James 1:12 Blessed
is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that
person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who
love him.
James 5:11 As you
know, we count as blessed those who have persevered. You have heard of Job's
perseverance and have seen what the Lord finally brought about. The Lord is
full of compassion and mercy.
1 Peter 3:14 But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. "Do not fear their threats; do not be frightened."
1 Peter 3:14 But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. "Do not fear their threats; do not be frightened."
When we begin to mature in Christ we begin to see every trial as a
stepping stone to our destination rather than a stumbling block for our demise.
Each test is an opportunity to exercise your faith by choosing to do the right
thing.
Galatians 5:22 -23
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience,
kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such
things there is no law.…
Romans 15:30 I
urge you, brothers and sisters, by our Lord Jesus Christ and by the love of the
Spirit, to join me in my struggle by praying to God for me.
God uses each test for use to utilize choice. Our integrity and witness
to the world is built each time we choose to act in righteousness. Endurance
grows when we reject temptation to give up and give in.
2 Corinthians 2:11
in order that Satan might not outwit us. For we are not unaware of his
schemes
.
Scripture teaches that temptation manifests itself in a four-step
process:
1)
Satan isolates a desire within you. Temptation
always begins in the mind
Mark 7: 20 -22 …And
He was saying, "That which proceeds out of the man, that is what defiles
the man. "For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed the evil
thoughts, fornications, thefts, murders, adulteries, deeds of coveting and
wickedness, as well as deceit, sensuality, envy, slander, pride and foolishness.…
2)
Doubt- Satan attempts to get you to doubt
the word of God
Colossians 2:8 See
to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy,
which depends on human tradition and the elemental spiritual forces of this
world rather than on Christ.
3)
Deception – It is not in Satan’s nature to
tell the truth. He offer lies to replace God’s word
John 8:44 You
belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out your father's
desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for
there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he
is a liar and the father of lies.
4)
Disobedience – You finally put the thoughts you've been entertaining into action
James 1: 14-16 But
each one is tempted when he is carried away and enticed by his own lust. Then
when lust has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and when sin is accomplished,
it brings forth death. Don't be deceived, my dear brothers and sisters.
Knowing how temptation manifests itself in your life is helpful but you
must also know how to overcome it.
1)
Refuse to be intimidated. Jesus was tempted
but He did not surrender to it.
2)
Recognize the patterns of temptation and be
prepared to deal with it
3)
Pray and ask for God’s help
Never give up – LOOK UP!!!!
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