IDENTIFYING SOURCES OF TEMPTATION
In the Christian life we encounter many temptations, but all come from one or more of three sources: the world, the flesh, and the Devil. Each has its own unique way of deceiving us in an attempt to impair our walk with the Lord. But if we can learn to identify and discern the characteristic traits of the things that threaten to ensnare us, then we can ready ourselves with the truth and stand firm against every temptation.
The World:
James 4:4. Competes with God for our loyalty and love.
1 John 2:16. Incites lusts and pride.
Luke 8:14. Chokes us with worries, riches, and pleasures of this life, making us spiritually unfruitful.
2 Timothy 4:10. Sidetracks us from faithful service to God.
The Flesh:
Romans 8:5-7. Infiltrates our minds with its ways and lusts.
Galatians 5:16-17. Sets its desires against the Spirit, urging us to satisfy ourselves.
Galatians 5:19-21. Produces the deeds of the flesh—immorality, idolatry, relational discord, and sinful self-indulgence.
Galatians 6:7-8. Promises pleasure but reaps a ruined life.
The Devil:
2 Corinthians 11:13-15. Masquerades as an angel of light.
John 8:44. Tries to fill our minds with his lies and get us to do what he wants.
Genesis 2:16-17; 3:1-5. Distorts truth by mixing it with deception.
Matthew 4:5-7. Misuses Scripture to delude us.
1 Thessalonians 3:5-8. Tempts us to doubt and give up.
2 Corinthians 2:10-11. Gets a foothold in our lives through sins like unforgiveness and anger. (See also Ephesians 4:26-27.)
1 Peter 5:8-9. Is always on the prowl looking for someone to devour.
Unfortunately, there are Christians who do not grow in their Christian walk and whose lives do not change simply because they don't take personal responsibility for their actions. Instead of taking responsibility, every sin is blamed on something or someone else. For example, "It's not my fault, it's Satan's fault!" "I'm not to blame, it's the world!" "Hey, I was born a sinner, so it's really not my fault!" "It's his fault!" "It's her fault!" "It's their fault!"
(Remember: Who did Adam and Eve blame? Genesis 3:12-13)
Question: Who should we blame whenever we fall into sin?
Read the following Scripture: Romans 7:18-19; James 1:14; 2 Peter 1:4
Answer: Ourselves!
When we begin to truly humble ourselves, stop blaming others and take personal responsibility for our sins and repent of it, only then can we start to grow in the image of Christ.
Discipleship Group Reflections:
1. The World: In what ways has the world taken God’s rightful place in your heart or choked you with its pleasures and distractions? How can you live in this world without letting it corrupt your soul?
2. The Flesh: When you’re facing temptation, do you allow your fleshly desires or the Holy Spirit to have control? Give examples.
3. The Devil: Can you discern any ways Satan has influenced your life? How can you protect yourself against his deceptions and schemes?
The World:
James 4:4. Competes with God for our loyalty and love.
1 John 2:16. Incites lusts and pride.
Luke 8:14. Chokes us with worries, riches, and pleasures of this life, making us spiritually unfruitful.
2 Timothy 4:10. Sidetracks us from faithful service to God.
The Flesh:
Romans 8:5-7. Infiltrates our minds with its ways and lusts.
Galatians 5:16-17. Sets its desires against the Spirit, urging us to satisfy ourselves.
Galatians 5:19-21. Produces the deeds of the flesh—immorality, idolatry, relational discord, and sinful self-indulgence.
Galatians 6:7-8. Promises pleasure but reaps a ruined life.
The Devil:
2 Corinthians 11:13-15. Masquerades as an angel of light.
John 8:44. Tries to fill our minds with his lies and get us to do what he wants.
Genesis 2:16-17; 3:1-5. Distorts truth by mixing it with deception.
Matthew 4:5-7. Misuses Scripture to delude us.
1 Thessalonians 3:5-8. Tempts us to doubt and give up.
2 Corinthians 2:10-11. Gets a foothold in our lives through sins like unforgiveness and anger. (See also Ephesians 4:26-27.)
1 Peter 5:8-9. Is always on the prowl looking for someone to devour.
Unfortunately, there are Christians who do not grow in their Christian walk and whose lives do not change simply because they don't take personal responsibility for their actions. Instead of taking responsibility, every sin is blamed on something or someone else. For example, "It's not my fault, it's Satan's fault!" "I'm not to blame, it's the world!" "Hey, I was born a sinner, so it's really not my fault!" "It's his fault!" "It's her fault!" "It's their fault!"
(Remember: Who did Adam and Eve blame? Genesis 3:12-13)
Question: Who should we blame whenever we fall into sin?
Read the following Scripture: Romans 7:18-19; James 1:14; 2 Peter 1:4
Answer: Ourselves!
When we begin to truly humble ourselves, stop blaming others and take personal responsibility for our sins and repent of it, only then can we start to grow in the image of Christ.
Discipleship Group Reflections:
1. The World: In what ways has the world taken God’s rightful place in your heart or choked you with its pleasures and distractions? How can you live in this world without letting it corrupt your soul?
2. The Flesh: When you’re facing temptation, do you allow your fleshly desires or the Holy Spirit to have control? Give examples.
3. The Devil: Can you discern any ways Satan has influenced your life? How can you protect yourself against his deceptions and schemes?
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