Text: James 1:1318

Topic: How to develop a strategy to resist temptation.

• When somebody tells us not to do something, we're most tempted to do it.

• While trials are external pressures put upon us, temptation are internal desires.
• We tend to blame God directly or indirectly, saying, "He made me like this."
• The fact is we were all born in sin and had to be taught the difference between right and wrong.
• If we're looking for someone to blame, we need to look in the mirror.

Illustration: A fisherman doesn't just throw bait in the water; he puts it on a hook or lure, because the fish is stupid enough not to know there's a hook. He was drawn by his desire for bait. Temptation is the same way.

 

• It starts with desire: I look. I see. I assess. I want. And I'm on the downward path.

Illustration: Cofield says he can see a woman and say she's beautiful, nice, unmarried and available. So far, just assessment. But, "I get in trouble when I say I want her."

• We get in trouble when we allow legitimate desires to dictate illegitimate actions.
• Desire leads to sin, and sin leads to physical and spiritual death.
• Sign of spiritual death: We don't call it sin anymore. We give it alternate names.

• Stay out of certain places: The alcoholic must avoid the bar.

Illustration: Cofield loves butter pecan ice cream, and tells his wife not to buy it anymore. Because if it's there, he'll eat it. "Buy Rocky Road. I won't eat that. But don't buy what I like and expect me not to eat it."

• Flee immorality: If I know the lure/bait is there, go the other way.

Illustration: Many teens ask, "How far can I go with my boyfriend/girlfriend? If I get close enough without getting burned, have I sinned?" We adults play the same dangerous game: I almost sinned, but I didn't sin. Eventually, we slip and fall.

• We can either try to avoid ungodliness, or to pursue godliness.

Illustration: Some men say about their marriage certificate: "Ain't nothing but a piece of paper." But so is a driver's license and college diploma, both of which you need if pulled over by the police or applying for a job.

 

• Sin will make us think it's best, but only God has the best for us.
• When God has a blessing for us, Satan will try to offer a cheap substitute.

Illustration (somewhat humorous): A girl prays, "Lord, send me the man you want me to have." She desires a guy who's 62, 200 pounds, smart, employed, etc. So God prepares this guy. But Satan brings along a guy who's 52, 400 pounds, unemployed. And if she's not careful, the girl will accept the substitute and miss out on the real thing.

• God's gift will come in his time, according to his word, in his way.

• Nothing. God wants to bless you. You can't get it alone. It only comes from God.