How to Overcome Temptation | 2 Samuel 11:1-15 | 11 am Worship

“These things happened to them as examples and were written down as warnings for us…So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don’t fall!” (1 Corinthians 10:11-12, NIV).

“We do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin” (Hebrews 4:15, ESV).

1. Understand how temptation works.

Vulnerability + Opportunity + Lack of Accountability = Temptation That Leads to Disaster

“…each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed. Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death” (James 1:14-15, NIV).

2. Know your emotions and guard your heart.

“Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation. The Spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak” (Matthew 26:41, NIV).

“Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it” (Proverbs 4:23, NIV).

3. Make yourself accountable.

“Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up…. Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken” (Ecclesiastes 4:9-10, 12, NIV).

4. Depend on God’s power.

“No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it” (1 Corinthians 10:13, NIV).

“His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness” (2 Peter 1:3, NIV).

“Because he himself suffered when he was tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted” (Hebrews 2:18, NIV).