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HOPE Covenant Sermons

Taming Temptation

March 20, 2016 Speaker: Scott Oas Series: The Lord's Prayer

Topic: Easter Verse: Matthew 6:13

THE LORD’S PRAYER
“Taming Temptation”

Pastor Scott Oas | 03.20.16


“And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.” - Matthew 6:13

“The temptations that come into your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will keep the temptation from becoming so strong that you can’t stand up against it. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you will not give in to it.”- 1 Corinthians 10:13 (NLT)

1. Identify what makes me vulnerable.

Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the body is weak.” - Matthew 26:41 (NIV)

• When am I most tempted?
• Where am I most tempted?
• Who is with me when I’m most tempted?
• What temporary benefit do I get if I give in?
• How do I feel right before I’m tempted?


2. Plan to avoid it.

“Plan carefully what you do... Avoid evil and walk straight ahead. Don’t go one step off the right way.” - Proverbs 4:26-27 (TEV)


3. I Guard My Heart.

“Above all else, guard your heart, for it affects everything you do.” - Proverbs 4:23 (NLT)

SPIRITUAL HEART QUIZ - Rick Warren
 Physically exhausted  0 1 2 3 4  Energetic & in shape
 Discouraged or pessimistic  0 1 2 3 4  Encouraged & hopeful
 Bored & discontented  0 1 2 3 4 Challenged & contented
 Spiritually dry or empty  0 1 2 3 4  Spiritually alive & growing
 Alone or distant from others  0 1 2 3 4  Close to those you love
 Insecure or unsure  0 1 2 3 4  Confident & secure
 Wounded or deeply hurt  0 1 2 3 4  Loved & understood
 Bitter or angry  0 1 2 3 4  Forgiven everyone
Sad  0 1 2 3 4  Happy
 Like you’ve failed  0 1 2 3 4  Successful
 TOTAL    
     

4. Pray for Deliverance.

“Call upon me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you will honor me.” - Psalm 50:15 (NIV)

“(Jesus) understands our weaknesses, for he faced all of the same temptations we do, yet he did not sin. So let us come boldly to … our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and grace to help us when we need it.” - Hebrews 4:15-16 (NLT)


5. Turn My Attention Elsewhere.

“Thinking about your commands will keep me from doing some foolish thing.” - Psalm 119:6 (CEV)
“… we capture every thought… and make it obey Christ.” - 2 Corinthians 10:5 (NCV)


6. Get a Group and a Friend.

“Two are better than one, because together... if one of them falls down, the other can help him up. But if someone is alone and falls... there’s no one to help him.” - Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 (GN)


GOING DEEPER

SCRIPTURE READING:

“And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.” - Matthew 6:13
“The temptations that come into your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will keep the temptation from becoming so strong that you can't stand up against it. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you will not give in to it.” - 1 Corinthians 10:13 (NLT)


GETTING STARTED:

Have you seen the Marshmallow Temptation for Kids video before?
What were the struggles that the kids went through? What actions did they take in responding to the temptation?


A CLOSER LOOK
:

Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the body is weak.” - Matthew 26:41 (NIV)

Why does it say to “watch and pray”? How can watching be important to temptation? Prayer?
Why would both be needed? What is the challenge of the spirit? What is the challenge with the body?

“Plan carefully what you do... Avoid evil and walk straight ahead. Don't go one step off the right way.” - Proverbs 4:26-27 (TEV)

What is the importance of each of these phrases when it comes to “avoiding evil”?
Plan carefully; -Walk straight ahead; -don’t go one step off of the right way.

“(Jesus) understands our weaknesses, for he faced all of the same temptations we do, yet he did not sin. So let us come boldly to … our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and grace to help us when we need it.” - Hebrews 4:15-16 (NLT)

What do these verses point out about Jesus’ understanding of our situation? What do we need to remember about our position with God because of Christ?


DIGGING DEEPER:

“…We capture every thought… and make it obey Christ.” - 2 Corinthians 10:5 (NCV)

The principle of replacement. Fill your mind with truth, good thoughts, good things and it pushes out all of the junk in your mind. How have you used the principle of replacement in your life?

How has being in a group helped you with facing temptation?

“Two are better than one, because together...if one falls down, the other can help him up. But if someone is alone and falls...there’s no one to help him.” - Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 (GN)

Who is in your life that can speak truth into you and keep you on the path? If no one, who could you ask? When will you connect with them?

More in The Lord's Prayer

March 27, 2016

Easter Sunday

March 13, 2016

The Magic of Forgiveness

March 6, 2016

Why Should I Worry?