THE SEASON OF TEMPTATION
Growing in the Seasons of Life
HOW TO HANDLE TEMPTATION
1. ANTICIPATE IT.
When temptation comes, we usually have three common reactions:
1) Shock. “How in the world could I think a thought like that?”
2) Frustration. “Why do I keep falling in the same area over and over?”
3) Discouragement. “I’ll never change!”
“Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation…” Matthew 26:41 (NIV)
“… If you are thinking, `[I’d] never behave like that’ — let [it] be a warning to you. For you too may fall into sin.”
1 Corinthians 10:12 (TLB)
2. ACCEPT RESPONSIBILITY FOR IT.
“Temptation is the pull of [your] own evil thoughts and wishes. These evil thoughts lead to evil actions…” James 1:14-15 (TLB)
3. ASK GOD FOR HELP.
“[Jesus]… had the same temptations we do, though he never once gave [in]… and sinned. So let us come boldly… [to] God… and find grace to help in our times of need.” Hebrews 4:15-16 (TLB)
“Call to Me when trouble comes…” Psalm 50:15 (GNT)
4. ADMIT MY STRUGGLE TO A FRIEND.
“… Remember this — the wrong desires that come into your life aren’t anything new and different. Many others have faced exactly the same problems before you…” 1 Corinthians 10:13 (TLB)
“Admit your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed…” James 5:16
*Benefits of sharing your temptation with a trusted friend or small group.
a) It helps you gain control.
b) It relieves inner stress.
c) It provides support and accountability.
5. AVOID TEMPTING SITUATIONS.
“A wise [man]… turns away from evil, but a fool is arrogant and careless.” Proverbs 14:16 (NASB)
“I thought about the wrong direction in which I was headed, and turned around and came running back to you.”
Psalm 119:59-60 (TLB)
6. AFFIRM GOD’S WORD.
“God… 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 10:13b (NIV)
“Accept salvation from God to be your helmet and receive the Word of God… to use as a sword.” Ephesians 6:17 (JB)