Simple Studies in Christian Essentials

 

                            Lesson 8

 

            Temptation, and How to Meet it

 

   Introduction: The Christian never reaches a place

in this life where he has no temptations.

 

I. There are two forms of temptation.

 

    A. Testing under trial:

 

        1. Controlled by God, - Job 1:12; Job 2:6.

 

        2. For our good,

 

            a. Increases our patient, - James 1:3.

 

            b. Strengthens our faith, - 1 Pet 1:6-7.

 

            c. Develops holiness of life, - Heb 12:11.

               Illustrations: Abram, Gen 22:1;

                              Lord Jesus, Lk 22:28;

                                          Heb 5:8.

               Study in the light of above, James 1:1-12.

 

     B. Solicitation to evil:

        Study, James 1:13-16.

 

         1. Never comes from God.

 

         2. Satan uses our own natural tendencies to sin,

 

             a. Varied to meet individual weaknesses.

 

             b. The purpose is to reveal our own weakness

                to ourselves.

 

             c. Satan has three avenues of approach,

 

                 {1} "the lust of the flesh"

   

                 {2} "the lust of the eyes"

 

                 {3} "the pride of life"

 

                 {4} Illustrations:

 

                      {a} Temptation of Eve, - Gen 3.

 

                      {b} Temptation of Christ, -

                          Matt 4:1-11.

 

II. How to meet temptation.

 

     A. God has provided a way put in every temptation,

        - 1 Cor 10:13.

 

     B. Jesus Christ is that way, - Jn 14:6; Heb 4:14-16;

        Heb 2:18; 2 Pet 2:9.

 

     C. Be prepared for temptation.

 

         1. Fortify yourselves by prayer, - Lk 22:40.

 

         2. Always be on your guard, - Matt 26:41;

            Study in this connection, - Eph 6:10-18.

 

   Conclusion: Some concluding thoughts:

 

         1. Temptation is a compliment from both

            God and Satan, - Job 1:8-12.

 

         2. Temptation usually comes with

            suddenness, "fall into," James 1:2.

 

         3. Temptation often comes after some

            great spiritual blessing. see Matt 17:1-19.

 

         4. Temptation never gets beyond the power

            of prayer, - Job 1:12; Job 2:6.

 

         5. Temptation once resisted is easier to

            defeat the second time.

 

 

                               Questions

 

   1. Name the two forms of temptation.

 

   2. Who controls the testings?

 

   3. Give three reasons for the first type

      of temptation.

 

   4. In James 1:12 what reward is promised to

      the one who endures temptation?

 

   5. Who is active in solicitations to evil?

 

   6. What is there in us that aids Satan in

      temptation?

 

   7. Name the three avenues of approach that

      Satan has.

 

   8. What has God provided for us in case of

      temptation?

 

   9. Who is our Way of Escape? Give a scripture

      reference.

 

  10. What two things may we do to prepare for

      temptation?

 

  11. When are most likely to be tempted?

 

  12. Whose power reaches to the utmost

      temptation?