The document discusses understanding temptation. It begins by stating that everyone faces temptation but not everyone understands it. It then provides information about temptation: (1) Temptation comes from Satan, not God; (2) Temptation itself is not a sin, only giving in to it is; (3) Temptation can be resisted through submitting to God and avoiding situations that may trigger it. The document also notes that temptation can be overcome through endurance, asking others for help if overcome, and God's deliverance; and that temptation tends to decrease with consistent effort over time.

1. UNDERSTANDING TEMPTATION
SCRIPTURE – James 1:12-15 Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he has
been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love
Him. 13 Let no one say when he is tempted, "I am tempted by God"; for God cannot be tempted
by evil, nor does He Himself tempt anyone. 14 But each one is tempted when he is drawn away
by his own desires and enticed. 15 Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and
sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death.
INTRODUCTION
A. EVERYONE FACES TEMPTATION - 1 Corinthians 10:13a No temptation has
overtaken you except such as is common to man;
B. NOT EVERYONE UNDERSTANDS TEMPTATION
C. IT IS IMPORTANT TO UNDERSTAND SOME THINGS ABOUT TEMPTATION
1. Temptation comes from Satan
2. Temptation is not sin
3. Temptation can be resisted
4. Temptation can be overcome
5. Temptation decreases with time and effort
I. TEMPTATION COMES FROM SATAN
A. James 1:13 Let no one say when he is tempted, "I am tempted by God"; for God cannot
be tempted by evil, nor does He Himself tempt anyone.
B. Matthew 4:1 Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by
the devil.
C. Hebrews 4:15 For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our
weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin.
D. 2 Timothy 2:26 and that they may come to their senses and escape the snare of the
devil, having been taken captive by him to do his will.
II. TEMPTATION IS NOT SIN
A. James 1:14-15 But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires
and enticed. 15 Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is
full-grown, brings forth death.
B. Temptation is a desire that comes from within - 1 John 2:15-17 Do not love the world or
the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 16
For all that is in the world--the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life--
is not of the Father but is of the world. 17 And the world is passing away, and the lust of
it; but he who does the will of God abides forever.
1. The lust of the eyes – Covetousness – the desire for things we see.
2. The lust of the flesh – Pleasures of the flesh – Sexual immorality, fornication,
adultery, homosexuality, gluttony, addictions to alcohol, drugs etc.
3. The pride of life – Power, prestige, authority, control, superiority.
C. When we give in to that temptation it becomes sin - James 1:15 Then, when desire has
conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death.
1. Thoughts or desires are not sin but giving in to those desires is.
2. You can’t keep birds from flying over your head but you can keep them from nesting
in your hair.
3. We may have fleeting thoughts of desires but we don’t have to dwell on them

2. II. TEMPTATION CAN BE RESISTED
A. James 4:7 Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.
B. JESUS WAS TEMPTED - Hebrews 2:17-18 Therefore, in all things He had to be made
like His brethren, that He might be a merciful and faithful High Priest in things pertaining
to God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people. For in that He Himself has
suffered, being tempted, He is able to aid those who are tempted.
C. JESUS RESISTED TEMPTATION - Hebrews 4:15 For we do not have a High Priest
who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are,
yet without sin.
D. WE CAN STAY AWAY FROM TEMPTATION - Matthew 26:41 Watch and pray, lest you
enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak."
E. OTHER CHRISTIANS ARE TEMPTED - 1 Peter 5:8-9 Be sober, be vigilant; because
your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.
Resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by
your brotherhood in the world.
F. GOD PROVIDES A WAY OF EXCAPE - 1 Corinthians 10:13 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.
III. TEMPTATION CAN BE OVERCOME
A. ENDURANCE IS POSSIBLE - James 1:12 Blessed is the man who endures temptation;
for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has
promised to those who love Him.
B. RESTORATION AFTER BEING OVERTAKERN IS POSSIBLE - Galatians 6:1 Brethren,
if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit
of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted.
C. GOD CAN DELIVER US AFTER WE HAVE BEEN OVERTAKEN - 2 Peter 2:9 then the
Lord knows how to deliver the godly out of temptations and to reserve the unjust under
punishment for the day of judgment,
1. Hebrews 2:18 For in that He Himself has suffered, being tempted, He is able to aid
those who are tempted.
2. Hebrews 4:16 Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may
obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.
3. 2 Peter 2:9 then the Lord knows how to deliver the godly out of temptations and to
reserve the unjust under punishment for the day of judgment,
IV. TEMPTATION DECREASES WITH TIME AND EFFORT
A. James 5:10-11 My brethren, take the prophets, who spoke in the name of the Lord, as
an example of suffering and patience. Indeed we count them blessed who endure. You
have heard of the perseverance of Job and seen the end intended by the Lord--that the
Lord is very compassionate and merciful.
B. James 1:2-4 My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that
the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that
you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.
CONCLUSION – DO YOU UNDERSTAND TEMPTATION?
A. Temptation is not sin
B. Temptation can be resisted
C. Temptation can be overcome
D. Temptation decreases with time and effort