The Battle of Temptation, Part II
February 14, 2021 • Collin Monger
Scriptures Cited: Ephesians 6:12; James 1:14; Ephesians 6:11; Genesis 3:1; 2 Peter 3:16; 1 John 2:16; Genesis 3:6; Psalm 19:12; Genesis 2:18; James 5:14; Hebrews 3:13; 1 Thessalonians 5:11; Hebrews 13:5; Matthew 3:17;
Introduction
Our faith is spiritual but temptation is physical
All of us deal with real battles in our faith
We need to be prepared physically for battles fought spiritually
The Enemy Doesn’t Fight Fair
Jesus fasted 40 days and Satan tempted him with bread
Satan will use the things you’re weakest towards
Temptation doesn’t work if it’s not something you want
The Enemy Will Twist the Truth
Satan knows and twists scripture to cause doubt and temptation
He twisted scripture with Jesus (vs. 6)
He twisted scripture with Eve (Gen. 3:1-5)
If we’re not sure of what the Bible says, it’s easy to get confused
C.S. Lewis: “Screwtape Letters”
Knowing the gospel equips you to resist these attacks
Jesus knew the gospel (vs. 4, 7, 10)
The Enemy Will Attack On All Sides
Satan attacks Jesus in three ways (body, mind, soul)
1 Jn 2:16 is the “threefold of temptation”
Eve faced similar temptation
All temptation will happen in one of these ways
It’s important to be on guard in all areas
Relationships with other believers will help
No One Fights Alone
Dealing with battles of temptation can be lonely
People feel shame, guilt, etc., and resist help
We’re not alone
Relationships in the church provide support
God promises to never leave us
Jesus wasn’t alone (vs. 11)
Victory Is Possible / Closing
Jesus was able to overcome this attack
Through his strength, so can we
Notice it got harder before it was over
Keep going – you may be closer to victory than you think