Temptation and Traps (Pray Like Jesus SERIES)

This week, in our Pray Like Jesus series, we come to this line in the Lord’s prayer:
Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.

At least part of the reason Jesus teaches us to pray that we would be protected from falling into temptation is so that we are very aware of the dangers of temptation.

So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are in conflict with each other, so that you are not to do whatever you want. (Galatians 5:16-17)

Temptation is often strong because Spirit and flesh are in conflict.

KEY PASSAGE
No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind.
And God is faithful; He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear.
But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.
(1st Corinthians 10:13)

1 - EXPECT TEMPATION
*No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. (1 Cor 10:13a)

Expect temptation. You will be tempted, so don’t be surprised. Don’t get caught off guard.

Where are you most vulnerable to temptation? (What’s your marshmallow?)

2 -YOU WON’T BE TEMPTED BEYOND WHAT YOU CAN BEAR
*And God is faithful; He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. (1 Cor 10:13b)

But when I do give-in to temptation, it’s nobody’s fault but mine.

When tempted, no one should say, “God is tempting me.” For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; but each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed. (James 1:13-14)

SIDE NOTE: 1 Corinthians 10:13 does NOT mean “God won’t give you anything you can’t handle.” The Bible doesn’t say that. This verse is not about suffering, it is about temptation, and God knows just how much TEMPTATION you can bear. You can’t handle it on your own, and you need God!

3 - GOD WILL PROVIDE A WAY OUT OF TEMPTATION
*But when you are tempted, He will also provide a way out so that you can endure it. (1 Cor 10:13c)

God provides a way out. ONE of the ways out that God provides is through protective, authentic, grace-centered relationships (healthy ‘accountability’).

If you try to handle a habitual temptation on your own, you will continue to fail. You need somebody to walk with you. You need somebody TRUSTWORTHY that you can go to and say, “I am struggling. Can you help me?”

WHO is it that knows your biggest struggle? Who do you call when your temptation is strongest?