Overcoming Temptation

1 Corinthians 10:13 (NKJV)  "No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it."

One day, a little boy was sitting at the kitchen table while his mother was baking cookies. As she placed a fresh batch on the cooling rack, she turned to him and said, “Now, don’t touch these until after dinner.” The boy nodded, but after a few minutes of sitting there, he started staring at the cookies. He could smell them, he could almost taste them. He reasoned with himself, "Maybe just one little bite won’t hurt." And before he knew it, he had eaten a cookie.

Have you ever experienced that? The feeling of being drawn toward something you know you shouldn’t do? That is the essence of temptation—a strong desire pulling us toward something that could lead us into sin. Isn't it true that we often find ourselves just like that little boy, wrestling between what we know is right and the voice telling us, "Just this once, it won't hurt!"

But temptation is not just about cookies. It comes in many forms—dishonesty, lust, greed, anger, pride. The enemy wants to draw us away from God’s will, but there is hope in the promises of God. Today, we will examine what temptation is, its sources, biblical examples, and how we can overcome it through God’s power.

I. Understanding Temptation

Definition of Temptation
Temptation is an enticement to sin, appealing to our desires. It is important to note that temptation itself is not sin—it becomes sin when we give in to it.

James 1:14-15 (NKJV) says: "But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed. Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death."

Billy Graham once said, “Satan will use any method to halt the work of God. He will deceive, lie, and make sin look attractive so that we will turn from God’s will.” Temptation always disguises itself as something desirable or harmless, but its ultimate goal is to lead us away from God.

The Sources of Temptation
1. The World
• 1 John 2:16 (NKJV): "For all that is in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not of the Father but is of the world."
• The world tries to shape our thinking and lure us into sin through media, culture, and peer pressure.

2. The Flesh
• Galatians 5:16-17 (NKJV): "I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh. For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh."
• Our sinful nature is often our greatest enemy. We have inward desires that war against God's will.

3. The Devil
• Matthew 4:1 (NKJV): "Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil."
• Satan actively seeks to tempt and destroy the children of God.

II. Biblical Examples of Temptation

Throughout the Bible, we find both examples of failure and victory in temptation.

1. Adam and Eve (Genesis 3:1-6 NKJV)
• They listened to the lies of the serpent and disobeyed God, bringing sin into the world.

2. Joseph (Genesis 39:7-12 NKJV)
• He was tempted by Potiphar’s wife but chose to run rather than sin against God.

3. Jesus (Matthew 4:1-11 NKJV)
• Jesus was tempted by Satan but overcame by standing on the Word of God.

Imagine a man walking along the edge of a dangerous cliff. If he constantly walks as close to the edge as possible, he is far more likely to fall. However, if he stays behind the fence, he remains safe.

This is how temptation operates—it lures us to the edge, making us feel like we are still in control. But the safest way to avoid sin is to stay as far away from it as possible.

Paul Washer once said, “A lifestyle of flirting with sin will eventually lead to falling into it.”

IV. Keys to Overcoming Temptation

1. Depend on the Word of God
• When Jesus was tempted, He responded with Scripture.
• Matthew 4:4 (NKJV): "But He answered and said, ‘It is written, "Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God."’"
• The Bible is our greatest weapon against temptation.

2. Pray for Strength
• Matthew 26:41 (NKJV): "Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak."

3. Walk in the Spirit
• Galatians 5:16 (NKJV): "I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh."
• A relationship with the Holy Spirit gives us victory.

4. Resist the Devil
• James 4:7 (NKJV): "Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you."
• Satan has no power over a believer who stands in the authority of Christ.

5. Flee from Temptation
• 2 Timothy 2:22 (NKJV): "Flee also youthful lusts; but pursue righteousness, faith, love, peace with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart."

V. God’s Promise in Temptation

1. God Provides a Way of Escape
• 1 Corinthians 10:13 (NKJV): "No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it."

2. Victory Through Christ
• Philippians 4:13 (NKJV): "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."

VI. Call to Action

1. Examine your weaknesses and submit them to God.
2. Commit to daily Bible reading and prayer.
3. Surround yourself with godly influences who encourage righteousness.
4. Walk in obedience, trusting in God’s faithfulness.

Temptation is a reality for every believer, but through God’s Word, prayer, and the power of the Holy Spirit, we can overcome.

C.S. Lewis once said, “No man knows how bad he is till he has tried very hard to be good.”

When we resist temptation, we grow in character and faith. Will you trust in God’s power to help you overcome temptation today?

-Pastor Roy Edwards