Our Bible Study lessons are taken from The Purpose Driven Life by Rick Warren � a chapter each week until the book has been completed. 

 

October 6 Bible Study

Taught by Assistant Pastor Porter

 

 

I. What is temptation?  (an enticement, a lure, to get believers to sin)

 

II. Why are Christians tempted?          (to be strengthened)

 

III. How temptation works

    a. Desire             

        Temptation always starts in your mind, not in circumstances.  Mark 7:21-23

        b. Doubt                Hebrews 3:12

        c. Deception          Satan is the �Father of lies�.  John 8:44

       d. Disobedience    James 1:14-16

 

IV. Overcoming Temptation

    a.   Refuse to be intimidated         

         The closer you grow to God, the more Satan will try to tempt you.

    b.   Recognize your patter of temptation and be prepared for it.

        Satan knows your weaknesses

        You should identify your typical pattern of temptation and then prepare to

        avoid those situations as much as possible.  Ephesians 4:27; Proverbs 4:26-27

     c. Request God�s help       Hebrews 4:16

         Why don�t we turn to God for help with our temptations?

         Because we are enjoying what we are doing and pride.

 

 

I. Refocus your attention on something else.

    In the Bible, we are told to �resist temptation� or �resist the devil�           James 4:7

    The battle for sin is won or lost in your mind.

    To reduce temptation, keep your mind occupied on the Word of God and

     memorize scriptures.  Philippians 4:8; Proverbs 4:23; 2 Corinthians 10:5

 

II.  Reveal your struggle to a godly friend or support group.            James 5:16

    The reason we hide our faults is pride.

 

III. Resist the Devil

    How can we resist the devil?  Luke 4:1-13; Ephesians 6:1

 

IV. Realize your vulnerability                I Corinthians 10:13