OVERCOMING TEMPTATION

Temptation is a strong urge or desire to have or do something that you know is bad and wrong, or unwise. It can also mean to be lured or entice or seduce into doing something bad.

 PURPOSES OF TEMPTATION

The aim of temptation is:

·      To make the one tempted to fall into sin.

·     To destroy the integrity of the tempted person     with sin.

·      To cause Christians to backslide   

WEAPONS OF TEMPTATION

The tools of temptation are things you like or love appreciate or enjoy e.g.  Food and drinks, wears, material possessions, money, and human beings too, etc.
     CONCEPTION OF TEMPTATION

Two broad origin of temptation can be identified, namely:

YOURSELF

Lust comes into your heart when you entertain evil thoughts, perhaps through what you have seen, heard or read. Matthew 15:18-19, James 1:13-15.

This happens:

· When unlike Jesus your mind is empty of GOD’S word. Matthew 12; 43-45.

· When like David you stay idle. 2 Samuel 11:1.

· When like Judah you visit a wrong place.

SATAN

He tempted Eve (gen 3:2), Job (job 1:6-12) and even Jesus our Lord (Matthew 4:1).

CONSEQUENCES OF FALLING INTO TEMPTATION

·     You become a loyal servant of the devil.

· You can become addicted to the sin the     temptation relates to.

·     It can destroy your destiny here on earth
.       It can send you to hell

                                    
  WAY OUT OF TEMPTATION
(1 CORINTHIANS 10:13)

·         Pray against it. Matthew 6:13, Luke 22:31

·         Be filled with GOD’S word. Psalm 110:11

·     Avoid its pathway- stop going to where you can easily be tempted, stop sleeping where temptations abound. Proverb 4:15

.  Beware of those who would entice, that secretary, house maid, quit that relationship, stop attending that club, etc.   Psalm 1:1, Proverb 1:10.

·      Know your weakness and be on guard against them. Make no provision (forethought, plan) for the flesh. Romans 13:14

·    Flee the scene of temptation- if you must. 1 Thessalonians 5:22, Genesis 39:12.

CONCLUSION

Satan is always on the move to bring about our defeat and make us loose heaven. Read and meditate on the word of God regularly. Avoid the pathway of temptations and be prayerful.