Breaking Free From Persistent Temptations (Part I)
Series: Breaking Free
February 10, 2008 Pastor Bill Bump
Romans 7:15 (NLT)
I don’t understand myself at all, for I really want to do what is right, but I don’t do it. Instead, I do the very thing I hate.
THE FIRST THREE STEPS (OF SEVEN) THAT WILL
HELP US BREAK FREE:
1. PREDETERMINE MY PATTERN OF TEMPTATION
Proverbs 5:6(NLT)
For she does not care about the path to life. She staggers down a crooked trail and doesn’t even realize where it leads.
Lamentations 3:40(Mes)
Let’s take a good look at the way we’re living and reorder our lives under God.
ASK YOURSELF FIVE QUESTIONS:
A. When am I most tempted?
B. Where am I most tempted?
C. Who is with me when I’m most tempted?
D. What temporary benefit do I get if I give in?
E. How do I feel right before I’m tempted?
2. PLAN TO AVOID THESE PATTERNS
Proverbs 4:26,27(GN)
Plan carefully what you do...Avoid evil and walk straight ahead. Don’t go one step off the right way.
We need to understand that God says we need to build boundaries in our lives if we are going to succeed in breaking free.
3. PROTECT THE CONDITION OF MY HEART
Proverbs 4:23(NLT)
Above all else, guard your heart, for it affects everything you do.
SURVEY: TEN QUESTIONS TO HELP YOU JUDGE THE CONDITION OF YOUR HEART
Physically Exhausted 0 1 2 3 4 Energetic/In Shape
Discouraged/Pessimistic 0 1 2 3 4 Encouraged/Optimistic
Bored/Discontented 0 1 2 3 4 Challenged/Contented
Spiritually Dry/Empty 0 1 2 3 4 Spiritually Growing
Geographically Distant/Alone 0 1 2 3 4 Near/Together
Insecure/Unsure 0 1 2 3 4 Secure/Confident
Deeply Wounded/Hurt 0 1 2 3 4 Loved/Understood
Secretly Bitter 0 1 2 3 4 Have Forgiven Everyone
Sad 0 1 2 3 4 Happy
Alienated/Unsupported 0 1 2 3 4 Close/Supported
Total Points: ____________
What the total tells you:
30-40 points = Good shape
20-30 points = Be careful
10-20 points = Extreme danger
0-10 points = Crisis
