Bible Message/Preaching : The Way out: Overcoming Temptation
For in that He Himself has suffered, being tempted, He is able to aid those who are tempted. Heb 2:18
11Now all these things happened to them as examples, and they were written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the ages have come. 12Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall. 13No 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. (1 Cor 10:11-13)2 Pet 2:9 then the Lord knows how to deliver the godly out of temptations... Jesus gives a way out -> Both for Peter & Judas => 3/4 times
Lk 22:31-32 31 And the Lord said, "Simon, Simon! Indeed, Satan has asked for you, that he may sift you as wheat. 32"But I have prayed for you, that your faith should not fail; and when you have returned to Me, strengthen your brethren." 29Peter said to Him, "Even if all are made to stumble, yet I will not be." 30Jesus said to him, "Assuredly, I say to you that today, even this night, before the rooster crows twice, you will deny Me three times." 31But he spoke more vehemently, "If I have to die with You, I will not deny You!" And they all said likewise. (Mk 14:29-31) Mk 14:38 "Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak."
Mk 14:18 18Now as they sat and ate, Jesus said, "Assuredly, I say to you, one of you who eats with Me will betray Me." 19And they began to be sorrowful, and to say to Him one by one, "Is it I?" And another said, "Is it I?" 20He answered and said to them, "It is one of the twelve, who dips with Me in the dish. Mt 26:25 Then Judas, who was betraying Him, answered and said, "Rabbi, is it I?" He said to him, "You have said it." 47And while He was still speaking, behold, a multitude; and he who was called Judas, one of the twelve, went before them and drew near to Jesus to kiss Him. 48But Jesus said to him, "Judas, are you betraying the Son of Man with a kiss?" (Lk 22:47-48) The difference in response makes us a winner or losser!
Lk 22: 61-62 61And the Lord turned and looked at Peter. And Peter remembered the word of the Lord, how He had said to him, "Before the rooster crows, you will deny Me three times." 62So Peter went out and wept bitterly. Jesus restored Peter later after resurrection because he repented while Judas was lost.
Jn 21:15-19 15So when they had eaten breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, "Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me more than these?" He said to Him, "Yes, Lord; You know that I love You." He said to him, "Feed My lambs." 16He said to him again a second time, "Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me?" He said to Him, "Yes, Lord; You know that I love You." He said to him, "Tend My sheep." 17He said to him the third time, "Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me?" Peter was grieved because He said to him the third time, "Do you love Me?" And he said to Him, "Lord, You know all things; You know that I love You." Jesus said to him, "Feed My sheep. 18"Most assuredly, I say to you, when you were younger, you girded yourself and walked where you wished; but when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and another will gird you and carry you where you do not wish." 19This He spoke, signifying by what death he would glorify God. And when He had spoken this, He said to him, "Follow Me."
Mt 27:1-5 1When morning came, all the chief priests and elders of the people plotted against Jesus to put Him to death. 27:2 And when they had bound Him, they led Him away and delivered Him to Pontius Pilate the governor. 27:3 Then Judas, His betrayer, seeing that He had been condemned, was remorseful and brought back the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and elders, 27:4 saying, "I have sinned by betraying innocent blood." And they said, "What is that to us? You see to it!" 27:5 Then he threw down the pieces of silver in the temple and departed, and went and hanged himself.
2My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, 3knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. 4But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing. (Jas 1:2-4) Ps 119:11Your word I have hidden in my heart, That I might not sin against You! Steps to overcoming any temptation: 1. Our focus should be on Jesus -> devil tries everything to get us out of focus! 2. Resist the temptation by prayer 3. Resist by the Word of God 4. Resist heavy temptations that linger near continually by fasting 5. Resist temptation by avoiding compromising situations. 6. Resist temptation by Bible study. 7. Resist temptation by being accountable to someone. 8. Do not try to justify -> fleshly justification tells its just one time/ a day.... but it will go too far before we realise! 9. Humility -> Pride before fall (Pro 29:23 A man's pride will bring him low, But the humble in spirit will retain honor.)
1Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted. 3For if anyone thinks himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceives himself. 7Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap. 8For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life. (Gal 6:1,3,7-8)
(to be continued...)
Delivered 8 May 2011
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