Divine Direction Series

THE DECISION TO SAY ‘NO’ TO TEMPTATION

‘No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.’ I Corinthians 10:13 NKJV

I. THE EXPERIENCE FACTOR
‘No temptation has overtaken you except such as is COMMON TO MAN…’
‘but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted BEYOND THAT WHICH YE ARE ABLE…’

1. Temptation is Not Sin
‘My brethren, COUNT IT ALL JOY when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience.’ James 1:2-3

2. God Doesn’t Tempt You To Sin
‘Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am tempted by God”; for God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He Himself tempt anyone.’ James 1:13
WHY DO WE GO THRU TESTS AND TRIALS?
a. To Expose To Us Our Weaknesses…
b. To Insure Our Dependence Upon God

II. THE EXTREME FACTOR
‘No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able’ I Corinthians 10:13
‘Now the serpent was more cunning than any beast of the field…’ Genesis 3:1
‘For we do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, of our trouble which came in us in Asia: that we were burdened beyond measure, above strength, so that we despaired even of life. Yes, we had the sentence of death in ourselves, that we should not trust in ourselves but in God who raises the dead, who delivered us from so great a death, and does deliver us; in whom we trust that he will still deliver us.’ 2 Corinthians 1:8-10

III. THE ESCAPE FACTOR
‘…but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.’ I Corinthians 10:13
‘Immediately the Spirit drove Him into the wilderness. And He was there in the wilderness forty days, tempted by Satan, and was with the wild beasts; and the angels ministered unto him.’ Mark 1:12-13
‘Then He said to them, “My soul is exceedingly sorrowful, even to death. Stay here and watch.” He went a little farther, and fell on the ground, and prayed that if it were possible the hour might pass from Him. And He said, “Abba, Father, all things are possible for You. Take this cup away from Me; nevertheless, not what I will, but what You will.’ Mark 14:34-36
‘Therefore, in all things He had to be made like His brethren, that He might be a merciful and faithful High Priest in things pertaining to God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people. For in that He Himself has suffered being tempted, He is able to aid those who are tempted.’ Hebrews 2:17-18

‘If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.’ I John 1:9