Man with his heart set is hard to move.
May be by way of flight (1 Corinthians 10:14; 2 Timothy 2:22).
May be by way of fight (Ephesians 6:10-18; 1 Timothy 6:12).
By avoiding bad company (Psalm 1:1,2; 1 Corinthians 15:33).
By attending all the assemblies of the church (Hebrews 10:25).
Such is needed to strengthen us.
We can fight off some of the temptation if we avail ourselves of continued encouragement and study.
Neglecting worship services can lead to weak members giving in to temptation.
It is said: seven days between worship periods make one weak.
It is spiritually dangerous.
Keep busy for the Lord--idleness is the devil's workshop.
With regard to overcoming temptation, finding the way of escape provided by the Lord:
It is all a matter of want to.
We must look for the escape that the Lord has provided.

CONCLUSION
Are you a victim of temptation?
Have you succumbed or yielded to such?
The Lord has made provision for those who fall.
To you that have fallen, get up (repent), confess and pray.
Paul tells us that as Children of God we can do all things through Christ Who strengthens us (Philippians 4:13).

By Carey Scott from an outline by Jim Sasser

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