FLEEING FROM TEMPTATION

Title: FLEEING FROM TEMPTATION

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: 1 Corinthians 10:13
"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."

Supporting Texts: Genesis 39:7-12, Matthew 26:41, James 4:7, 2 Timothy 2:22, Proverbs 4:14-15

INTRODUCTION:
Temptation is a reality for every believer, but God has made provisions for victory. The Bible assures us that no temptation is beyond our ability to overcome. Fleeing from temptation is not a sign of weakness but of spiritual wisdom and strength. This study examines how believers can recognise, resist, and escape the snares of temptation through God’s power.

1. UNDERSTANDING TEMPTATION

Temptation is an enticement to sin, but it can be overcome through God’s help.

a) The Nature of Temptation
Temptation is common to all and not unique to you (1 Peter 5:8-9).

b) The Source of Temptation
It originates from the flesh, the devil, and worldly influences (James 1:13-15).

c) God’s Faithfulness in Temptation
God limits the intensity of temptation and provides a way of escape (1 Corinthians 10:13).

d) The Danger of Yielding
Giving in to temptation leads to sin and spiritual death (Romans 6:23).

e) Biblical Example:
Eve yielded to temptation in the Garden of Eden and faced dire consequences (Genesis 3:1-7).

2. HOW TO FLEE FROM TEMPTATION

Fleeing from temptation involves intentional actions and reliance on God.

a) Guard Your Heart
Protect your thoughts and desires through God’s Word (Proverbs 4:23).

b) Avoid Sinful Environments
Stay away from places or situations that provoke temptation (Proverbs 4:14-15).

c) Depend on Prayer
Pray for strength to resist temptation and overcome (Matthew 26:41).

d) Seek Accountability
Surround yourself with godly counsel and accountability partners (Ecclesiastes 4:9-10).

e) Biblical Example:
Joseph fled from Potiphar’s wife, avoiding sin by physically escaping (Genesis 39:7-12).

3. THE ROLE OF THE HOLY SPIRIT IN OVERCOMING TEMPTATION

The Holy Spirit empowers believers to resist and flee from temptation.

a) Conviction of Sin
The Spirit warns us against sinful paths (John 16:8).

b) Strength for Resistance
The Holy Spirit strengthens our inner man to stand firm (Ephesians 3:16).

c) Guidance to Escape
He reveals the way out provided by God in every situation (John 14:26).

d) Fruit of Self-Control
The Spirit enables believers to exercise self-control (Galatians 5:22-23).

e) Biblical Example:
Jesus, led by the Spirit, resisted temptation in the wilderness (Matthew 4:1-11).

4. THE CONSEQUENCES OF NOT FLEEING FROM TEMPTATION

Failure to flee leads to sin, guilt, and separation from God.

a) Loss of Fellowship with God
Sin hinders our relationship with God (Isaiah 59:2).

b) Damage to Reputation
Yielding to temptation can ruin a believer’s testimony (2 Samuel 11:1-5).

c) Loss of Spiritual Authority
Persistent sin weakens your spiritual impact (Judges 16:18-20).

d) God’s Discipline
God chastises His children to bring them back to righteousness (Hebrews 12:6).

e) Biblical Example:
David’s failure to flee from temptation with Bathsheba brought severe consequences (2 Samuel 12:1-14).

5. THE REWARDS OF FLEEING FROM TEMPTATION

Obedience in resisting temptation brings blessings and spiritual growth.

a) Victory Over Sin
Resisting temptation strengthens your faith (James 1:12).

b) Closer Walk with God
Fleeing from sin preserves fellowship with God (Psalm 24:3-4).

c) Peace of Mind
A clean conscience brings peace and joy (Philippians 4:7).

d) Spiritual Growth
Overcoming trials leads to spiritual maturity (Romans 5:3-4).

e) Biblical Example:
Daniel’s decision not to defile himself in Babylon brought him favour and promotion (Daniel 1:8-20).

CONCLUSION:
Fleeing from temptation is vital for maintaining holiness and growing in Christ. With God’s faithfulness, the guidance of the Holy Spirit, and your determination to resist, you can overcome any temptation. Remember, every act of obedience strengthens your relationship with God and prepares you for greater victories.

PRAYER POINTS:

1. Lord, help me to flee from every form of temptation.

2. Father, give me discernment to identify and avoid sinful traps.

3. Holy Spirit, empower me to resist the devil and overcome temptation.

4. Lord, create in me a clean heart and renew a right spirit within me.

5. Father, help me to guard my mind against ungodly thoughts.

6. Lord, teach me to walk in holiness and righteousness daily.

7. Father, deliver me from environments that lead to sin.

8. Lord, strengthen my will to choose Your way over sin.

9. Father, surround me with godly friends who encourage righteousness.

10. Lord, grant me the victory to stand firm against all trials.

PROPHETIC DECLARATIONS:
1. You shall overcome every temptation that comes your way.

2. The Lord will always show you a way of escape from sin.

3. Your mind will be guarded with the peace of God.

4. The power of sin is broken in your life in Jesus’ name.

5. You will walk in the Spirit and not fulfil the lusts of the flesh.

6. Every environment of sin around you shall be destroyed.

7. God’s Word will continually guide your steps away from temptation.

8. You will live a victorious Christian life that glorifies God.

9. The grace to resist the devil is released upon you.

10. You are empowered to walk in holiness and enjoy God’s blessings.