Chapter 13
Temptation
A. SATAN ATTACKS
Satan attacks the individual Christian mostly through temptation. And he focuses this assault in two spheres:
1. The Desires Of The World
He will seek to tempt a believer to become absorbed into the world's system: to make the material
blessings that the world offers a central desire; to make the honour and recognition of this world an important
goal; and to make the comfort of being one with those of this world our basis for security.
2. The Desires Of The Flesh
Through Christ's work on the Cross, the true Christian is delivered from the results of sin, and from the
power of sin. Romans 6:6-14. But he still lives in a physical body that is subject to natural appetites and
desires. Satan will use these to try and get a Christian to place greater importance upon them than upon the
promptings of the Holy Spirit within him. Romans 8:5-9 See also James 1:14; Ephesians 2:3
B. SATAN'S ORIGINAL VICTORY
It was in the areas of the world and the flesh that Satan won his original victory in the temptation of the first man and woman, and these are still his tactics today.
"For all that is in the world, the LUST OF THE FLESH (craving for sensual gratification), and the LUST OF THE EYES (greedy longings of the mind) and the PRIDE OF LIFE (assurance in one's own resources or in the stability of earthly things) -
these do not come from the Father but are from the world (itself)" 1John 2:16 Amplified Bible
Compare Eve's Temptation With This Verse: Genesis 3:6 1 John 2:16
Good FOR FOOD "Lust of the flesh"
Pleasing TO THE EYE "Lust of the eyes"
Desirable for GAINING WISDOM "Pride of life"
Since the fall of Adam and Eve, all mankind has been governed by their flesh (the three things outlined above).
The flesh is also corrupted by a sinful nature. Galatians 5:19-21
C. VICTORY WON BY CHRIST
1. Through His Life
Jesus was tempted in everything, exactly as we are, " yet was without sin" Hebrews 4:15
Compare Jesus' Temptation With This Verse: Luke 4: 1-13 1 John 2:16
Stones to bread "Lust of the flesh"
Kingdoms of the earth "Lust of the eyes"
Pinnacle of the temple "Pride of life"
2. Through His Death And Resurrection
Faith that appropriates (claims, receives) Christ's work releases the Christian from the power
and dominion that sin had over him. Romans 8:9
He is now free to choose to walk in obedience to God. Romans 6:8-14. " For what the law was powerless to do in that it was weakened by the sinful nature, God did by sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful man… in order that the righteous requirements of the law might be fully met in us, who do not live according to the sinful nature (flesh ) but according to the Spirit" Romans 8:3,4
D. THE CHRISTIAN'S CONTINUAL VICTORY
Based on the foundation of this great victory won for us by Christ, the Christian can now defeat any attack from the enemy. Here are seven keys to continual victory:
1. Know The Victory Is Already Won
Because of his defeat at the Cross, the devil's only strength now is found in the Christian's Ignorance.
Hosea 4:6. But when a Christian knows the complete work of the Cross and Resurrection in his life, the devil is
stripped of any weapon against him.
2. Walk In Step With The Spirit
A new power is placed within the Christian - the Holy Spirit Himself. We are to walk in obedience to
His inner promptings day by day. Galatians 5:22-25
3. Recognize Temptation For What It Is
Temptation is NOT sin. YIELDING to temptation is! James 1:15 See Genesis 4:6,7
4. Understanding there Is A Way Of Escape Provided
"No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. 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 stand up under it" 1Corinthians 10:13 James 4:7 details the way of escape: Submit
to God, resist the devil and he shall flee!
5. Keep The Right Focus In Life
"Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is
seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things"
Colossians 3:1,2
See also Philippians 4:8; 1Timothy 6:11,121; 2 Peter 3:11-13.
6. Keep Away From Obvious Areas of Temptation
"I will set before my eyes no vile thing" Psalms 101:3 See also 1 Timothy 6:9-11
7. Be Aware Of Satan's Schemes
It is important for us to know the tactics that the enemy uses against us so that we are not
outwitted by him. 2 Corinthians 2:11
a. He is a liar John 8:44
b. He is a slanderer and accuser Revelation 12:10
c. He is a deceiver Revelation 12:9
d. He is a tempter Matthew 4:1-11
e. He is an oppressor Acts 10:38
f. He is a hinderer 1Thessalonians 2:18
g. He is as a roaring lion 1 Peter 5:8
h. He can transform himself into an angel of light 2 Corinthians 11:14
As Christians, we are called to live in VICTORY! Through Christ, this victory is ours: Over The World 1John 5:4
Over The Flesh Galatians 5:16
Over The Enemy Ephesians 6:11,13
MY COMMITMENT
I thank God for His promise to deliver me during time of temptation. I commit myself to respond to His help which is always available so that I can live in victory. I will share this truth with others also.