Sermon Series: You Belong Here
August 20, 2023 – Week 3: Resisting Temptation
Lately, I have found myself facing a daily struggle. What will I eat for lunch today? I know it sounds so trivial. I could schedule a lunch meeting at some new place in town that I haven’t eaten at yet, or I could go home and eat a salad and tuna? It’s really hard to chose the right thing, which for me would be the healthier options at home. It would save me money and help me avoid overloading on carbs and the afternoon slump. Somedays it is easier than others to do the right thing. What about you? Are there any daily struggles in your life right now? Are you having a hard time choosing the right thing?
Every person faces a daily struggle to live their best life. Each day Christians face the spiritual reality of what the Bible calls “temptation.” Temptation is the reality of living in a fallen world where the enemy wants to use sin to separate us from God and his best life for us. We can choose the path of temptation that leads to suffering and pain, or we can commit to the path the Lord provides that fills us with abundant life and enables us to live and love more like Jesus daily. If you are facing daily struggles with temptation, you are not alone! You belong here. The church is a place we can learn to hold our temptations in check and find the grace that leads us transformation and freedom.
Blessings,
Jimmy
James 1:12-18
New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition
Trial and Temptation
12 Blessed is anyone who endures temptation. Such a one has stood the test and will receive the crown of life that the Lord[a] has promised to those who love him. 13 No one, when tempted, should say, “I am being tempted by God,” for God cannot be tempted by evil and he himself tempts no one. 14 But one is tempted by one’s own desire, being lured and enticed by it; 15 then, when desire has conceived, it engenders sin, and sin, when it is fully grown, gives birth to death.
16 Do not be deceived, my beloved brothers and sisters. 17 Every generous act of giving, with every perfect gift, is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.[b] 18 In fulfillment of his own purpose he gave birth to us by the word of truth, so that we would become a kind of first fruits of his creatures.