Getting the Victory Over Temptation
“When you go to war against your enemies and see horses and chariots and an army greater than yours, do not be afraid of them, because the Lord your God, who brought you up out of Egypt, will be with you. When you are about to go into battle, the priest shall come forward and address the army.
He shall say: ‘Hear, Israel: Today you are going into battle against your enemies. Do not be fainthearted or afraid; do not panic or be terrified by them. For the Lord your God is the one who goes with you to fight for you against your enemies to give you victory.’” Deuteronomy 20:1-4
Our Father, Who art in the heavens, Hallowed be Your Name. Your kingdom come, Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven...Give us this day our daily bread. Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.
“Be watchful and control yourselves. Your enemy the devil is like a roaring lion. He prowls around looking for someone to swallow up.” 1 Peter 5:8 NIRV
“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.” John 10:10 ESV
To Experience the Abundant Life:
- Know Your Enemy
- Know Your Responsibility
- Know Your God
- Know Your Enemy
> He’s Extremely Powerful
> He’s a Thief who comes to steal, kill and destroy you.
> He’s a Roaring Lion looking for an opportunity to devour you.
> He’s an Angry Dragon who has declared war on you, because you are a Jesus follower.
Know his Target
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- His target is your heart
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Know his Goal
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- His goal is your destruction and spiritual death - separation from God, both now and forever.
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Know his Method
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- His battle strategy is temptation: Luring you into sin with his deception, tempting to do evil things that you should not be doing, and tempting you not to do the good things that you should be doing.
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2. Know Your Responsibility
> You’re Responsible for pursuing true joy.
> You’re Responsible for starving temptation and not feeding it.
> You’re Responsible to use the right resistance. Remind yourself of the final pain that will soon replace the passing pleasure.
> You’re Responsible to put on the full armor of God –
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- the Belt of Truth
- the Breastplate of Righteousness
- the Gospel of Peace
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“For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile.” Romans 1:16
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- the Shield of Faith
- the Helmet of Salvation
- the Sword of the Spirit
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“For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.” Hebrews 4:12
“All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work.” 2 Timothy 3:16,17
> You’re responsible to take up this Sword, the Word of God
> You’re responsible to know it, read it, study it, and live it.
Add the Power of Prayer
“And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert, and always keep on praying for all the Lord's people.” Ephesians 6:18 NIV
3. Know Your God
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- Know that your God is greater than your enemy.
“You, dear children, are from God, and have overcome them, because the one who is in you, is greater than the one who is in the world.” 1 John 4:4
“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 stand up under it.” 1 Corinthians 10:13
“Today you are going into battle against your enemies. Do not be fainthearted or afraid; do not panic or be terrified by them. For the Lord your God is the one who goes with you to fight for you against your enemies to give you victory.” Deuteronomy 20:1-4
To Experience the Abundant Life:
- Know Your Enemy
- Know Your Responsibility
- Know Your God
“Our Father in the heavens, hallowed be your name,
Your kingdom come, Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.
And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.”
Matthew 6:9-13
“Jesus, I accept You as my Savior, I believe God raised You from the dead, I confess You as my Lord.”
