Wisdom over Temptations

1 Cor. 10:13 (NLT) 

    But remember that 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. Admitting versus Confessing

The devil’s greatest deception is withholding consequences

Eccles. 8:11 (NASB) 

    Because the sentence against an evil deed is not executed quickly, therefore the hearts of the sons of men among them are given fully to do evil.

When you sin and there are no consequences, repent immediately!

When the Holy Spirit convicts us in private, deal with in it in private or we will have to deal with it in public – we get to choose

2. Choose to be genuine, rather than successful

When we sense that our hearts are straying from God and easily seduced and by greed and worldly glitter – run away and turn our hearts to God

1. The temptation to be relevant.

2. The temptation to be popular by doing something remarkable.

3. The temptation to be powerful in your leadership, to lead rather than be led.

3. There’s Power in the Blood to cleanse us from all sin, even if gradually

1 John 1:7 (NLT) 

    But if we are living in the light of God's presence, just as Christ is, then we have fellowship with each other, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, cleanses us from every sin.

1 John 1:9 (NIV) 

    If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.

Genesis 4:7 (NLT) 

    You will be accepted if you respond in the right way. But if you refuse to respond correctly, then watch out! Sin is waiting to attack and destroy you, and you must subdue it."

The devil will use whatever disguise we are comfortable with.

There is a beautiful side to evil.

Galatians 5:24 (NASB) 

    Now those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.