Introduction: Maybe you have seen the advertisement for Las Vegas that has been airing recently. It shows a group of women riding in a limo. One by one they all begin laughing. The ad ends with words to this effect - What takes place here will not leave here! My brother-in-law, John Burrows, was watching TV this week while I was checking Marticia’s schoolwork for that day. He asked me to take a look at the punch line for the ad. Think about what that ad is suggesting. You can come to Las Vegas and live it up - waste money, have a fling of infidelity, etc and nobody needs to know about it.

A year or so ago there was a program on TV called Temptation Island. I didn’t watch any of it because it was quite clear where that program was going. This reality program wanted to show how people went about seducing one another. The world has made temptation a joke - something to laugh at and not be all that concerned about.

But God doesn’t see it that way. God takes the issue of temptation to sin very seriously. It is no joking matter with Him, and if it is not a joke to God it better not be a joke to us!

The message today is for every one of us here. Every person here has had to wrestle with the sin of temptation in his or her life. Many have failed in that struggle and feel defeated and useless. That is what sin does to us. James gives us help with understanding why we do what we do, even when we don't want to do it - and the spiritual strength resources we have to help overcome in our times of temptation.

Consider four aspects of the believer's struggle with temptation:

I. The Believer's Warfare

The Christian life itself is warfare. The "battle songs" in our hymnal echo the Biblical posture that we are at odds with a world system that is hostile to Christ. People that were thrilled with Jesus would not have crucified him! When it comes to temptation the word "warfare" is almost too mild. Let's dig a little deeper.

A. The DEFLECTION of sin

Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man: James 1.13

1. Blaming our sinfulness on God is as old as the Garden of Eden (Genesis 3). Adam and Eve fell, and when confronted by God, Adam said, “It was Eve, that woman YOU gave me, Lord!” Adam was deflecting the responsibility for his sin onto God's shoulders. Now, that's ultimately the way we get saved - God's son, Jesus died on the cross so He could take away the sin that condemns each of us. But we have to confess it first! God never forgave an excuse, and that's what Adam was offering. Confession and accepting responsibility for our sin is a hard thing for people in the 21st century to accept.

2. How could anyone think of blaming God for their sin? Well, they could reason that since God allowed a trial to come into my life, and since God does test us, then I would not have sinned if God had not tested me. Such reasoning is totally faulty, of course. James gives us two reasons why we cannot shift the blame for our sinfulness upon God. First, because of God’s character - God cannot be tempted. He is above all sin. Second, because of God’s actions - God does not tempt anyone to sin. God has no desire to see those for whom His Son died for being tempted into sin. In fact, God provides a way of escape. See what it says in 1 Cor. 10:13 There hath 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 ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.

3. John MacArthur, in his book The Vanishing Conscience, addresses this blame switching, and refers to it as the "victimization of America." No one is responsible for what he does anymore. "What, you killed three people? You're not responsible because you were abused as a child." "What, you murdered your husband? You're not responsible, you were under the influence of PMS." "What, you burned down your own house? You're not responsible, you are simply mimicking what you have seen on TV." "What, you shot your mom and dad? You're not responsible, you have MPD." The blame is always shifted. In fact, MacArthur states that, "Victimism has gained so much influence that as far as society is concerned, there is practically no such thing as sin anymore. Anyone can escape the responsibility for his or her wrongdoings simply by claiming the status of a victim."

4. Deflection for responsibility - that is seen in every walk of life. To include the imagery from Harry Truman, there doesn't seem to be a place anymore where the buck stops being passed.

B. The DISTINCTION between temptation and sin

But every man is tempted - James 1.14a

1. It is important to say that being tempted is not sin. Temptation is the seed of sin, and Satan plants it. We cannot control the thoughts that enter our minds. However, as Martin Luther pointed out, though we cannot prevent the birds from circling over us, we can stop them from nesting in our hair! Satan may plant the seed as a temptation. We don't have to grow it to a bumper crop!

2. If it is a sin to be tempted, then Jesus would have sinned. Satan tempted Jesus three times on one occasion and Jesus came away unscathed. Notice what it says in Hebrews 4:15 For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.

C. The DIRECTION temptation takes to become sin

There are dozens of examples in the Bible of this pathway - however, David's sin with Bathsheba is striking. Allow me to use that as our roadmap to compare it with what James is teaching us about the way sin defeats believers.

1. Desire - But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. James 1.14

a. David (2 Samuel 11) saw Bathsheba, a very beautiful, but married woman. God created desire in us. It is necessary that we be interested in the opposite sex if our species is to continue. However, just like fire, which is a good thing - if you handle it in a way God didn't intend, you will suffer the consequences. This was the crisis point for David, and that hasn't changed. What you do with the temptation defines whether it will become a sin.

b. Desire is stimulated by the senses, and generally begins with the eyes.

Illustration: A little boy was watching his Mom bake some fresh cookies. She placed them on the counter to cool. The little boy made the comment to his mother about how good the cookies smelled. The mother told him he was not to eat any of the cookies. A few minutes passed and the mother walked back into the kitchen and caught the little boy eating one of the cookies. She asked for an explanation to which the little boy replied. "I climbed up on the counter to smell the cookies and my teeth got caught on one." Desire happens, but we don't have to stand there and drool all over it.

c. Two key words are used in this verse to help us understand how desire gets out of control. They both come from fishing and hunting and trapping.

1) “Drawn Away” - The imagery used here is that of bait being used to beguile a fish out of it retreat, to lure it to the hook. Any and all here who have ever fished know how this works. If you are a fly fisherman, you pick the best fly for the occasion with the hopes of drawing a fish up from the depths to eat your fly. If you are bait fisherman, you drop that weighted hook down into a weedy spot or near a rock to tempt that coveted fish out of it’s hiding place. Why? So that you can catch it. The fish is drawn away by a natural desire to eat food.

2) “Enticed” - This word means to “trap with bait.” I recall as a young person doing some trapping in Alaska. I was mainly after snowshoe rabbits. I also recall setting traps over on the farm in Borie when a teenager to catch coons. We would dig a small hole and put a steel trap in the hole and cover it loosely with dried grass. We would then get some stones and build a crude house around the trap and put some dried corn in near the trap. The front of the stone house was open so the coon could stick his paw in to get the corn and thus get caught in the trap. What did we use to entice the coon? Some dried corn.

What is it that will entice you to take the step of giving in to your lusts? Someone once said that lust is what develops with the second look.

2. Decision - Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: James 1.15a

a. Once the decision is made in the heart to abandon what is known to be right (that which is approved by God), the line is crossed and we allow sin into our lives. David saw Bathsheba, and it was only a temptation. The minute he began inquiring about her, wanting her, (knowing she was married, and therefore outside of God's approval), the desire was intensified to lust.

b. I think we all know how powerful a draw our own lusts really are. Amazingly, the word “lust” can be used sometimes in a good way - a lust for food, a lust for wisdom. But those same proper lusts can get out of control when we step over the line between what is right and wrong. Notice that I said - when we - not Satan, not somebody else. James is making it clear here that we each need to take personal responsibility for the control of ourselves.

Quote: The hand's disobedience is only a thought removed from the heart's disobeying!

3. Disobedience Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: James 1.15a

a. Temptation leads to sin only when you yield and ACT upon it

b. Sin therefore requires the added step of ACTION

c. Putting it again in mathematical terms: Sin = Desire + Opportunity + Action (Disobedience)

4. Death! and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death. James 1.15b

a. It needs to be said that this process is the result of unconfessed and unforgiven sin.

b. This refers to spiritual separation from God, which is the "wages of sin" - Ro 6:23

c. Ultimately such "death" involves eternal punishment - Rev. 21:8

d. Putting it once more in the form of an equation: Desire + Opportunity + Action + No Forgiveness = Punishment!

There you have it - The dissection of the whole process of sin our lives. Sin just doesn’t happen. Yes, we are all sinners, but sin only happens when we make a decision to disobey God. But what can we do to overcome such a process in our life?

II. How To Overcome Sin

What I am going to share in this section of the message can only be true for those who already know the Lord Jesus Christ as their Saviour. One who is still lost in their sins is said by God to be spiritually dead and incapable to doing anything about their sins.

1. CHANGE OUR "DESIRES"

a. Since this is where the process of sin begins, it is the best place for us to begin

b. Bear in mind that it is a part of Christian growth to change our desires - Rom 12:1-2 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.; Gal. 5:24 And they that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts.

c. How do we change our desires?

1) Notice that the WORD OF GOD has always been instrumental in helping people overcome sin - Ps 119:11 Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.;

Matt. 4:3-10 (Jesus’ use of the Scriptures all three times with Satan)

2) To see how the Word of God can change our desires...

a) As we read of God's love, longsuffering and mercy, we desire to serve Him - Ps 116:12-14 What shall I render unto the LORD for all his benefits toward me? I will take the cup of salvation, and call upon the name of the LORD. I will pay my vows unto the LORD now in the presence of all his people.

b) As we read of sin and its damnable consequences, we come to hate it! - Ps 119:104 Through thy precepts I get understanding: therefore I hate every false way.

d. So the more we study God's Word, the less likely we will have the DESIRE to sin, thereby beginning to overcome sin by "nipping it in the bud"!

2. LIMIT OUR "OPPORTUNITIES"

a. Remember, we are tempted only when there is BOTH desire and opportunity

b. So while we work on changing our desires, we should limit the opportunities to fulfill wrongful desires

c. This can be done by ASKING FOR GOD'S PROVIDENTIAL HELP, as Jesus taught - Mt 6:13; 26:41 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.

d. We can cooperate with God by:

1) Purposely avoiding situations that might excite wrongful desires

a) Following the example of David - Ps 101:3-4 I will set no wicked thing before mine eyes: I hate the work of them that turn aside; it shall not cleave to me. A froward heart shall depart from me: I will not know a wicked person.

b) And the example of Job - Job 31:1 I made a covenant with mine eyes; why then should I think upon a maid?

2) Avoiding those whose evil behavior encourages us to sin with them

a) Again, David sets a good example - Ps 101:6-7 Mine eyes shall be upon the faithful of the land, that they may dwell with me: he that walketh in a perfect way, he shall serve me. He that worketh deceit shall not dwell within my house: he that telleth lies shall not tarry in my sight.

b) Paul also adds his warning - 1 Cor 15:33 Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners.

3. EXERCISE "SELF-CONTROL"

a. Remember, it becomes sin when we yield to ACTION in fulfilling our sinful desires

b. If we can control ourselves so as to not yield, then we can overcome sin!

c. How does the Christian exercise self-control?

1) Self-control is but one aspect of the "fruit of the Spirit" - Gal 5:22-23 “temperance”

2) When we become Christians, we receive the gift of the Holy Spirit in our lives - Acts 2:38; 5:32

3) The Holy Spirit is God's instrumental agent by which He imparts strength to us - Eph 3:16 That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man;

4) Strengthened by the Spirit, we are able to "put to death the deeds of the body" - Rom 8:12-13 Therefore, brethren, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live after the flesh. For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live. For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.

5) As Paul said: "I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me." - Phil 4:13

d. It is through faith in God's Word that the Christian believes that he has this divine help - Eph 3:20 Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us,

1) It is certainly proper to pray for it, as Paul did in behalf of the Ephesians - Eph 3:16 (above)

2) But it is equally important, to act upon it, trusting that you are not alone as you try to do God's will

3) As an exercise commercial once said: JUST DO IT!

e. The Christian, then, has no excuse for yielding to a temptation - 1 Cor. 10:13 There hath 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 ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.

4. OBTAIN "FORGIVENESS"

a. Remember that sin is victorious when it results in punishment

b. But if we obtain forgiveness through the blood of Christ, we can avoid that punishment and thereby still overcome sin! - 1 Jn 2:1-2 My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous: And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for our’s only, but also for the sins of the whole world.

c. Yes, Christ is truly the "propitiation" for our sins!

1) By His blood, we were forgiven of past sins when united with Him at the moment of salvation, when we were baptized into the body of Christ (spiritual baptism, not water baptism).

2) By His blood, we can be forgiven of present sins when we REPENT, PRAY, and CONFESS our sins to God - Ac 8:22; 1 Jn 1:9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

d. At any time the Christian can overcome sins that were committed, by repenting and confessing them to God!

Listen to what James says in James 1:16 “Do not err, my beloved brethren.”

Conclusion:

1. Indeed, we can overcome sin by stopping its development at ANY one of the four stages leading to the final punishment!

2. If you noticed carefully, you should have seen that at each of the four points in the development of sin, God is able and willing to help us overcome sin!

a. God helps us to "control our desires" by providing His WORD to renew our minds

b. God helps us to "limit the opportunities" through His PROVIDENCE as we pray for such

c. God helps us to "exercise self-control" over our actions through His SPIRIT strengthening the inner man

d. God helps us to "obtain forgiveness" through THE BLOOD OF HIS SON as we repent and pray

3. So how could anyone say that God would tempt us to sin? - James 1:17

4. Have you taken advantage of God's way of escape for the sins you have committed?

If not, why not do so by obeying the gospel, the Word of Truth, and become one of the "firstfruits of His creatures"?


		The Devil Didn’t Make You Do It! James 1:13-16

Home Baptist Basics Messages Ministries Crusader Club Our Missionaries Our History Contact Directions Helpful Links Announcements Vacation Bible School	The Devil Didn’t Make You Do It Introduction: Maybe you have seen the advertisement for Las Vegas that has been airing recently. It shows a group of women riding in a limo. One by one they all begin laughing. The ad ends with words to this effect - What takes place here will not leave here! My brother-in-law, John Burrows, was watching TV this week while I was checking Marticia’s schoolwork for that day. He asked me to take a look at the punch line for the ad. Think about what that ad is suggesting. You can come to Las Vegas and live it up - waste money, have a fling of infidelity, etc and nobody needs to know about it. A year or so ago there was a program on TV called Temptation Island. I didn’t watch any of it because it was quite clear where that program was going. This reality program wanted to show how people went about seducing one another. The world has made temptation a joke - something to laugh at and not be all that concerned about. But God doesn’t see it that way. God takes the issue of temptation to sin very seriously. It is no joking matter with Him, and if it is not a joke to God it better not be a joke to us! The message today is for every one of us here. Every person here has had to wrestle with the sin of temptation in his or her life. Many have failed in that struggle and feel defeated and useless. That is what sin does to us. James gives us help with understanding why we do what we do, even when we don't want to do it - and the spiritual strength resources we have to help overcome in our times of temptation. Consider four aspects of the believer's struggle with temptation: I. The Believer's Warfare The Christian life itself is warfare. The "battle songs" in our hymnal echo the Biblical posture that we are at odds with a world system that is hostile to Christ. People that were thrilled with Jesus would not have crucified him! When it comes to temptation the word "warfare" is almost too mild. Let's dig a little deeper. A. The DEFLECTION of sin *Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man:* James 1.13 1. Blaming our sinfulness on God is as old as the Garden of Eden (Genesis 3). Adam and Eve fell, and when confronted by God, Adam said, “It was Eve, that woman YOU gave me, Lord!” Adam was deflecting the responsibility for his sin onto God's shoulders. Now, that's ultimately the way we get saved - God's son, Jesus died on the cross so He could take away the sin that condemns each of us. But we have to confess it first! God never forgave an excuse, and that's what Adam was offering. Confession and accepting responsibility for our sin is a hard thing for people in the 21st century to accept. 2. How could anyone think of blaming God for their sin? Well, they could reason that since God allowed a trial to come into my life, and since God does test us, then I would not have sinned if God had not tested me. Such reasoning is totally faulty, of course. James gives us two reasons why we cannot shift the blame for our sinfulness upon God. First, because of God’s character - God cannot be tempted. He is above all sin. Second, because of God’s actions - God does not tempt anyone to sin. God has no desire to see those for whom His Son died for being tempted into sin. In fact, God provides a way of escape. See what it says in 1 Cor. 10:13 There hath 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 ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it. 3. John MacArthur, in his book *The Vanishing Conscience, addresses this blame switching, and refers to it as the "victimization of America." No one is responsible for what he does anymore. "What, you killed three people? You're not responsible because you were abused as a child." "What, you murdered your husband? You're not responsible, you were under the influence of PMS." "What, you burned down your own house? You're not responsible, you are simply mimicking what you have seen on TV." "What, you shot your mom and dad? You're not responsible, you have MPD." The blame is always shifted. In fact, MacArthur states that, "Victimism has gained so much influence that as far as society is concerned, there is practically no such thing as sin anymore. Anyone can escape the responsibility for his or her wrongdoings simply by claiming the status of a victim." 4. Deflection for responsibility - that is seen in every walk of life. To include the imagery from Harry Truman, there doesn't seem to be a place anymore where the buck stops being passed. B. The DISTINCTION between temptation and sin* *But every man is tempted* - James 1.14a 1. It is important to say that being tempted is not sin. Temptation is the seed of sin, and Satan plants it. We cannot control the thoughts that enter our minds. However, as Martin Luther pointed out, though we cannot prevent the birds from circling over us, we can stop them from nesting in our hair! Satan may plant the seed as a temptation. We don't have to grow it to a bumper crop! 2. If it is a sin to be tempted, then Jesus would have sinned. Satan tempted Jesus three times on one occasion and Jesus came away unscathed. Notice what it says in Hebrews 4:15 *For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.* C. The DIRECTION temptation takes to become sin There are dozens of examples in the Bible of this pathway - however, David's sin with Bathsheba is striking. Allow me to use that as our roadmap to compare it with what James is teaching us about the way sin defeats believers. 1. Desire - *But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. James 1.14 a. David (2 Samuel 11) saw Bathsheba, a very beautiful, but married woman. God created desire in us. It is necessary that we be interested in the opposite sex if our species is to continue. However, just like fire, which is a good thing - if you handle it in a way God didn't intend, you will suffer the consequences. This was the crisis point for David, and that hasn't changed. What you do with the temptation defines whether it will become a sin. b. Desire is stimulated by the senses, and generally begins with the eyes. Illustration:* A little boy was watching his Mom bake some fresh cookies. She placed them on the counter to cool. The little boy made the comment to his mother about how good the cookies smelled. The mother told him he was not to eat any of the cookies. A few minutes passed and the mother walked back into the kitchen and caught the little boy eating one of the cookies. She asked for an explanation to which the little boy replied. "I climbed up on the counter to smell the cookies and my teeth got caught on one." Desire happens, but we don't have to stand there and drool all over it. c. Two key words are used in this verse to help us understand how desire gets out of control. They both come from fishing and hunting and trapping. 1) “Drawn Away” - The imagery used here is that of bait being used to beguile a fish out of it retreat, to lure it to the hook. Any and all here who have ever fished know how this works. If you are a fly fisherman, you pick the best fly for the occasion with the hopes of drawing a fish up from the depths to eat your fly. If you are bait fisherman, you drop that weighted hook down into a weedy spot or near a rock to tempt that coveted fish out of it’s hiding place. Why? So that you can catch it. The fish is drawn away by a natural desire to eat food. 2) “Enticed” - This word means to “trap with bait.” I recall as a young person doing some trapping in Alaska. I was mainly after snowshoe rabbits. I also recall setting traps over on the farm in Borie when a teenager to catch coons. We would dig a small hole and put a steel trap in the hole and cover it loosely with dried grass. We would then get some stones and build a crude house around the trap and put some dried corn in near the trap. The front of the stone house was open so the coon could stick his paw in to get the corn and thus get caught in the trap. What did we use to entice the coon? Some dried corn. What is it that will entice you to take the step of giving in to your lusts? Someone once said that lust is what develops with the second look. 2. Decision - *Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: James 1.15a a. Once the decision is made in the heart to abandon what is known to be right (that which is approved by God), the line is crossed and we allow sin into our lives. David saw Bathsheba, and it was only a temptation. The minute he began inquiring about her, wanting her, (knowing she was married, and therefore outside of God's approval), the desire was intensified to lust. b. I think we all know how powerful a draw our own lusts really are. Amazingly, the word “lust” can be used sometimes in a good way - a lust for food, a lust for wisdom. But those same proper lusts can get out of control when we step over the line between what is right and wrong. Notice that I said - when we - not Satan, not somebody else. James is making it clear here that we each need to take personal responsibility for the control of ourselves. Quote:* The hand's disobedience is only a thought removed from the heart's disobeying! 3. Disobedience *Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: James 1.15a a. Temptation leads to sin only when you yield and ACT upon it b. Sin therefore requires the added step of ACTION c. Putting it again in mathematical terms: Sin = Desire + Opportunity + Action (Disobedience) 4. Death! and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death. James 1.15b a. It needs to be said that this process is the result of unconfessed and unforgiven sin. b. This refers to spiritual separation from God, which is the "wages of sin" - Ro 6:23 c. Ultimately such "death" involves eternal punishment - Rev. 21:8 d. Putting it once more in the form of an equation: Desire + Opportunity + Action + No Forgiveness = Punishment! There you have it - The dissection of the whole process of sin our lives. Sin just doesn’t happen. Yes, we are all sinners, but sin only happens when we make a decision to disobey God. But what can we do to overcome such a process in our life? II. How To Overcome Sin What I am going to share in this section of the message can only be true for those who already know the Lord Jesus Christ as their Saviour. One who is still lost in their sins is said by God to be spiritually dead and incapable to doing anything about their sins. 1. CHANGE OUR "DESIRES"* a. Since this is where the process of sin begins, it is the best place for us to begin b. Bear in mind that it is a part of Christian growth to change our desires - Rom 12:1-2 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.; Gal. 5:24 *And they that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts.* c. How do we change our desires? 1) Notice that the WORD OF GOD has always been instrumental in helping people overcome sin - Ps 119:11 Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.; Matt. 4:3-10 (Jesus’ use of the Scriptures all three times with Satan) 2) To see how the Word of God can change our desires... a) As we read of God's love, longsuffering and mercy, we desire to serve Him - Ps 116:12-14 What shall I render unto the LORD for all his benefits toward me? I will take the cup of salvation, and call upon the name of the LORD. I will pay my vows unto the LORD now in the presence of all his people. b) As we read of sin and its damnable consequences, we come to hate it! - Ps 119:104 *Through thy precepts I get understanding: therefore I hate every false way.* d. So the more we study God's Word, the less likely we will have the DESIRE to sin, thereby beginning to overcome sin by "nipping it in the bud"! 2. LIMIT OUR "OPPORTUNITIES" a. Remember, we are tempted only when there is BOTH desire and opportunity b. So while we work on changing our desires, we should limit the opportunities to fulfill wrongful desires c. This can be done by ASKING FOR GOD'S PROVIDENTIAL HELP, as Jesus taught - Mt 6:13; 26:41 *And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.* d. We can cooperate with God by: 1) Purposely avoiding situations that might excite wrongful desires a) Following the example of David - Ps 101:3-4 *I will set no wicked thing before mine eyes: I hate the work of them that turn aside; it shall not cleave to me. A froward heart shall depart from me: I will not know a wicked person.* b) And the example of Job - Job 31:1 *I made a covenant with mine eyes; why then should I think upon a maid?* 2) Avoiding those whose evil behavior encourages us to sin with them a) Again, David sets a good example - Ps 101:6-7 Mine eyes shall be upon the faithful of the land, that they may dwell with me: he that walketh in a perfect way, he shall serve me. He that worketh deceit shall not dwell within my house: he that telleth lies shall not tarry in my sight. b) Paul also adds his warning - 1 Cor 15:33 *Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners.* 3. EXERCISE "SELF-CONTROL" a. Remember, it becomes sin when we yield to ACTION in fulfilling our sinful desires b. If we can control ourselves so as to not yield, then we can overcome sin! c. How does the Christian exercise self-control? 1) Self-control is but one aspect of the "fruit of the Spirit" - Gal 5:22-23 “temperance” 2) When we become Christians, we receive the gift of the Holy Spirit in our lives - Acts 2:38; 5:32 3) The Holy Spirit is God's instrumental agent by which He imparts strength to us - Eph 3:16 *That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man;* 4) Strengthened by the Spirit, we are able to "put to death the deeds of the body" - Rom 8:12-13 Therefore, brethren, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live after the flesh. For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live. For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God. 5) As Paul said: "I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me." - Phil 4:13 d. It is through faith in God's Word that the Christian believes that he has this divine help - Eph 3:20 *Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us,* 1) It is certainly proper to pray for it, as Paul did in behalf of the Ephesians - Eph 3:16 (above) 2) But it is equally important, to act upon it, trusting that you are not alone as you try to do God's will 3) As an exercise commercial once said: JUST DO IT! e. The Christian, then, has no excuse for yielding to a temptation - 1 Cor. 10:13 There hath 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 ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it. 4. OBTAIN "FORGIVENESS" a. Remember that sin is victorious when it results in punishment b. But if we obtain forgiveness through the blood of Christ, we can avoid that punishment and thereby still overcome sin! - 1 Jn 2:1-2 My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous: And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for our’s only, but also for the sins of the whole world. c. Yes, Christ is truly the "propitiation" for our sins! 1) By His blood, we were forgiven of past sins when united with Him at the moment of salvation, when we were baptized into the body of Christ (spiritual baptism, not water baptism). 2) By His blood, we can be forgiven of present sins when we REPENT, PRAY, and CONFESS our sins to God - Ac 8:22; 1 Jn 1:9 *If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.* d. At any time the Christian can overcome sins that were committed, by repenting and confessing them to God! Listen to what James says in James 1:16 *“Do not err, my beloved brethren.”* Conclusion: 1. Indeed, we can overcome sin by stopping its development at ANY one of the four stages leading to the final punishment! 2. If you noticed carefully, you should have seen that at each of the four points in the development of sin, God is able and willing to help us overcome sin! a. God helps us to "control our desires" by providing His WORD to renew our minds b. God helps us to "limit the opportunities" through His PROVIDENCE as we pray for such c. God helps us to "exercise self-control" over our actions through His SPIRIT strengthening the inner man d. God helps us to "obtain forgiveness" through THE BLOOD OF HIS SON as we repent and pray 3. So how could anyone say that God would tempt us to sin? - James 1:17 4. Have you taken advantage of God's way of escape for the sins you have committed? If not, why not do so by obeying the gospel, the Word of Truth, and become one of the "firstfruits of His creatures"?