ASSURANCE OF

INDEX What does the bible say on victory? What is the purpose and source of temptation? What is temptation and sin? What are the steps of temptation and sin? What are the steps to overcome temptation? What is the difference between temptation and

sin? When do we actually sin? Along with examples. Which are those temptations? What is the devil seeking to do? And what God

does for us when we are tempted? What are the ways to escape and how to

overcome temptation? Where do we set the limits?

Assurance of Victory

1 Corinthians 10 : 13 “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.”

What is true of every temptation you face?Common to Man.

Who can give victory when you are tempted?

Faithful God Does God remove temptation?

No Then what does God do for you?

Provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.

What is the purpose of trials and temptation?

James 1: 2-4 Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.

Source of temptationJames 1 : 13, 14 - When tempted, no one

should say, “God is tempting me.” For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone;

14 but each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed.

Temptation and Sin Temptation is nothing but a suggestion to sin, a

prompting to do something wrong. It comes to us as a thought in our mind. Temptation can come to us from what we see, hear, feel, or even as a suggestion straight from the devil, who can put such thoughts into our mind. Many things can provoke /tempt us to sin.

Sin is simply missing the mark that God has set for us, or failing to meet His high standards. Sin is doing something that God doesn't want us to do. This includes doing, saying and thinking things that God doesn't like, and also keeping attitudes that are displeasing to God. (James 1:15)

I don't want to sin. But all these wrong thoughts come into my mind. It looks as if I have no

chance to avoid sin. 1. The temptation comes into our mind,

and we feel a strong pull towards sin. 2. We choose to yield to that temptation. 3. We do what the temptation was

prompting us to do. 4. We suffer the consequences of sin.

You mustn't think, you have sinned just because you have been tempted. Actually there are 4 steps in temptation and sin.

Suppose we go through a different set of four steps ...

1. The temptation comes into our mind, and we feel a strong pull towards sin.

2. We struggle against that temptation, crying out to God to save us.

3. We don't do what the temptation was prompting us to do. 4. We have overcome the temptation! We become spiritually

stronger!

Difference So you see that temptation is not sin. It is only when we yield to temptation

that we sin (Jas.1:14,15). But we have the possibility of not

giving in, with the help of God. Almost at the beginning of man's

history, God told Cain that sin was crouching at the door, but that he should master it (Ge.4:7).

When do we actually sin? We haven't sinned even when we are struggling

against sin. But we sin when we yield in our heart, that is,

choose to sin. For example: If we suddenly happen to see pornography and we

continue to soak in in, it is sin. Even if we turn away from the picture but continue to enjoy it in our imagination we sin.

Imagine somebody who did something wrong to us. If we go and let him really have it - tit for tat or more - we sin, of course. But even if we don't actually do or say anything to him, but carry on with unforgiving attitudes or malicious thoughts, we sin.

What are those temptations?

Obvious temptations are: Drug addiction Dirty thoughts, seeing porn and more Hurting or harming others, e.g office politics, between

friends too Running behind money, a major source of temptation. Having sexual relations outside marriage Homosexuality. Cheating and lying to each-other Crime – murder, theft, burn cases and many moreEven not so obvious ones are temptations, like: Wasting time Negative thoughts, anger, bitterness, pride, etc. Not living up to our full potential

What are three fundamental areas of temptation?

1 John 2 : 15, 16 For everything in the world—the lust of the flesh,the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life — comes not from the Father but

from the world.

When the devil tempts you, what is he seeking to do ?

1 Peter 5 : 8 Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.

What does God do for you ?2 Thessalonians 3 : 3 But the Lord is

faithful, and he will strengthen you and protect you from the evil one.

Ways to escape Matthew 26:41 - Watch and pray

Psalm 119:9,11 – Live according to word of God. - Hide the word of God in your heart

1 John 5:4,5 - Our faith and beliefs will overcome it.

James 4 : 7 - Submit yourselves to God; resist the devil, and he will flee from you.

2 Timothy 2:22 - Flee from the evil desires of youth

Where do we set the limits?How to kill a frog?

If you put a frog in boiling water, it will jump out

Put the frog in cold water and warm it one degree at a time.

What happens?

Enjoying and not aware of danger

Worst condition

All of a sudden.. it “croaks” (dies)

How to kill a frog? You kill a frog..

…..one degree at a time.

If you are wondering where to set the limit, you have probably already crossed it!!

Slow killers The best drink is often the next one. Yet most of those addicted find it hard

to admit the fact that they are addicted. Till one day… they reach the point of no

return. This is Satan’s strategy - to keep people

away from God by bringing in slow killers that destroy people before they even know it!

You can do it!

Don’t delay!!

You will surely get victory.

Discussion Questions What are some means by which

Satan puts us on a guilt trip? What are some dangers of taking

God’s assurance of victory for granted?

What are the benefits of being able to leverage God’s forgiveness?

Acknowledgements

Reference: Navigators discipleship series

Study conducted by: Bella Pillai

Presentation Material by: Swati Bonawate

THANK YOU