Overcoming Temptationਨਮੂਨਾ

RECAPPING

Let's glance at what we have studied together.

First, we don’t have to let Satan outwit us. Temptations will come, but we can defeat them. Being tempted isn’t a sin; it doesn’t define us. When we choose to honor God over our own desires, that is worshiping Him. We need God’s word to be our compass; our culture and feelings will shift and mislead us, but God’s word is both our compass and our weapon in fighting temptation. The only way to defeat lies is with the truth. God gave us the truth in His Word. We need to hide His Word in our hearts so that we don’t sin against Him.

Stupidity often comes in small steps. Long journeys are made of small steps. We need to open our eyes and watch for compromises that are taking us slowly in the wrong direction. Are little choices taking us where we don’t want to go? If so, turn now.

Sin is a fruit and it grows on a tree in our heart. We need to look at what we are letting grow in our hearts, long before the fruit of sin appears. We need to check what we are meditating on, what thoughts we are allowing to take root in our hearts.

Decide today to make a stand. Evil doesn’t come only to those who are looking for it. If we aren’t on purpose, it will find us. But if we choose ahead of time to flee from sin, we can walk in freedom. We need to be willing to cut off the sin. Make the needed changes, and if cutting off sin has a cost, it's worth it. Nothing this world has to offer compares to eternity. Make the sacrifice today, rather than sacrificing eternity for today. Let's not leave any room for sin to hold on in our lives.

Turn on the light. Don’t let Satan isolate us or imprison us in sin and secrecy. Let us live as children of the light — walking in truth, free from sin and shame, strengthening and uplifting one another.

Turn to God in prayer. Receive His strength and turn our focus to Him. Let our Spirit rise up to the driver's seat, saying no to ungodliness.

I would like to end this study by praying over each of you.