Monday, May 11, 2015

The Purpose Driven Life: Temptation and Maturation - May 11, 2015






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."

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
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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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