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.
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The Old Testament gives us an interesting story about a man by the name of Gehazi.
He was a servant of Elisha. This man was being groomed by one of the greatest man of God. Gehazi had much potential, and yet temptation took him from the destiny that was before him.
In II Kings we see a man named Naaman coming to ask for healing from his leprosy. Leprosy is a chronic, infectious disease characterized by sores, scabs, and white shining spots beneath the skin.
Leprosy is a decaying of the body. It deadens the senses of its victim.
After being healed from this horrific disease, Naaman offers Elisha a gift.
Elisha refuses the gift, and yet we see Gehazi as he begins to ponder this.
2 Kings 5:20
But Gehazi, the servant of Elisha the man of God, said, "Look, my master has spared Naaman this Syrian, while not receiving from his hands what he brought; but as the LORD lives, I will run after him and take something from him."
This is the heart of temptation.
I want to preach a sermon I've entitled Facing Temptation, because we will all face with temptation.
The question is not if you will face it; it is inevitable even if you are the saintly of saints. But the question is what will our decisions be when it comes.
The Origins of Temptation
Our text helps us to see the origins of temptation.
It tells us, it does not come from God, but it comes from the desires of our heart.
Vs. 14-15
But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed. 15 Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death.
This is what we see in the account of Eve in the garden of Eden. The bible shows for us that it comes from within:
Gen 3:6
So when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree desirable to make one wise, she took of its fruit and ate. She also gave to her husband with her, and he ate.
This is not isolated to Eve, but to all of humanity.
1 John 2:16
For all that is in the world — the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life — is not of the Father but is of the world.
This is found within the hearts of all that live and have ever lived on this earth.
It is birthed through selfish desires.
Our text tells us when desire is conceived, it gives birth to sin.
Temptation and desire enacted upon together are the parents of sin.
Cain’s heart was rousing with the possibilities of his actions, as God exclaimed for him, “sin is crouching at your door”.
This is true for every one of us.
If we are not careful, temptation can seize us and bring us to sin.
Vs. 15
…and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death.
This is why we need to be prepared when temptation comes.
How to Handle Temptation
As I stated before, it is not if we will face temptation, but when. It will be very important how we handle it when it comes, because it can determine our outcome.
Here are some things to keep in mind to help us handle temptation:
1. Rooted in God’s Word
Jesus gives us understanding on how to handle it, when we see Satan come to tempt Him.
Luke 4:3-4
And the devil said to Him, "If You are the Son of God, command this stone to become bread."
The devil will bring in doubt to what God has ordained. This is the same trick he used on Eve.
Jesus’ response:
…"It is written, 'Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word of God.'"
We are going to have to know our bible. Jesus first says it is written. But actually, it is what He says that has the ability to set us free.
He says, 'Man shall not live by bread alone...'
He found his food, not in the wonders of this world, not through His own personal ability, not the words of the enemy, but His reply is the same reply that should be true for us.
Do we live by every word that is spoken out of the mouth of God?
Whose word do we fill ourselves with?
Many are filled with the riches of this world.
1 Tim 6:8-9
But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and harmful lusts which drown men in destruction and perdition.
We need to be rooted in the word of God.
This will keep us, so that when temptation comes, we would be able to stand our ground.
1 Cor 10:12-13
No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.
The previous text tells us:
1 Cor 10:12-13
Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall.
2. Worship, Watch and Pray
Luke 4:8
"Get behind Me, Satan! For it is written, 'You shall worship the LORD your God, and Him only you shall serve.'"
In the midst of temptation, it is a time we should take our eyes and focus them on God.
Heb 12:1-2
…let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, 2 looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
When we readjust our eyes from our desires to God’s will, we can be saved from temptation.
Mark 14:37-38
Then He came and found them sleeping, and said to Peter, "Simon, are you sleeping? Could you not watch one hour? 38 Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak."
As we turn our eyes toward heaven, temptation is weakened, and the spirit of God is able to prevail.
3. Flee
A third thing that we can do is flee.
2 Tim 2:21-22
Flee also youthful lusts; but pursue righteousness, faith, love, peace with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.
Some people like to play with temptation, as if they can be saved from its downfall.
When temptation comes, flee!
The Triumphs vs. The Perils
Blessed
Our text tells us the joy of those who are able to overcome.
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.
We will receive a crown.
A Crown signifies authority
We will receive the crown of life!
This is why we should put our focus towards heaven.
The Peril
Unfortunately, Gehazi was not able to overcome.
Look at the outcome.
2 Kings 5:27
Therefore the leprosy of Naaman shall cling to you and your descendants forever." And he went out from his presence leprous, as white as snow.
The unfortunate event happened.
His destiny was done for.
This is the peril of Temptation.
There have been many who have lost out on destiny, simply because they gave into temptation.
Leprosy has spiritual attributes. We can find disease of the spirit as we continue to endulge in temptation.
We need to know how to handle temptation, so we can continue to live victorious lives for Jesus.
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