1 Corinthians 10:12-13 (NLT) - 12 If you think you are standing strong, be careful not to fall. 13 The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure.

Hebrews 4:15 (NLT) - 15 This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses, for he faced all of the same testings we do, yet he did not sin.

1. There is always a MOMENT of temptation

Ephesians 6:13 (NLT) - 13 Therefore, put on every piece of God's armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm.

• When you are alone
• When you are tired
• When you are bored
• When you are overconfident
• When you are lured


2. There is always a PLACE of temptation

• For Eve, it was the tree
• For Esau, it was the campfire
• For Joseph, it was the house
• For Jesus, it was the desert
• For you it could be the casino, the bar, the hotel, the business trip, the vacation, the text thread, the app, the television, the computer

3. There is always a BATTLE of temptation

• Hollywood portrays it as an angel and devil on your shoulders. In reality, it is the Holy Spirit, The Word of God, and your spirit, in a battle with your flesh, your mind, and the devil.
• Beware of the rationalization and justification of sin.
  • "Has God really said?"
  • "Did He say ALL the trees?" Wow, that seems extreme.
  • "He's lying; you won't die!" it's not that bad; you'll live on.

4. There is always an ADVERSARY with temptation

• God is the one that plants the tree in the garden as a test, Satan is the one that draws your attention to the boundary and uses your flesh to draw you in.
• Here is the agenda of Satan
  • Separate you from God
  • Destroy your dignity and make you feel shame
  • Accuse you before God and others
  • Bind you in a habit
  • Keep you from your destiny

5. There is always an OUTCOME of temptation

Luke 4:13-14 (NLT) - 13 When the devil had finished tempting Jesus, he left him until the next opportunity came. 14 Then Jesus returned to Galilee, filled with the Holy Spirit's power. Reports about him spread quickly through the whole region.

• The dust will settle, and you will come out of that temptation either humbled or victorious.
• If you fail in your testing, confess your failure to God and man, learn how you were tricked, set up safeguards so it doesn't happen again, and refuse to let the devil win through shame and guilt.
• If you win, give God the glory, keep yourself from pride, and get ready for another round.

Practical tips to winning

• Stay away from the TREE
• Learn to RUN
• Learn to FIGHT
• Call for BACKUP