1 Cor 10:13; James 1:12-15; 1 Cor 10:6

Introduction:

Temptation is the desire to do something, especially when it is wrong or unwise.

Temptation can be described as a strong desire to have or do something even though you know you should not.

For every child of God; temptation is a familiar experience. No one can escape it. Adam was tempted, our Lord Jesus Christ was also tempted. 

To be tempted is not a sin, but yielding to temptation is what is sinful. 

1) SOURCES OF TEMPTATION 

1. Satan: Matt 4:1.

2. The Flesh: James 1:14. The temptation of the flesh is manifested in three ways. Romans 6:14. 

a. The lust of the flesh: 1 Jn. 2:16,  2 Sam 13:1-6, 11. 

b. The lust of the eyes: 1 Jn. 2: 16, 2 Sam 11:2-4, Judges 14:1. 

c. The pride of life: 1 Jn. 2: 16, Dan 4: 28- 30. 

3. Evil Associates: Prov. 1:10, 1 Kings 12: 8-11. 

4. Christian Friends: Matt. 16: 22-23.

2) REASONS FOR TEMPTATION 

1. As a test of our faith. James 1: 2-3. 

2. As a test of our obedience. Gen 22:1. 

3.) METHODS OF TEMPTATION

1. Through poverty. Prov. 30:9, Prov. 22:7.

2. Through prosperity. Prov. 30:9, Matt. 19:16-24. 

3. Through worldly glory. Num. 22:17.

4. Through discouragement. 1 Kings 19:4, Ps. 42:11, Num. 11:10-15. 

5. Through the smooth words of an adulterer/adulteress: Prov. 6:23, 29; Prov 7:6-27, Prov. 5:1-11.

4) TYPES OF TEMPTATION 

a. Unbelief. Job 2:9, James 1:8

b. Pride. Dan 4:30; Prov. 16:18.

c. Pleasure. 2 Tim. 4:10, Prov. 21:17.

d. Power. Acts 8:19.

e. Possessions. Joshua 7:1-24.

f. Sex. Neh. 13:26; 2 Sam 11:2-4.

g. Money. Jn. 13:21-30 

h. Taking God for granted. Matt. 4:6; Romans 1:21.

5) RESULTS OF TEMPTATION 

1. If yielded to, it becomes sin (1 Tim. 6:9), and our testimony is weakened. 

2. If resisted, the Lord is glorified and we become stronger. Gen. 39:8-9.

6) HOW TO GET VICTORY OVER TEMPTATIONS 

a. By the faithfulness of God. 1 Cor. 10:13, Rev. 3:10; Heb. 2:18.

b. By using the Word of God. Matt. 4:4, 7, 10.

c. By the intercession of Christ. Lk. 22:31-32. 

d. By personal prayer. Matt. 26:41. 

e. By fleeing. 2 Tim. 2:22; Gen 39:11-12. 

f. By resisting. James 4: 7. 

g. By accepting the way of escape. 1 Cor. 10:13. 

CONCLUSION 

Temptation is common to all men; every Christian must expect to be tempted. We can, however, be victorious by not yielding to it and by so doing, bring glory to God. We must not fail to remember that yielding to temptation is easy but the scars will remain, restoration is possible through confession, repentance and the Blood of Jesus. 1 Jn.1:9.