Introduction: “But as for you, ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good...” (Genesis 50:20).  We never know what our lives or even a day may bring forth.  We only know that we will face many trials in our lifetime.  But rest assured, God has a purpose for these trials and temptations.  If we will trust in Him, He will give us the victory and show us even greater blessings.

I.                    The Definition of Temptation  

A.                 :To Test or to Try (Compare James 1:13; Genesis 22:1; Hebrews 11:17)

            B.                 Three Applications in the Bible

1.                   A challenge to God’s authority (Deuteronomy 6:16; I Corinthians 10:9)

2.                   An enticement to sin (James 1:13-15)

3.                   Trials and tribulations (Acts 20:19; Deuteronomy 29:2-3)  NOTE: James 1:2-4 deals with this application 

II.                  The Diversity of Temptation 

A.                 From the Devil (Matthew 4:1-3; 1Corinthians 7:5; 1Thessalonians 3:5)

B.                 From the World (James 4:1-4; 1John 2:15-17; 2Timothy 4:10)

C.                 From the Flesh (James 1:13-15; Ephesians 2:3; Galatians 5:16-17) 

III.                The Discipline of Temptation 

A.                 Leads to Patience (Romans 5:3-5)

B.                 Leads to Perfection (Hebrews 5:8-9; 1Peter 1:6-7; 4:1-2)

-Paul (Acts 20:24)    -Job (Job 13:15)

:a level of completeness where the soul’s whole purpose is to please God 

IV.                The Defeat of Temptation 

A.                 By Patient Endurance (I Corinthians 10:13; James 1:12)

B.                 By Divine Enabling (Philippians 4:12-13; 2Corinthians 12:7-10; Psalm 105:17-21)

C.                 By Supernatural Enjoyment (v.2; Romans 5:3; Acts 5:40-41; Philippians 1:29) 

Conclusion:  What should you do about this message?

1.                  Accept temptations as part of your Christian life (2Timothy 3:12)

2.                  Joy in the knowledge that God is not through with you—When the chips start flying, the stone knows that the sculptor is not through.

3.                  Look for the help that God has promised to give (Jeremiah 33:3)

4.                  Walk on in faith expecting God to keep His promises (2Corinthians 5:7)