Experiencing Life with Jesus: Unyielding Resistance
John 10:10 “The thief comes to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” (NIV)
1 Peter 5:8 Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. (NIV)
· Experiencing life with Jesus requires us to know how to resist the enemy.
James 4:7 Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. (NIV)
Luke 4:1-13 Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, left the Jordan and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness, 2 where for forty days he was tempted by the devil. He ate nothing during those days, and at the end of them he was hungry. 3 The devil said to him, “If you are the Son of God, tell this stone to become bread.” 4 Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone.’” 5 The devil led him up to a high place and showed him in an instant all the kingdoms of the world. 6 And he said to him, “I will give you all their authority and splendor; it has been given to me, and I can give it to anyone I want to. 7 If you worship me, it will all be yours.” 8 Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God and serve him only.’” 9 The devil led him to Jerusalem and had him stand on the highest point of the temple. “If you are the Son of God,” he said, “throw yourself down from here. 10 For it is written: “‘He will command his angels concerning youto guard you carefully; 11 they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.’” 12 Jesus answered, “It is said: ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test.’” 13 When the devil had finished all this tempting, he left him until an opportune time. (NIV)
THREE STRATEGIES OF OUR ENEMY:
1. Distort the Truth of God’s Word.
2. Target Your Vulnerabilities.
Our Common Vulnerabilities:
· Pleasure
· Position
· Possessions
3. Pull You into Isolation.
· It is possible to resist temptation.
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. (NIV)
What is getting in the way of your ability to resist sin?
· You are not strong enough on your own.
1. You need God’s help.
Luke 4:1 Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, left the Jordan and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness. (NIV)
2. You need to know God’s Word.
Psalm 119:11 I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you. (NIV)
3. You need accountability.