For in that he himself has suffered being tempted, he is able to help them that are tempted.

I. Jesus Was Tempted

A.  Suffered:  trials, affliction, persecution, desertion, insults, discomfort, abuse, as well as Satan’s attacks

B.  Overcame Heb 4:15 high priest... touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.

C.  Developed: obedience, compassion and strategy to help

D.  Able to help

II. Understanding Temptation

A. Rooted in desire for temporal: Power (Significance, Security, Control), Pleasure (Hang, Comfort, Ease), Possessions (Status)

B. Temptation is not sin  James 1:12  Blessed is the man that endures temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord has promised to them that love him. 13 Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempts he any man: 14  But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. 15  Then when lust has conceived, it brings forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, brings forth death. 16  Do not err, my beloved brethren.

C. Common to all  1Cor 10:11...written for our admonition...12  Wherefore let him that thinks he stands take heed lest he fall. 13  There is no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that you are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that you may be able to bear it. 14  Wherefore, my dearly beloved, flee from idolatry.

D. Crossroads of life or death Rom 8: 6  For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.

”Man is so muddled, so dependent on the things immediately before his eyes, that every day even the most submissive believer can be seen to risk the torments of the afterlife for the smallest pleasure.” Joseph de Maistre (1753-1821), French diplomat, philosopher

”Temptations come, as a general rule, when they are sought” Margaret Oliphant (1828-97), English novelist, historian. (See Pr 7)

III. When Tempted

A. Fear of God & Consequences “There are several good protections against temptations but the surest is cowardice” Mark Twain (Pr 16:6)

B. Prevention Mt 26:41  Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.

Mt 6:13  And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: 1Cor 7:5

C. Develop Roots Lu 8:13  rock... hear, receive the word with joy; and these have no root, which for a while believe, and in time of temptation fall away

D. Sanctify Desire 1Ti 6:9...want to  be rich fall into temptation, snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition.

E. Flee not Resist Jas 4:7  Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.

1Ti 6:11  But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness.

2Ti 2:22  Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart.

F. Ask for Help: God and man  2Pe 2:9  The Lord knows how to deliver the godly out of temptations   (See Gal 6:1 & 2Tim 2:22 above )

G. Banish with Lies w/ the Light of Truth  Mt 4:7  Jesus said to him, It is written again, Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God.

Pr 7: 1 My son, keep my words, and lay up my commandments with you. 2  Keep my commandments, and live; and my law as the apple of your eye. 3  Bind them upon your fingers, write them upon the table of your heart. 4...wisdom 5  That they may keep you...

H.  Rebuild the Walls (Reprogram) Ps 51:18  Do good in thy good pleasure unto Zion: build thou the walls of Jerusalem.

I. Recognize the Benefit 1Pt 1:6...for a season...heaviness through temptations 7  That the trial of your faith...result in glory...(Js 1:12)

Questions for Reflection/Discussion/Response:

1. Are we tempted only to “really bad things” or can one be tempted by something good like self-preservation? Security? Comfort?

2. Can one outgrow temptation? What are the temptations of children, singles, marrieds, parents, middlers, seniors, widows, ancients?

3. Is fleeing temptation weakness? Does fleeing alone work? How does accountability  help resist and overcome temptation?

4. In what ways have you been helped overcome temptation? How are you able to help someone else (like Jesus would)?

5. In what areas of your life and relationships could you apply these principles to triumph over temptation?