Dealing with Temptation: Understanding, Resisting, and Overcoming

3 MIKE MAZZALONGO MIKE MAZZALONGO Dealing with the Dragon Dealing with the Dragon James 1:13 James 1:13- -15 15

Faith Trial Joy Hope & Assurance Endurance Genuineness

Let no one say when he is tempted, I am being tempted by God ; for God cannot be tempted by evil, and He Himself does not tempt anyone. - - James 1:13 James 1:13

Temptation Temptation = = 1. To seduce, solicit, encourage to sin 2. To be tested, examined

Temptations Temptations God is not subject to evil God is not subject to evil desire desire

Temptations Temptations God is not subject to evil desire God does not tempt anyone to God does not tempt anyone to evil with evil with evil evil

But each one is tempted when he is carried away and enticed by his own lust. Then when lust has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and when sin is accomplished, it brings forth death. - - James 1:14 James 1:14- -15 15

Temptation is NOT NOT sin

But each one is tempted when he is carried away and enticed by his own lust. - - James 1:14 James 1:14

Carried Carried Away Enticed Enticed Away = Drawn = Allurement

No Sin Sin No Sin Temptation Temptation Action

Dealing with Temptation Dealing with Temptation Identify what is happening Just say NO Pray for help Seek help Change dynamics

Then when lust has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and when sin is accomplished, it brings forth death. - - James 1:15 James 1:15

Again, she gave birth to his brother Abel. And Abel was a keeper of flocks, but Cain was a tiller of the ground. So it came about in the course of time that Cain brought an offering to the Lord of the fruit of the ground. - - Gen. 4:2 Gen. 4:2- -3 3

Abel, on his part also brought of the firstlings of his flock and of their fat portions. And the Lord had regard for Abel and for his offering; but for Cain and for his offering He had no regard. So Cain became very angry and his countenance fell. - - Gen. 4:4 Gen. 4:4- -5 5

Then the Lord said to Cain, Why are you angry? And why has your countenance fallen? If you do well, will not your countenance be lifted up? And if you do not do well, sin is crouching at the door; and its desire is for you, but you must master it. - - Gen. 4:6 Gen. 4:6- -7 7

Cain told Abel his brother. And it came about when they were in the field, that Cain rose up against Abel his brother and killed him. - - Gen. 4:8 Gen. 4:8

Satans ultimate goal is to separate us Satan s ultimate goal is to separate us from God from God and and each other. each other.

How does the Christian deal with the Dragon? 1. 1. Recognize Recognize the of of temptation temptation the presence presence

How does the Christian deal with the Dragon? 1.Recognize the presence of temptation 2. Take Action Take Action

How does the Christian deal with the Dragon? 1.Recognize the presence of temptation 2.Take Action 3. I John 1:9 I John 1:9 If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.