Biting the Apple part 2: Overcoming Temptation

Victory Fellowship Church Podcast

You will never be sinless, but you can learn to sin less. In this message, Pastor Jamie shares the key: overcoming temptation.
Matthew 26:41“Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.”
1 Corinthians 10:13 “The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure.”
How do we overcome temptation?
1. Recognize sin for what it really is.
Romans 6:23 “For the wages of sin is death”
2. Understand how temptation works.
James 1:13-15
Every action starts with a thought. Your head gives permission to your hands. You think it, then you do it. Don't just resist sin, rethink sin.
Genesis 3:1-6
The temptation progression: Desire, Doubt, Deception, Disobedience
Think about your thoughts!
3. Know yourself.
Know your sinful self.
Romans 8:6 “So letting your sinful nature control your mind leads to death. But letting the Spirit control your mind leads to life and peace.”
Know your spiritual self.
2 Corinthians 5:17 “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.”
"I don't do that." "I don’t need that to be happy." "I don’t live there anymore."
4. Weaponize the Word.
Matthew 4:1-13: the temptation of Jesus in the wilderness
A Christian without knowledge of the word is like a police officer without bullets in their gun.
5. Walk in the Spirit.
Galatians 5:16 “But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.”
To walk in the Spirit is to allow the inner promptings the Holy Spirit to determine what you do.
Changing your focus will bring you freedom. Whatever holds your attention has your affection.
Hebrews 12:1b-2a “Let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith.”
Don't focus on your behavior, focus on your savior.”
6. Tell someone.
James 5:16 “Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed.”
If you'd confess your temptations, you wouldn't have to confess as many sins.
Are you biting the apple?