Overcoming Temptation
Overcoming Temptation25
Encountering Jesus: Overcoming Temptation (Rev. 2), Part 2
By Mike Bickle1859:09REV 2:17REV 2:26Mike Bickle emphasizes the significance of overcoming temptation through a personal relationship with Jesus, highlighting the rewards promised to those who resist immorality and idolatry. He explains that these rewards, including hidden manna, a white stone with a new name, power over nations, and the morning star, are not just gifts but reflections of how deeply Jesus values our love and commitment to Him. Bickle encourages believers to understand the eternal implications of their choices and to pursue a deeper connection with God, assuring them that their struggles are seen and cherished by Him. The sermon calls for a commitment to resist temptation, reminding listeners that their faithfulness will be rewarded in ways they cannot yet imagine.
Genesis 39:2
By Chuck Smith0GEN 37:28GEN 39:2GEN 39:9GEN 39:21GEN 41:38GEN 50:20PSA 51:4ROM 6:11PHP 4:132TI 2:22Chuck Smith emphasizes that 'The Lord was with Joseph' throughout his life, showcasing how God's presence guided him from his youth, through slavery, temptation, imprisonment, and ultimately to power in Egypt. Despite facing hatred, betrayal, and false accusations, Joseph remained steadfast, recognizing that sin is ultimately against God. His ability to resist temptation and see adversity as a means for growth illustrates the profound impact of God's companionship. Smith encourages believers to be aware of God's presence in their lives, as it leads to victory and purpose in all circumstances.
Mercy and Grace
By Zac Poonen0Zac Poonen emphasizes the distinction between mercy and grace, explaining that mercy pertains to the forgiveness of past sins, while grace is essential for our future needs, especially during times of temptation. He illustrates this with the example of Peter sinking in the sea, highlighting that in moments of struggle, we can cry out for grace and receive immediate help from Jesus. Poonen reassures believers of God's promises that He will not allow us to face temptations beyond our ability to endure and that He is able to keep us from stumbling. With these assurances, he encourages a life dedicated to doing God's will, free from sin.
1 Peter 5:8
By John Gill0JOB 1:7PSA 104:21LUK 22:31ROM 8:311CO 10:122CO 2:11EPH 6:11JAS 4:71PE 1:131PE 5:8John Gill emphasizes the importance of sobriety and vigilance in the Christian life, reiterating that these qualities are essential for resisting the temptations and snares posed by Satan, who is depicted as a roaring lion seeking to devour the faithful. He explains that without a sober mind and watchful spirit, believers are vulnerable to sin and the adversary's attacks. Gill highlights the need for Christians to be mindful and prudent, recognizing the cunning nature of their enemy. The sermon serves as a reminder that while Satan may seek to harm, the souls of God's elect remain secure in Christ.
Those Who Overcome the Tempter
By Watchman Nee0GEN 3:15LUK 10:19COL 2:15HEB 2:141JN 3:8REV 12:11Watchman Nee emphasizes that Christ is the ultimate Overcomer who has defeated Satan at Golgotha, and through Him, believers can also overcome the tempter. He explains that acknowledging Christ's victory and standing firm in faith allows Christians to resist Satan's deceptions and attacks. The sermon highlights the importance of total consecration to God, the necessity of relying on the cross for victory, and the power of God's Word in overcoming the enemy. Nee encourages believers to remain vigilant against Satan's schemes, which include pride, doubt, and distractions from God's will. Ultimately, he reassures that through faith and the blood of Christ, believers can triumph over the tempter.
There Hath No Temptation Taken You (Jesus Himself Is the Way of escape.)
By Hans R. Waldvogel0ISA 40:301CO 10:13Hans R. Waldvogel emphasizes that while temptation is a common experience for all, God is faithful and provides a way of escape through Jesus Christ. He encourages believers to stand firm in their faith, reminding them that overcoming temptation is possible when they rely on Christ's strength rather than their own. Waldvogel asserts that every Christian is called to be a conqueror, and that true victory comes from allowing Jesus to live through them. He warns against the dangers of yielding to temptation and highlights the importance of waiting on the Lord for renewed strength.
Be Famous
By George Fox0EPH 6:10PHP 4:8HEB 12:11PE 2:2George Fox emphasizes the importance of being nourished by the pure, eternal food of God, encouraging the Church of God in Lancashire to be famous in His Light and bold in His Strength. He urges believers to watch over one another in love and to remain vigilant against evil thoughts and surmising that can arise from a veiled mind. By focusing on the pure Seed of God within, they can overcome temptations and be supported by God's mighty Power. Fox calls for a commitment to holiness and praises the Lord for His eternal wisdom and strength.
Overcoming Temptation: Understanding the Deceptive Process of Lust
By Mike Bickle2357:33JAS 1:121PE 2:11Mike Bickle addresses the critical issue of overcoming temptation, particularly focusing on the deceptive nature of lust and its impact on the soul. He emphasizes that the Christian life requires active cooperation with God's grace, where individuals must take responsibility for resisting lustful desires that wage war within them. Bickle outlines the internal and external battles Christians face, urging them to be strategic in their prayers and actions against sin. He highlights the importance of understanding the stages of temptation and the necessity of setting boundaries to avoid situations that inflame lust. Ultimately, he calls for a deep commitment to purity and the expression of love for God through obedience to His commandments.
The Flesh
By Watchman Nee0GAL 5:16Watchman Nee explores the concept of 'flesh' in the Bible, distinguishing between the physical body and the psychological desires that arise from it. He emphasizes that the term 'flesh' encompasses both our physical form and the various lusts associated with our senses, such as the desire for beauty, gratification, and sensory pleasures. Nee highlights the importance of understanding these desires as they can lead us away from spiritual fulfillment. By recognizing the dual nature of flesh, believers can better navigate their spiritual journey and resist temptations. Ultimately, the sermon calls for a deeper awareness of how our physical and psychological desires influence our relationship with God.
Epistle 107
By George Fox0ECC 12:3JHN 1:1JHN 8:442CO 12:9COL 1:13TIT 2:11George Fox emphasizes the importance of dwelling in the power of God, which surpasses all darkness and temptation. He encourages believers to focus on the life and strength found in God's word, which provides dominion over the tempter. By maintaining faith in God's power, individuals can overcome weaknesses and temptations, relying on God's grace as their teacher. Fox reminds his listeners that true strength comes from looking inward to God's light rather than outward to temptations. Ultimately, he reassures that God's grace is sufficient to lead and protect them from all trials.
Weakness of Heart
By Charles Finney0PSA 27:14PRO 3:5ISA 40:31EZK 16:30ROM 8:312CO 12:7PHP 4:13HEB 4:16JAS 1:51PE 5:8Charles Finney addresses the 'Weakness of Heart' in the Church, emphasizing the importance of understanding the heart as the ruling disposition of the will. He explains that a weak heart is not divided or wicked but lacks the strength to resist temptation, leading to various evidences of weakness such as susceptibility to sin and difficulty in prayer. Finney outlines causes of this weakness, including ignorance and unbelief, and presents waiting on the Lord as the remedy, which involves active prayer, repentance, and a deepening relationship with God. He concludes that true strength of heart comes from an increase in knowledge, faith, and love towards God, enabling believers to resist temptation effectively.
How to Keep the Fire of God
By Vlad Savchuk24743:17MAT 6:5Vlad Savchuk emphasizes the importance of maintaining a spiritual fire through prayer, fasting, and giving, which serve as weapons against the three main temptations of lust, pride, and greed. He explains that prayer combats pride, fasting helps control lust, and giving defeats greed, urging believers to overcome excuses and actively engage in these disciplines. Savchuk warns that while building a fire for God may expose hidden struggles, it also empowers believers to shake off the challenges they face. He encourages the congregation to cultivate their own spiritual fire rather than relying on external sources, asserting that true dominion comes from personal devotion. Ultimately, he calls for a commitment to a life of prayer, fasting, and extravagant generosity as a means to deepen one's relationship with God.
1 John 2:14
By John Gill0ROM 8:372CO 12:9EPH 6:17PHP 4:13COL 3:16HEB 10:24JAS 4:71JN 2:141JN 4:4John Gill emphasizes the importance of spiritual strength and vigilance among both the aged and young believers in Christ. He encourages the fathers to remain zealous and not become indifferent, reminding them of their deep knowledge of God from the beginning. For the young men, he highlights their strength in Christ and the necessity of abiding in the Word of God to overcome temptations and the wicked one. Gill stresses that true strength comes not from oneself but through Christ, who empowers believers to fulfill their duties and resist sin.
Matthew 24:12
By Chuck Smith0MAT 24:12HEB 2:1Chuck Smith emphasizes the urgency of keeping the fire of faith burning amidst the signs of Jesus' return, particularly the abounding iniquity in society and the church. He warns that many have allowed their love for God to grow cold due to distractions from the world, flesh, and devil, leading to spiritual drift. Smith encourages believers to remain vigilant and not succumb to the temptations that extinguish their zeal for God. He highlights the importance of recognizing the dangers of worldly influences and the need for spiritual renewal through Christ. Ultimately, he calls for a return to fervent devotion and reliance on the Holy Spirit to overcome the challenges of the present age.
He Has a Mint Constantly Going in Hell
By Thomas Brooks0JOB 1:22PSA 37:7PRO 16:32ISA 41:10ROM 8:312CO 12:9PHP 4:6JAS 4:71PE 5:8REV 12:10Thomas Brooks emphasizes the importance of remaining silent and patient during afflictions, as this frustrates Satan's attempts to lead believers into despair and blasphemy. He illustrates this through the story of Job, whose steadfastness in suffering thwarted Satan's designs to accuse him before God. Brooks warns that Satan, the relentless accuser, seeks to tempt believers into sin and then use those sins against them, but silence in the face of trials serves as a powerful weapon against the enemy. By maintaining composure and trust in God, Christians can effectively counteract Satan's schemes and demonstrate their faith. Ultimately, Brooks encourages believers to recognize that true victory lies in their ability to remain silent and steadfast under God's hand.
They Which Receive Abundance of Grace
By A.B. Simpson0ROM 6:14EPH 2:8A.B. Simpson emphasizes the struggles faced by God's people in their pursuit of righteousness amidst temptation and guilt. He describes the internal conflict that arises when believers feel overwhelmed by their failures and the law's demands, leading to despair. Simpson reassures that true victory comes not through striving under the law but through the grace of Christ, who is our righteousness. He reminds us that we are not under the law but under grace, which empowers us to overcome sin. Understanding this truth is crucial for believers to find hope and strength in their spiritual battles.
A Man Too Big for Temptations to Conquer!
By Thomas Brooks0PSA 34:8PSA 73:28ISA 41:10JHN 15:5ROM 8:372CO 12:9PHP 4:13HEB 4:16JAS 4:81JN 1:3Thomas Brooks emphasizes the vital role of communion with God in a believer's life, describing it as the source of grace, strength, and comfort. He asserts that deep communion with God transforms bitter experiences into sweet ones and lightens heavy burdens. This connection with God serves as a powerful defense against temptations and afflictions, enabling believers to remain steadfast in the face of challenges. Conversely, those lacking communion with God are easily overcome by temptations and troubles. Ultimately, a strong relationship with God equips individuals to rise above life's adversities.
The Might of Satan
By Andrew Murray0LUK 22:31Andrew Murray emphasizes the hidden danger of Satan as a formidable enemy of Christians, who often goes unnoticed and unrecognized. He explains that while Jesus came to overcome Satan, believers must remain vigilant against his subtle tactics, which include worldly-mindedness, self-love, and self-confidence. Murray warns that many Christians may fall prey to these snares, but reassures that through Christ's intercession, they can find strength and security. He calls for humility and reliance on Jesus to combat the spiritual warfare against the powers of darkness. Ultimately, believers are encouraged to recognize their frailty and trust in Christ's victory over Satan.
John's Ministry and Jesus' Temptation (Lk. 3-4)
By Mike Bickle201:23:10LUK 3:1Mike Bickle discusses the significance of John the Baptist's ministry as the Father's messenger, emphasizing the importance of repentance and the preparation for Jesus' coming. He highlights how John's baptism of repentance was a call to change one's mindset and values, aligning with God's perspective. Bickle also delves into Jesus' temptation in the wilderness, illustrating how Jesus, empowered by the Holy Spirit and affirmed by the Father, overcame temptation by relying on Scripture. This model serves as an example for believers to resist temptation and live under God's leadership. Ultimately, the sermon calls for a deeper understanding of repentance and the transformative power of Jesus' ministry.
The Sin of Drifting
By J.R. Miller0NEH 5:15PRO 1:10ISA 40:31ROM 12:21CO 9:24EPH 6:10PHP 4:132TI 1:7HEB 12:1JAS 4:7J.R. Miller emphasizes the danger of drifting through life without purpose or direction, contrasting the passive nature of a piece of wood with the responsibility of man to choose his own path. He warns against yielding to temptation and discouragement, urging individuals to actively resist negative influences and strive for personal growth. Miller highlights that true resignation to God's will should not lead to complacency or indolence, but rather to a courageous pursuit of one's goals. He encourages young people to live victoriously, creating their circumstances and adhering to a Christlike life despite challenges. The sermon concludes with the example of Nehemiah, who chose to act righteously out of reverence for God, rather than conforming to the actions of others.
Two Warnings and an Example
By John Nelson Darby0MAT 26:41LUK 22:31John Nelson Darby emphasizes the contrasting examples of Jesus, Peter, and Judas in the context of trials and temptations. He highlights Peter's weakness and Judas's wickedness, illustrating how both failed to fully depend on God, while Jesus exemplified perfect obedience and reliance on the Father through prayer. Darby warns that without a conscious awareness of our own weaknesses and the necessity of prayer, we risk falling into temptation, just as Peter did. He encourages believers to learn from these examples, recognizing the worthlessness of the flesh and the importance of maintaining a close relationship with God to withstand trials. Ultimately, the sermon calls for a life of prayer and dependence on God to navigate the challenges of faith.
Looking Unto Jesus
By A.B. Simpson0PSA 101:3MAT 5:8ROM 12:22CO 10:5EPH 6:11PHP 4:8COL 3:2HEB 12:2JAS 4:71JN 2:15A.B. Simpson emphasizes the necessity of constantly looking unto Jesus, urging believers to turn their gaze away from evil and not allow their minds to dwell on it. He illustrates the importance of having spiritual 'eyelids' to shield oneself from the temptations and defilements of the world, likening them to a protective stockade. Simpson warns that exposure to evil can corrupt the soul, even without consent, and stresses that the remedy lies in a steadfast focus on Christ. He encourages believers to cultivate an inner vision of Jesus to maintain spiritual purity and strength.
Encountering Jesus: Overcoming Temptation (Rev. 2), Part 1
By Mike Bickle2156:28REV 2:12Mike Bickle emphasizes the importance of overcoming temptation through a deep encounter with Jesus, focusing on the dangers of immorality and idolatry as highlighted in Revelation 2. He warns that these sins can dull our spirits and grant access to Satan, urging believers to live in obedience to experience God's power. Bickle stresses that understanding Jesus' nature—His authority, love, and desire for us—can empower us to resist temptation. He encourages the congregation to seek a vibrant relationship with Christ, which is essential for spiritual vitality and overcoming sin.
The Secret of Gaining God's Approval
By Zac Poonen0PHP 2:5HEB 2:10HEB 2:17Zac Poonen emphasizes that Jesus, as our High Priest, faced every temptation we encounter, providing us with the encouragement to overcome our struggles. He illustrates how Jesus lived a life of integrity and humility, even in the face of everyday temptations, and highlights that true approval from God comes from faithfulness in our daily lives rather than seeking fame or miracles. Poonen encourages believers to adopt the same attitude as Christ, prioritizing obedience to God over personal desires, and assures that anyone can be an overcomer regardless of their circumstances.
Overcoming Temptation - `Watch and Pray'
By Erlo Stegen0JOB 1:8MAT 26:41LUK 22:322CO 13:5EPH 6:11HEB 12:1JAS 4:71PE 5:8REV 2:7REV 3:20Erlo Stegen emphasizes the critical importance of both watching and praying to overcome temptation, as highlighted in Matthew 26:41. He warns that neglecting to watch can lead to spiritual downfall, using the example of Peter and the relentless nature of Satan, who seeks to devour believers. Stegen illustrates that temptation can come in various forms and that even the most righteous, like Job, are not exempt from trials. He encourages believers to remain vigilant and discerning, as true faith requires active engagement with God's Word and prayer. Ultimately, he calls for repentance and faithfulness, assuring that God can use those who heed His warnings to bless others.