For now we live, if you stand fast in the Lord.

1Thes. 3:8

Living through Temptation!Aspire to Christ!

1Thes. 3:5

Does Satan use circumstances? Does he deceive? Does he “guide” in small steps? Would anyone aspire to being an

addict? Is everyone capable of being one? Do you aspire to Christ?

Why did Adam fall? Were his reasons different than Eve’s?

Paul was not ignorant of Satan’s devices / purposes, 2Cor. 2:11, so he was concerned for believers, that they’d fall from the faith.

God gives the victory over temptation!

I. Temptation in Context – 1Thes. 3:5This temptation is a malicious test

from Satan to destroy faith in God! All temptation is not from Satan. All believers face temptation, but

temptation itself is not sin!

IV. Temptation in Deception - 2Cor. 11:2-4, 13-15

In his passion, Paul warned of Eve-like deception of fakes – Jesus, spirit, gospel. The reality is centered in Christ!

II. Temptation is Common – 1Cor. 10:13 It’s arrogant to think no one else

has faced the same temptation.Temptation – and falling for it -

cannot separate the believer from God’s love, Rom. 8:28-39!

God – who is absolutely faithful - has an escape plan! Who found that? _____________ Who missed that? _____________

III. Temptation from Within - James 1:12-16

God doesn’t tempt to sin. It’s contrary to His righteous nature, Rom. 9:14!

Lust to temptation to sin is common to our nature, Gal. 5:16.

Sin leads to death, Rom. 6:23. Satan uses our nature to drown us and err from faith, 1Tim. 6:9-10.

Satan and his ‘helpers’ masquerade as ‘good guys’! But their folly is evident as they miss the simplicity of Christ:

Simplicity should lead to a close relationship with Him – the solution to temptation.

Aspire to know Him, Phil. 3:10.

Live with purpose!

Grow in faith!

Grace to you!