RESPONDING TO TEMPTATION – 2 Samuel 11

 The Nature of Temptation:

•  Temptation comes when your defenses are down.
•  Temptation finds your area of weakness.
•  Temptation rarely entices a good person with a “gross” sin. Instead, it entices you onto a slippery slope.
•  Temptation never presents the full consequences of sin.
  • • Sin undermines the person we want to be.
    • Sin derails the good we want to do.
    • Sin affects others besides ourselves.
    • Sin never escapes the eyes of God.

 How to Respond to Temptation:

•  Avoid temptation when possible.
•  Resist temptation with the resources God has given you.
  • • Prayer
    • The Word of God
    • Christian Friends
    • Constructive Activities
    • The Indwelling Holy Spirit

 THOUGHT FOR THE DAY

 “No temptation has seized you except what is common to man.  And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear.  But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.”  — 1 Corinthians 10:13

 From the time Adam blamed Eve and Eve blamed the serpent for their disobedience, we humans have become adept at trying to deflect the guilt of our sin.  Mimicking the words of an old comedian, we say, “The devil made me do it!”  But the Word of God makes clear that we are never helpless against temptation.  God always provides us a way to do what is right.  How about we stop the excuses and take ownership of our actions?  With Christ’s help, we can be victorious over any temptation!