Sept.

12, 2011 Purpose Driven Life-Chapter 27: Defeating Temptation

2 Tim 2:22- Run from anything that gives you the evil thoughts. But stay close to anything that makes you want to do right. 1 Corinthians 10:13 (NIV)
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No temptation[a] has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted[b] beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted,[c] he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it. (I summarized so it will be easier for me to remember)

4 Points to Remember in Defeating Temptation

-There is always a way out.

1.) REFOCUS YOUR ATTENTION ON SOMETHING ELSE

-Everytime you try to block a thought out of your mind, you drive it deeper into your memory. -By resisting it, you actually reinforce it. -Dont fight the thought, just change the channel of your mind and get interested in another idea. -David prayer Keep me from paying attention to what is worthless. -We naturally move toward whatever we focus our attention on. The more you think about something, the stronger it takes hold of you. -Temptation begins by capturing your attention. The more you focus on it, the stronger it draws you into its web. -Ignoring a temptation is far more effective than fighting it. -So when temptation calls you on the phone, dont argue with it, just hang up -MIND is your most vulnerable organ. You defeat bad thoughts by thinking of something better. -Principle of Replacement-You overcome evil with good.

-Solomon-Wisest Man says Be careful how you think, your life is shaped by your

thoughts.

2.) REVEAL YOUR STRUGGLE TO A GODLY FRIEND OR SUPPORT GROUP

-You need the help of other people. - Gods plan for your growth and freedom includes other Christians. -Only way to BREAK FREE- Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. -In temptation- Dont repress it, Confess it..Dont conceal it, reveal it..Revealing your feeling is the beginning of healing. -Hiding your hurt only intensifies it. So take off your mask, stop pretending youre perfect, and walk into freedom. -The reason we hide our fault is PRIDE. We want others to think that everything is under control. The truth is, whatever you cant talk about is already out of control in your life: problems with your finances, marriages, kids, thoughts, secret habits, or anything else. -Some problems are too ingrained, too habitual and too big to solve on your own. TOUGH QUESTIONS: 1.) What are you pretending isnt a problem in your life? 2.) What are you afraid to talk about? Youre not going to solve it on your own..Yes it is humbling to admit your weaknesses to others, but lack of humility is the very thing that is keeping you from getting better.

3.) RESIST THE DEVIL

-We dont possibly resign ourselves to his attacks. We are to fight back. -Christian Life is Spiritual battle

4.)REALIZE YOUR VULNERABILITY

-God warns us never to get cocky and overconfident. That is the recipe for disaster. -Dont carelessly place yourself in tempting situations. Avoid them. -Dont be so nave and self-confident. Youre not exempt. You could fall flat on your face as easily as anyone else. Forget about SELG-Confidence; its useless. Cultivate God-Confidence.