YIELD NOT TO TEMPTATION

Introduction:
   1. James 1:12-18; 1:2-4.
   2. In our series of lessons directed toward our young people it is
      now appropriate to notice Temptation particularly.
   3. TEMPTATION!!! What a common experience to all mankind. ALL HAVE
      KNOW ITS STRUGGLE.
   4. Young people today are tempted often, regularly, daily.
   5. And, as you grow older and leave home, enter college, job, etc.,
      you shall need this lesson often:

BODY:
  I. TEMPTATION: A common experience.
     1. Our Lord was tempted in all points, yet.... Heb. 4:15.
     2. He sought the Father's will. This made Him a target of Satan.
     3. Matthew 4 -- Tempted in the wilderness.
     4. This great warfare between forces of evil and good has been in
        existence for years, from the beginning.
        a. It is within your soul also.
        b. A struggle which is not simply an external battle, but one
           in which the eternal destiny of our soul is at stake.
        c. It is a lonely struggle, because one usually does not feel
           free to discuss temptations with others, even parents.
        d. And it is everywhere, no escape from it. At no time, at no
           place, will you be free from the assault of the evil one.
     5. Young people, you will be made fun of for not yielding, for
        not giving in.
     6. Yet, STRENGTH IS SHOWN NOT IN YIELDING, BUT IN OVERCOMING.

 II. HOW DOES TEMPTATION COME?
     1. James 1:14 -- by own lust, desires of the flesh.
     2. 1 John 2:16 -- lust of flesh, lust of eye, pride of life.
     3. Temptation is the allurement, an attraction, the urge to do.
     4. Tempted, lust, enticed, conceived, sin, death -- separation
        from God.
     5. Why then does Jehovah allow us to be tempted?
     6. Jas. 1:2-4 -- to build perfection in His followers.
     7. Cf. A young baseball pitcher -- receives small starting salary
        from club; pitches now and then; learns with each start, wins
        a game; improves; wins a second game; etc. He develops with
        each start; eventually major league team calls him up. With
        more work, he wins a place in the starting rotation; his
        salary increases. He has proven himself, stood the test.
     8. God wants you to become a FIRST STRING PLAYER. He wants us to
        be an ACTIVE PLAYER, not a bench warmer.
     9. Cf. Tree grows deeper with each storm. The storms in our life
        will draw us closer to God. That is, unless we fall.

III. DIFFERENCE BETWEEN TEMPTATION AND SIN:
     1. As stated, temptation is the allurement, attraction.
     2. Cf. Mother bakes your favorite pie, sits it on the table to
        cool. You walk by and the aroma overwhelms you. You have the
        urge to cut a big slice, BUT, I better not. You have been
        tempted and you have overcome.
     3. Temptation is NOT SIN. But, if you dwell on it and willingly
        and deliberately think about it, it can become sin.
     4. Thus, we must control our thoughts, not take pleasure in evil.
     5. Sin becomes such when temptation leads us to do or desire to
        do wrong -- when lust is produced.
     6. Temptation MUST BE OVERCOME. You must become the master of
        your own mind. Make the right decision. That is what life is
        all about.

 IV. SOME CIRCUMSTANCES ARE MORE DIFFICULT THAN OTHERS:
     1. It is true that under some circumstances it is harder to serve
        God than under others.
     2. This should encourage us to guard the circumstances we find
        ourselves in. Where we go, with whom we go, etc.
     3. Young people away from home, from friends, from parents, away
        from brethren, find it more difficult.  So much loose living,
        cursing, smutty talk, etc., all around us.
     4. But remember, you are not the only one who has ever been
        tempted. All must go through the same decisions.
     5. When you are away from home it is so much easier to forget
        about worship, easy to make excuses and not attend.
     6. REMEMBER, 1 Cor 10:13 -- Christ will assist us.
     7. Rom. 8:37 -- more than conquerors....

  V. SOME SUGGESTIONS THAT WILL ASSIST OVERCOMING TEMPTATION:
     1. MUST BE AWARE OF SIN:
        a. Be honest with self. Don't say, "It can't happen to me."
        b. We need to be frank, honest, recognize sins existence.
        c. 1 Peter 5:8 -- Devil goeth about as roaring lion....
     2. PREPARE NOW FOR TEMPTATION IN THE FUTURE:
        a. Arm yourself with the mind of Christ -- Phil. 2:5; Col. 3:1
        b. Daily Bible study and prayer are necessary.
        c. Phil. 4:13 -- I can do all things through Him that
           strengthen me.
     3. AVAIL YOURSELF OF EVERY OPPORTUNITY FOR FELLOWSHIP; WORSHIP.
        a. Attend every worship service possible.
        b. Parents responsibility to assist young people. Show them
           where your love and desires really are. Put God first.
        c. 1 Cor. 15:33 -- seek good companions.
        d. You are not alone. Christians are praying for you.
        e. James 4:8 -- Draw nigh to God, and He will draw nigh to you
        f. Do not allow yourself to have too much idle time.
     4. SHOW YOUR FAITH IN CHRIST IN A POSITIVE WAY:
        a. Cf. Young Christian prayed and read Bible daily. His
           associates make fun of him, silly boy, etc. But, when the
           fighting came and they faced death, they came to him for
           prayer and encouragement.
     5. 2 Pet. 2:7-9 -- Lot delivered from temptation.
        James 1:12 -- Blessed is the man that endureth temptation....
        1 Pet. 1:6,7 -- Faith on trial.

Conclusion:
   1. What a great privilege, to keep oneself from sin, pure in God's
      service.
   2. Young people -- YOU DO NOT HAVE TO SIN!!!
   3. 2 Tim. 2:22 -- "Flee youthful lusts."

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