Temptation and Help from Temptation (The Lord’s Prayer Series)

Photo Credit – Naasom Azevedo – CCO Public Domain – Freely Photos

The following are my Bible study notes based on my pastor's sermon.

Our main scripture passage for today is Matthew 6:13.

And do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.

Temptation and Help from Temptation

We are on a hit list . . .Satan’s hit list.

1.  Temptation is not a sin.

2.  Temptation is an opportunity for great spiritual growth in the life of a Jesus-Follower.

Pray for God to get you through it and grow you through it.

Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials,  knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. – James 1:2-3

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.  But each one is tempted when he is carried away and enticed by his own lust. – James 1:13-14

Tests motivate us and measure us in order to grow us.  God does not tempt us but He allows temptation from the enemy to test us.

3.  Temptation is a tool the devil uses to destroy us.  Satan’s purpose is to destroy us.

Be of sober spirit, be on the alert. Your adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. – 1 Peter 5:8

Keep watching and praying that you may not enter into temptation; the spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak. – Matthew 26:41 

Watch and pray!

We are prone to temptation:

when our bodies are weak and worn down.

when we are preparing for a great spiritual undertaking.

after enjoying a great spiritual incidence (for example, after a church camp.)

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

4.  All temptations fall under these three areas:

A.  Pleasure
B.  Possessions
C.  Pride  

5.  There are four stages in every temptation.

Desire – I want it.

Doubt – I’m not good enough anyway.

Deception – We believe lies such as “noone will find out” or “God doesn’t care what I do.”

Disobedience – We give in to sin.

6.  God helps us through His Spirit.

He guides us.

He convicts us.  We are uncomfortable because we know it is wrong.

If there is not conviction of sin in your life, you are not saved.

7.  God helps us through His Word.

Thy Word have I hid in my heart that I might no sin against thee. – Psalm 119:11 

Memorize scripture.

If we are hungering for sin, we are not hungering for God’s Word.

Watch what we allow into our lives:  books, movies, etc.

Don’t fill our minds with trash.

8.  God helps us through His people.

For if either of them falls, the one will lift up his companion. But woe to the one who falls when there is not another to lift him up. – Ecclesiastes 4:10 

God’s people provide accountability and encouragement.  Go to church!

9.  The greatest temptation is to do nothing.  Apply what God has taught you.  One great temptation is to not do what we should be doing.

Don’t put stuff off . . . especially the decision to know Jesus.

You'll find all my posts about this Bible study series here.