I. Introduction
Temptations are common to everyone, even mature Christians. The noblest souls are often the ones most tempted. It seems that Satan assaults Christians in positions of leadership with his strongest weapons. Therefore, we must all be on our constant spiritual guard.
Jesus' 40 day temptation in the wilderness dramatically instructs
us how to overcome Satan's attacks. In each temptation, Jesus
answered the devil with Scripture. All of the scriptural quotations
Jesus used were from the book of Deuteronomy, an indication of
the importance of being well-acquainted with the Old Testament
(Deuteronomy 8:3; Matthew 4:4)
It is impossible to isolate ourselves from all of life's temptations.
The allurements of modern living are ever near. But we are not
alone in this struggle. "We have One who has been tempted
in every way, just as we are-yet without sin" (Hebrews 4:15).
And "because He Himself suffered when He was tempted, He
is able to help those who are being tempted" (Hebrews 2:18).
Regardless of the temptation, our Lord understands what we are
facing and stands ready to provide the strength to resist and
to emerge victorious.
Horatio Palmer, lyricist and composer (1834-1907), was an American
musician. One day while he was working on a music theory exercise,
the idea for this hymn suddenly came to him. He wrote it down
as quickly as possible and with few exceptions the hymn has remained
as it was originally written. The hymn has been an excellent teaching
song for both young and old in learning how to face the daily
temptations of life.
II. Verse 1-Read
A. "Yield not to temptation.....is sin."--Mt. 26:41,
Lk. 8:13. I Tim. 6:8, I Jn. 2:16 Temptation (Lust of the Flesh,
Lust of the Eyes, Pride of Life) + Yielding (Giving into) = Sin.
Lk. 22:40 Tells us about the power of prayer when we are tempted.
I Cor. 10:13 Tells us that God is faithful and will not desert
us when we are tempted-if we do not desert him.
B. "Each victory....Win." James 1:12 When we are
tempted, tried and we endure-we receive the crown of life. When
we overcome a temptation, the next trial may not be easier to
overcome, but we understand what it takes to endure. If we develop
a pattern or habit of saying no to temptation-it should be easier
for us to say no. Also, our conscience should hurt when we give
in.
C. "Dark passion subdue." I Jn. 2:16. Mk. 7:21`, James
3:2-6, Mt. 5:28, Mt. 12:35, Mt. 15:18-19 Dark passions are those
worldly thoughts that are temptations to us. Christ is the light-the
world is darkness. Satan is the originator of temptation, and
he is the prince of darkness. Following dark passions is sin and
sin separates us from God.
III. Verse 2-Read
A. "Shun evil companions" Pr. 13:20, I Cor. 15:33, Phil. 3:2, I Thess. 5:22 The influence of others is something that all of us should be aware of. We may enter a relationship with others with the best of intentions-only to be caught ourselves in the evil we are trying to save others from.
B. "Bad language disdain." Mt. 26:73, Col. 4:6 Influence and example are greatly dependent on proper speech. The Christian should always be aware of the effects of bad language. Rom. 12:14
C. "God's name in vain." Acts. 4:10, I Cor. 6:11 We are washed, sanctified and justified in the name of Jesus and by the spirit of God. These advantages, plus the love we should have for God and his son, should motivate us to revere his name and not use it in vain. How do we take the Lords name in vain?
D. "Be thoughtful and earnest" Heb. 2:1, I Cor. 13:3,
Eph. 4:32, Phil. 4:8 It is not enough to refrain from temptation,
we must, through our actions show that we have overcome.
IV. Verse 3-Read
A. "To him.....crown" II Tim. 4:8. I Cor. 9:25 ( See
II.B)
B. "through Faith...conquer" I Jn. 5:4 To be born of
God is to be an adopted son (chosen). Notice that this is a two-way
street-to be born of God we must also choose him. Being born of
God overcomes the world, and it is our faith that produces this
victory!
C. "He who is our Savior.......carry you through. Mt. 28:18,
II Pet. 1:2-4
V. Chorus - Acts 10:29-31, Phil 4:6, James 5:15-16
We as Christians should always be ready to ask God (through
prayer) to make us victors over temptations, so that we can achieve
the crown that awaits us in eternity!!