Remember, we are on a journey to holiness. Holiness is just beyond
the victory over temptation.
- You must first learn how temptation plots against you.
- You must know how to enjoy the true victory, one battle at a
time. - Victory is possible if we use God’s tools that He provides us.
This whole study, some four months into it, is all about complete
total victory over temptation and sin. Hang in there, we are about
halfway through.
- Temptations are carefully timed
- They are carefully, individually aimed
- This began in the garden
- This attack is at your weakest point
- Satan tempted Jesus after 40 days of fasting
- Expect attacks when you are coming out of a spiritual time of
victory with the Lord (fasting, giving, serving, studying,
prayer, etc.) these things can drain us of energy and strength –
We often feel after a spiritual time that nothing can affect us
now. THIS IS JUST NOT TRUE.
Temptation quotient
Use the scale below to gauge your risk for temptation.
Your Temptation Alert System
1 is the weakest, 10 is the strongest
Are you…
Physically exhausted/tired 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Energetic/strong
Discouraged/down 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Encouraged/up
Bored/discontent 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Challenge/content
Spritually depleted/empty 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Energetic/strong
Distant/alone 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Encouraged/up
Alienated, cold 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Energetic/strong
Internally hopeless/cold 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Energetic/strong
Insecure/unsure 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 encouraged/up
Bitter/angry 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Energetic/strong
Wounded/hurt 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 encouraged/up
Your Score
90-100 – You are already in heaven
80-89 – Very strong, but be alert to subtle pride and arrogance
70-79 – Strong, but need to depend more upon the Lord
60-69 – Adequate, but watch yourself – you are on the border line
50-59 – Weak, you are emotionally vulnerable
40-49 – Danger! Guard yourself – you are floundering
30-39 – Extreme danger! Call a Christian friend ask for help quick 20-29 – In critical condition – probably have already fallen into sin 10-19 – They are wheeling you to the morgue – Urgent prayer needed 0 – 9 – This is a bad dream pinch yourself and try again
Start with Daniel
Daniel 6:16-17
Then the king commanded, and they brought Daniel, and cast him into the den of lions. Now the king spake and said unto Daniel, Thy God whom thou
servest continually, he will deliver thee.17 And a stone was brought,
and laid upon the mouth of the den; and the king sealed it with his
own signet, and with the signet of his lords; that the purpose might not be changed concerning Daniel.
If your score below 70, you are in serious need of prayer and help. Be careful what you do and where you go and what you look at.
Below 50, call that trusted friend and have them come along side of
you
Never call someone of the opposite sex who is not your spouse! This can lead to deep sin and serious consequences.
Temptation can be seriously increased when one goes to a member of the opposite sex for counsel.
The best way to combat temptation is to stay in the Word. Keep reading and applying the principles found in the Bible. Do a “spiritual” check up often! Find an accountability partner. A brother or sister in the faith. Get connected to a local Church if at all possible. Find an area of ministry to serve the Lord.
