Theme:
Understanding and resisting temptation from Satan and the world through the power of Christ.
Introduction:
Temptation is the universal experience of every believer.
Jesus Himself was tempted (Hebrews 4:15), yet without sin, and He taught us to pray,
“Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil” (Matthew 6:13).
We live in a fallen world, opposed by the devil and surrounded by enticements that would lure us from Christ.
Yet we are not without hope. God has not left us defenseless.
He equips us with truth, indwells us with His Spirit, and gives us His Word and Church.
1. The Power of Temptation
1.1 It is Universal and Unrelenting
• “No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man.” – 1 Corinthians 10:13a
• “What has been is what will be, and what has been done is what will be done, and there is nothing new under the sun.” – Ecclesiastes 1:9
What Are These “Common” Temptations? They often fall into three main categories:
1.1.1 The Lust of the Flesh – Galatians 5:19-21
1.1.2 The Lust of the Eyes – 1 John 2:16
1.1.3 The Pride of Life – Proverbs 16:18.
1.2 It is Deceptive and Dangerous
“And no wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light.” – 2 Corinthians 11:14.
2. The Pathways of Temptation
Temptation generally comes through three main sources: the devil, the world, and the flesh.
“And you were dead in the trespasses and sins in which you once walked, following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience – among whom we all once lived in the passions of our flesh, carrying out the desires of the body and the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, like the rest of mankind. – Ephesians 2:1-3
2.1 Through Satan – The Deceiver
“Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil.”
– Matthew 4:1
2.2 Through the World – The Distraction
“Do not love the world or the things in the world … For all that is in the world – the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride of life, is not from the Father but is from the world.”
– 1 John 2:15–16
2.3 Through the Flesh – The Desire
“But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin…” – James 1:14-15
3. The Provision against Temptation
3.1 A Faithful God
“God is faithful, and He will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation He will also provide the way of escape.” – 1 Corinthians 10:13b
3.2 A Perfect Savior
“For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses… Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace…” – Hebrews 4:15–16
3.3 A Powerful Spirit
“Walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.” – Galatians 5:16
Conclusion
Remember:
• Temptation is not sin, but giving in is.
• Satan aims to destroy, but Christ aims to deliver.
• You are not helpless. You have the Spirit, the Word, and the Church.
Call to Action:
• Examine: Where are you most tempted? Be honest.
• Equip: Fill your mind with God’s Word daily.
• Escape: Flee what feeds your flesh.
• Engage: Fight with the full armour of God (Ephesians 6:10–18).