The message: « Temptation » is the devil’s exhortation to separate from God and do things that are not His will. The desires that are in one’s heart, the « lusts of the flesh », are what the devil moves to tempt people and seduce them: greed, lust for glory, lust for power, lust for food, etc. This is what happened when Adam and Eve were in Eden, to make them fall, and to condemn them before God. The devil misleads us, making us think that God does not see or know the wrong we do, so it is easy for us to sin. By the grace of God, the Lord has given to every baptized believer the guidance of the Holy Spirit, who allows them to overcome all evil, and who is the Spirit of truth that guides and strengthens them to do the will of God, which “is good and acceptable and perfect » Rom.12: 2. Therefore, « Put on the whole armor of God, so that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil » Eph.6: 11. It is faith and union with Jesus and prayer with the guidance of the Holy Spirit and the word of God which is the sword of the Spirit. These are the most powerful weapons to protect against temptation and overcome it. Temptations truly exist; however, “in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us” Rom.8:37.
Monday 07: The believer overcomes the tempter. “I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and hers” Gen.3:15. Reading 1: Rom.16: 17-20. Reading 2: Gen.3: 1-24. Preaching 1 (free choice). Preaching 2: Gen.3: 14-15. Introduction: The war against the tempting devil is not human’s war. It is rather God’s war. o even though we may feel weak when facing temptation, the Lord says: “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is made perfect in weakness” 2 Cor. 12:9a. God’s victorious grace for us is Jesus telling us: “my peace I give to you” Jn.14:27b.
Tuesday 08: The servant of God can stand firm. “as servants of God we have commended ourselves in every way” 2 Cor.6:4. Reading 1: Gen.39: 1-9. Reading 2: 2 Cor.6: 1-10. Preaching 1 (free choice). Preaching 2: 2 Cor.6: 4. Introduction: The servants of God can withstand and overcome temptation because of the Lord who is with them. The Apostle Paul wrote: “If God is for us, who can be against us?” Rom.8:31b NIV. And since the devil is an accuser, Paul continues: “Who will bring any charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies. Who is to condemn? It is Christ Jesus, who died, yes, who was raised, who is at the right hand of God, who indeed intercedes for us” Rom.8:33-34.
Wednesday 09: The word of God overcomes tempters. “Then the devil left him, and suddenly angels came and waited on him” Matt.4:11. Reading 1: Heb.2: 10-18. Reading 2: Matt.4: 1-11. Preaching 1 (free choicel). Preaching 2: Matt.4: 11. Introduction: Jesus Christ overcame the tempter because the word of God was « alive and powerful » in Him (Heb.4: 12 NKJV). To those who receive Him, He reveals the glory of God, who completely overcomes the tempter as it is written: “And the Word became flesh and lived among us, and we have seen his glory, the glory as of a father’s only son, full of grace and truth” Jn.1:14.
Thursday 10: The believer overcomes temptation by believing in Jesus. “But they have conquered him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony” Rev.12:11a. Reading 1: Jn, 5: 1-15. Reading 2: Rev.12: 7-11. Preaching 1 (free choice). Preaching 2: Rev.12: 11. Introduction: Jesus said, ““Everything is possible for one who believes” Mk 9: 23b NIV, that is everyone who has Jesus as their Lord and Savior, and who can say like the Apostle Paul, “I can do all things through him who strengthens me” Phil.4: 13. The Lord gives the believer full authority to overcome the tempter. Jesus said: “See, I have given you authority to tread on snakes and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy; and nothing will hurt you” Lk.10:19.
Friday 11: The believer overcomes temptation with prayer. “Stay awake and pray that you may not come into temptation” Matt.26:41a. Reading 1: Dan.6: 11-24. Reading 2: Matt.26: 36-42. Preaching 1 (free choicel). Preaching 2: Matt.26: 41. Introduction: Those who are united with Jesus are protected from temptation and overcome the tempter. It is through prayer that we have a living communion with Him and receive His power and authority that overcomes all evil; and that is the Holy Spirit. Those who have the Holy pirit in them are confident, for it is written: “For you did not receive a spirit of slavery to fall back into fear [fear of temptation], but you have received a spirit of adoption. When we cry, “Abba! Father!” Rom. 8:15.
Saturday 12: The believer who overcomes temptation is crowned with glory. “The one who is victorious I will make a pillar in the temple of my God” Rev.3:12 NIV. Reading 1: Jn 2: 12-14. Reading 2: Rev.3: 7-13. Preaching 1 (free choice). Preaching 2: Rev.3: 12. Introduction: By faith you will inherit the kingdom of heaven and eternal life. It takes holy courage and perseverance. For Jesus said, “To the thirsty I will give water without cost from the spring of the water of life. Those who are victorious will inherit all this, and I will be their God and they will be my children” Rev.21: 6b-7 NIV.
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