How to Turn Temptations into Triumphs

Sermon OverviewScripture Passage: 1 Corinthians 10:12-14As Christians, we have the power not only to overcome temptations but also to use them as a means to grow in our faith. 1 Corinthians 10 shows us how to turn temptations into triumphs.“Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall. No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.” (1 Corinthians 10:12-13).Being saved does not make us immune to temptation; everyone is subject to temptation.There are three common sources of temptation.The WorldIn this context, “world” means a system or order. This fallen world is entrenched in evil and we are not to fall for its schemes. The world wars against the soul: our minds, emotions and will, our ego, our psyche. We can’t let the world mold us, guide us, or control us.The FleshThe flesh is the “old nature,” the person the Christian used to be; it is the inclination to do evil.Adrian Rogers says, “Sin is an inside job that comes from your flesh.” The flesh wars against the body, tempting us in the areas of appetite, lust, laziness, and violence.The DevilThe devil wars against the spirit: we know God through our spirits. Our spirits are our vehicles of communication, worship, and spiritual knowledge. The devil wants to cut off that life source.There are three key ways to subdue temptation.Against the world: FAITHThrough faith, God is a bright, living reality that eclipses the temptation to squeeze into the world’s mold.Against the Flesh: FIGHTWe must avoid situations that will tempt us to sin in the flesh.Against the devil: FIGHTThe devil won’t leave us alone until we resist him. We fight by bringing the Word of God against him.Satan does not want us to understand the power we have to overcome temptation. We must be strong in the Lord. We must resist the devil, and he will flee from us.Apply it to your lifeWhen temptation comes, remember: you are not on defense; you can be on offense. Flee from fornication, feed on Jesus to avoid worldliness, and resist the devil.