SIN - Your Desire > Satan's Temptation > Sin or Escape?
James 1:14-15 | Temptation comes from our own desires, which entice us and drag us away. These desires give birth to sinful actions. And when sin is allowed to grow, it gives birth to death.
What is temptation? Who tempts us?
Satan tempts us with things we desire or want. What things do you struggle with wanting to have, do, think about, or say, even though you know they are wrong?
1 Corinthians 10:13 | The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure.
While God doesn’t tempt us, He promises He won’t let us be tempted in a way we can’t overcome. What temptation do you give into the most?
God promises that there is always a way out or a way of escape. Think back to the last time you struggled with the temptation you just mentioned. What was the way out you could have taken?
James 4:7 | So humble yourselves before God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.
Having a plan of what you will do when the temptation to sin comes is a way of resisting the devil. What is your plan for when the desire to sin comes? Be specific!
Where will you go?
Who will you talk to? How? When?
What will you do?
What will you think about?
Further reading: Read Genesis 3:1-6 to see Eve’s desire, Satan’s temptation, where Eve doesn’t resist, and how sin is the result. What could Eve have done differently if she had an action plan for temptation?