Grace Bible Church
Pastor Teacher
Robert R. McLaughlin
2018
Pastor Rick Kabrick
ROM 8:28, in all things GOD works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to His purpose.
David coveted Uriah’s wife, Bathsheba (2SA 11:2-3),
committed adultery with her (2SA 11:4) which meant that he stole her from Uriah (2SA 12:9), and then he lied to him, and eventually had Uriah murdered (2SA 12:9).
This means we cannot fall to temptation, repent, only to fall to temptation again in that same area, and then repeat the process over and over again because we have done nothing to alter the outcome of the cycle we are in. We are outside of GOD’s plan for our life.
DAN 7:25, And he shall speak great words against the most High, and shall wear out the saints of the most High.
Failure doesn’t mean forever a failure.
1TI 1:15-16, Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners – of whom I am the worst. But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his immense patience as an example for those who would believe in him and receive eternal life.
Sometimes, perhaps often times, it takes that to get us to point where we run back to the LORD.
WHO by the way is always patiently waiting.
One time for each time Peter denied HIM. The LORD was saying it’s ok now Peter we have much to do, And Peter goes on to become a leader, and write 2 books in the NT.
Failure doesn’t disqualify you, doesn’t matter if you have been a believer for a short time or a long time. The point here is that our story is still being written
The only way that failure can get the last word in our life is if we choose to let it.
It is simple, we do it because our flesh wants to experience it.
JAM 1:13, When tempted, no one should say, “GOD is tempting me. For GOD cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone;”
There is a huge difference between being tempted and being tested.
Temptation is a pull towards evil, a pull toward sin. GOD does not tempt us to sin; After all, our LORD Jesus Christ came to save us from sin! To redeem us, to restore us from sin. Testing is to strengthen are relationship with the LORD.
1CO 10:13, No temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to man; and GOD is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, so that you will be able to endure it.
HEB 4:15, For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are – yet he did not sin.
1JO 5:4, For everyone who has been born of GOD overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world it is our faith.
Therefore, the more time we spend inside of GOD’s plan for our life, the better chance we have at overcoming temptation which if acted upon keeps us from staying in GOD’s plan for our life.
GAL 5:16, But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.
JAM 4:7, Submit yourselves therefore to GOD. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.
EPH 6:11, Put on the whole armor of GOD, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.
Temptation is a part of man living in the fallen state, in fact the first man and woman in the garden were tempted when they were not yet in a fallen state.
Immediately after this event which announced to the KOD that the Messiah had begun HIS earthly Ministry our LORD prepares to meet Satan:
If you’re an unbeliever Satan’s goal is to keep you from believing in the saving grace of the Messiah.
If you are a believer, his goal is to keep you off the playing field.
Keep you uninvolved, angry, feeling sorry for yourself, depressed.
If your successful in the world, well Satan’s goal is to keep you wrapped up in that worldly success.
JAM 1:15, When desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth the sin into death.
JOB 1:11-12, “But now, stretch out Your hand and touch all that he has, and he will surely curse You to Your face. [GOD replied to Satan with these words],
“Behold, all that he has is in your power; only do not lay a hand on his person.”
So, the enemy knows us. He’s watched us. He knows our weaknesses and he knows very well, how to exploit them.
So what can we do against so powerful an enemy?
You are responsible for what you do with temptations. If you act on those temptations it leads to sin: There is a direct relationship between the 2 steps.
Focus on the big picture. A temptation offers a small picture of the pleasures and profits of sin, but GOD wants you to see big picture, the consequences.
So, the point is recognize those areas of your life are easy targets for Satan’s attacks.
Here is an interesting one. Never let yourself get too Hungry, Angry, Lonely, or Tired.
Read the Word of GOD. You won’t be able to defend yourself against the enemy’s attacks if you don’t know the Scriptures.
Make prayer a vital part of your life. Having fellowship and conversation with the LORD. Throughout the day strengthens and alerts you to Satan’s attacks during the day. No matter how strong our enemy’s offense, we have a defense in Christ that can defeat Satan every time.
LAM 3:22-23, Because of the LORD’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.
HEB 2:18, Because HE himself suffered when HE was tempted, HE is able to help those who are being tempted.
HEB 2:18, Because he himself suffered when he was tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted.
2CO 12:9, “MY grace is sufficient for you, for MY strength is made perfect in weakness.”