GROWING THROUGH TEMPTATION .
From the Bible we learn that Temptation follows a four step process . All temptations follow the same pattern . That’s why Paul said , We are very familiar with Satan’s evil schemes . ( 2 CORINTHIANS 2: 11 NLT ) .
STEP ONE : Satan identifies a desire inside you . Temptation always start in your mind .
Jesus said , ” For from within , out of a person’s heart , come evil thoughts , sexual immorality , theft , murder , adultery , greed , wickedness, deceit , eagerness for lustful pleasure , envy , slander , pride , and foolishness. All these vile things come from within . ” ( MARK 7 : 21 – 23 NLT ) .
( There is ) a whole army of evil desires within you . ( JAMES 4 : 1 LB ) .
STEP TWO is Doubt : Satan tries to get you to doubt what GOD has said about Sin .
Watch out ! Don’t let evil thoughts or doubts make any of you turn from the living GOD .
STEP THREE is Deception : Satan is incapable of telling the Truth . He offers his lie to replace what GOD has already said in His Word .
Jesus said , ” The devil was a murderer from the beginning , not holding to the truth , for there is no truth in him . When he lies , he speaks his native language , for he is a liar and the father of lies . ” ( JOHN 8 : 44 NIV ) .
STEP FOUR is Disobedience : You finally act on the thought you have been toying within your mind .
We are tempted when we are drawn away and trapped by our own evil desires . Then our evil desires conceive and give birth to sin ; and sin , when it is full-grown , gives birth to death . Do not be deceived , my dear friends ! ( JAMES 1 : 14-16 TEV )
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