Breaking Free From Persistent Temptations
(Part II)
Series: Breaking Free
February 17, 2008 Pastor Bill Bump
REVIEW:
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 THAT WILL HELP US BREAK FREE:
1. PREDETERMINE MY PATTERN OF TEMPTATION
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 THOSE 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.
3. PROTECT THE CONDITION OF MY HEART—MY INNER BEING
Proverbs 4:23 (NLT)
Above all else, guard your heart, for it affects everything you do.
THE NEXT FOUR STEPS THAT WILL HELP US BREAK FREE:
4. PRAY FOR GOD’S HELP
Matthew 26:41 (NLT)
Keep alert and pray. Otherwise temptation will overpower you…
Psalm 50:15 (GN)
Call to Me when trouble comes; I will save you…
Hebrews 4:15,16 (NLT)
[Jesus] understands our weaknesses, for He faced all the same temptations we do, yet He did not sin. So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive His mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it.
5. POINT OUR ATTENTION ELSEWHERE
James 1:14,15 (LB)
Temptation is the pull of man’s own evil thoughts and wishes. These evil thoughts lead to evil actions…
II Corinthians 10:5 (NCV)
We capture every thought and make it...obey Christ.
Romans 12:21 (LB)
Don’t let evil get the upper hand but conquer evil by doing good.
6. PICK AN ACCOUNTABILITY PARTNER
Ecclesiastes 4:9,10 (GN)
Two are better than one, because together they can work more effectively. If one falls down, the other can help him up. But if someone is alone and falls...there’s no one to help him.
When I share my hidden secrets with another person, it is:
A. Liberating
B. Empowering
C. Endearing
Two significant differences for Christ followers:
A. We have been saved by grace.
B. We have a church family to support us.
7. PERSIST IN BELIEVING I CAN CHANGE
I Corinthians 10:13 (Mes)
No test or temptation that comes your way is beyond what others have had to face. All you need to remember is that God will never let you down; He’ll never let you be pushed past your limit; He’ll always be there to help you come through it.
