Every temptation is an opportunity to do good ..provides a choice ...every time you choose good over sin you grow the character of Christ.....love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self control ...fruits of the spirit ...fruit matures and ripens slowly
Character development involves a choice ..taught love by being surrounded by unlovely people
Happiness depends on external circumstances, joy based on your relationship with God
You can't claim to be faithful if never had the opportunity to be unfaithful
Temptation 4 steps
...a desire (can be legitimate)...either sinful or fulfilled in the wrong way
... A doubt ...is it really wrong?
...deception ..you will get away with it, no one will know, will solve problem, only small sin, etc
...disobedience ...idea gives birth to behaviour
Overcoming temptation:
Refuse to be intimidated ..not demoralised by tempting thoughts, guilt, etc ...you never outgrow temptation ..it is a complement ..normal part of being human ..not a sin ..only when you act on it
Martin Luther ...you cannot keep birds from flying over your head, but you can stop them building a nest in your hair ...choose not to dwell or act on temptations
Recognise you pattern of temptation ..certain situations ..what trips you up ..avoid those circumstances
Request God's help ...heaven has 24 hour emergency hotline ...microwave prayer ...he understands our weakness for he faced all of the same temptations we do, yet he did not sin
Temptations keep us dependent upon God
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