Overcoming Temptation -Something that causes a strong urge or desire to have or do something and especially something that is bad, wrong, or unwise.. -Something you want to have or to do, even though you know you shouldn't. something that causes a strong urge or desire to have or do something and especially something that is bad, wrong, or unwise. Something you want to have or to do, even though you know you shouldn't

Overcoming Temptation Lie #1: NO ONE ELSE GOES THROUGH WHAT I’M GOING THROUGH Pastor Infidelity - I actually heard of a pastor one time who was caught having adulterous affairs with several of his church members. Instead of repenting, as he should have, he explained to the church that his actions were excusable because his drive was much greater than that of normal men. So instead of voting to kick him out, they should have compassion on him because of his special condition. TRUTH 1 Corinthians 10:13 13 No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it. A.- There are no Special Conditions – That doesn’t mean it doesn’t feel that way - you may need help B- B. When people think that they are the only one experiencing a particular temptation, they will be reluctant to seek help from other believers. As we know, God’s design for the church is to be a body of believers helping one another. One of the major functions of the church is to be an encouragement to each other. Romans 14:19 So then, let us aim for harmony in the church and try to build each other up. 1 Thessalonians 5:11,14 11 So encourage each other and build each other up, just as you are already doing. 14 Brothers and sisters, we urge you to warn those who are lazy. Encourage those who are timid. Take tender care of those who are weak. Be patient with everyone. Whatever you are struggling with others have too! SOME SUCCEED AND SOME SUCCUMB!!!

Overcoming Temptation Lie #2: THE TEMPTATION IS TOO STRONG FOR ME TO RESIST. There was a high profile evangelist who had a public moral failure. In response to the failure, he sent out a video to some pastors with whom he wanted to salvage a relationship. On the video, he explained a dream that he had. In the dream, he saw a cobra that was about up to his chest. It was a pretty big cobra, and it was in the strike position, aiming at him. Then the dream flashed to another scene. Again he was faced with a giant cobra trying to strike him. Only this time the cobra was about four stories tall. He tried to slay the cobra, but it was just too big. After relaying the dream, he explained his interpretation of the dream. He said that the snake represented the temptation for him. His excuse was that just like the cobra was way too big for him to handle TRUTH There is nothing to big for God , There are lots too big for Us Ephesians 3:20 20 Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, SOME SUCCEED AND SOME SUCCUMB!

Overcoming Temptation Lie #3 THERE IS NO WAY OUT… EXCEPT TO GIVE IN… Young Boy who fights It sometimes feels that everyone and everything is against me. We know as Christians can make the decision to do or do not. Example :Clean toilet as employee or as Business owner. 1 Corinthians 10:13 New King James Version (NKJV) 13 No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it. SOME SUCCEED AND SOME SUCCUMB!!! The Choice is yours But God and The Body are on the side of success.

Overcoming Temptation Ways to Overcome Temptation

Overcoming Temptation 1. Avoid What Causes You Problems I have to Avoid 7- 11 when I am Hungry It is a place without many good choices and a lot of bad choices

Overcoming Temptation 2. Open Your Life To Service

Overcoming Temptation 3. Avoid Even The Appearance of Impropriety Set yourself up for success. Billy Graham You can control who you are with and where you Go SOME SUCCEED AND SOME SUCCUMB!!! The Choice is yours But God and The Body are on the side of success.