TEMPTATION

1.      Temptation Does Not Come From God!

a.       James 1:13 “Let no one say when he is tempted, ‘I am being tempted by God; for God cannot be tempted by evil, and He Himself does not tempt anyone.”

b.      James 1:2-4 “Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance.  And let endurance have it perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.”

2.      Temptation Begins in the Flesh!

a.       James 1:14 “But each one is tempted when he is carried away and enticed by his own lust.”

3.      Temptation is not a Sin!

a.       Hebrews 2:17-18; “Wherefore in all things it behooved Him to be made like unto his brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people.  For in that he himself hath suffered being tempted, he is able to succor them that are tempted.

b.      Hebrews 4:15 “For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.”

4.      Temptation’s Strength! *(See addendum below)

a.       The enticement to satisfy legitimate needs through illegitimate means.

b.      The enticement to push virtues to the extreme of religious legalism with unquestioned acceptance.

5.      Temptation and Dangers of Giving into it!

a.       Hebrews 3:12-13 “Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God.   But exhort one another daily, while it is called today;" lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin.”

6.      Temptation Used by Satan!

a.       I Timothy 3:6 “Not a new believer, lest being lifted up with pride he fall into the condemnation of the devil.”

b.      I Corinthians 10:12 “Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall.”

c.       Matthew 4 Physical as in Jesus temptation after fasting.

d.      Job 2:1-10 Spiritual as in Job’s affliction.

e.       I Kings 18-19 Immediately following Elijah’s triumph.

f.        John 13:2 Judas’ having the devil put into his heart the betrayal of Jesus.

List Compiled by James Goll            

·        Physical rest becomes laziness.

·        Quietness become non-communication.

·        Ability to profit becomes avarice and greed.

·        Enjoyment of life becomes intemperance.

·        Physical pleasure becomes sensuality.

·        Interest in the possessions of others become covetousness.

·        Enjoyment of food becomes gluttony.

·        Self-care becomes selfishness.

·        Self-respect becomes conceit.

·        Communication becomes gossip.

·        Cautiousness becomes unbelief.

·        “Positive-ness” becomes insensitivity.

·        Anger becomes rage and bad temper.

·        Loving-kindness becomes overprotection.

·        Judgment becomes criticism.

·        Same-sex friendship becomes homosexuality.

·        Sexual freedom becomes sexual immorality.

·        Conscientiousness becomes perfectionism.

·        Generosity becomes wastefulness.

·        Self-protection becomes dishonesty.

·        Carefulness become fear.

·        Spiritual compatibility becomes illegal soul ties.

·        Freedom becomes an occasion for the flesh.

·        Improper intimacy in relationships breeds false spiritual union.

·        Encouragement turns to flattery.

·        Pursuing goal becomes a “driving spirit.”

·        You are more impressed with words coming out of you than you are the Word coming into you then prophetic words can become a replacement for the written word.

·        Success-motivation becomes boastful pride of life.

·        Emotional Healing ministry becomes a “rescuer mentality.”

·        The Healing Touch becomes a “familiar touch or spirit” in a wrong place and with a wrong motivation.