SkateChurch Recap: Temptation

In the World But Not Of The World

Guest Speaker: Joe Cormier

TEMPTATION

So, what is temptation?

It is something that causes a strong urge or desire to do or have something that is bad, wrong, or unwise. You can probably agree that we are tempted pretty much every day. We are tempted at school, at the mall, at skateparks, and pretty much anywhere we go. Drugs, alcohol, and sex are just a few of the things that may tempt us on a daily basis. Sometimes things that don’t even seem bad tempt us. We all have a “gut” feeling when it comes to making these tough decisions. Usually that gut feeling is the Holy Spirit inside of you urging you to do the right thing.

Is temptation a sin?

No, is not. The Bible says in James 1:12, “Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him.” It is not a sin to be tempted, it is only a sin to act on that temptation.

Is there temptation in the Bible?

Yes, the Bible begins with a story of temptation in Genesis 3:1-13. Eve was tempted by the serpent to eat the fruit from the tree of knowledge of good and evil. Verses 1-3 explain that Eve clearly knew that she was forbidden to eat the fruit from the tree, and that she would be punished if she did. Then, in verses 4-5, the serpent claims that if Eve eats the fruit, her eyes would be open and she would be like God. So Satan tempted Eve into eating the fruit (verse 6). After she ate, she shared the fruit with her husband, Adam. In verses 14-19 God punishes Adam and Eve for falling into temptation.

Even Jesus was tempted. Matthew 4:5-7 reads, “Then the devil took Him up into the holy city, set Him on the pinnacle of the temple and said to Him, “If You are the Son of God throw Yourself down. For it is written ‘He shall give His angels charge over you,’ and ‘In their hands they shall bear you up, lLest you dash your foot against a stone.’ Jesus said to him, ‘It is written again, You shall not tempt to Lord your God.’”

How can we deal with temptation?

The best way to deal with temptation is to PRAY, PRAY, PRAY! As Christians we are always going to be tempted. Satan is constantly breathing down our neck trying to get us to fall. We also need to help each other by holding each other accountable. Hebrews 2:18 reads, “For in that He Himself has suffered, being tempted, He is able to aid those who are tempted.”

In closing, remember that “Life is not about the number of times you get knocked down, it’s about the number of times you get back up.” No matter how many times you fall into temptation, get back up. Our God is loving and merciful, and He will forgive you time and time again.