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Further Study (L3)

Additional notes are indicated in green.

  1. Understand the nature of temptations and sin.

    [Temptations]

  • Temptations appeal to our desires (Jas 1:14-15).
    • Temptations often entice us by appealing to the desires of our eyes, our flesh, and our pride (1 Jn 2:16).
      • Ex: Eve saw the tree was good for food, for the fruit was “a delight to the eyes” (Gen 3:6).
      • Ex: Satan tempted Jesus to turn stones to bread to satisfy His physical desire of hunger (Mt 4:2-3).
      • Ex: Hezekiah fell to the temptation of self-glory. Out of pride, he showed the Babylonian envoys all of the great treasures and possessions of his house (2 Kgs 20:12-13; 2 Chr 32:25).
  • Temptations may twist the truth of God.
    • The serpent’s crafty response (Gen 3:5) - “You certainly will not die! For God knows that on the day you eat from it your eyes will be opened, and you will become like God, knowing good and evil.”
    • Satan himself quoted Scripture when tempting Jesus (Mt 4:5-7).
  • Temptations are not exclusive to certain people.
    • Everyone faces temptation (1 Cor 10:12-13).
      • In today’s world, temptations come to every person in very ordinary circumstances, regardless of age, location, background, etc.
      • Jesus Himself was tempted, and He set the example for us on how we ought to overcome (Mt 4:1-11).

[Sin]

  • Sin is progressive (Jas 1:14-15).
    • Psalmist’s example: “walk” —> “stand” —> “sit” (Ps 1:1)
    • Achan’s example: “saw” —> “wanted/coveted” —> “took” (Josh 7:21)
    • David’s example: “saw” —> “sent and inquired” —> “took” (2 Sam 11:1-4)
      • Emphasizes the importance of what we see and how we should keep our eyes pure (Job 31:1)

  • Do not live in sin.
    • We have been baptized in Christ and should no longer live in sin (Rom 6:1-7; 12-23).
      • Those born of God do not continue to sin (1 Jn 3:9; 5:18). Those who continue to practice sin are of the devil (1 Jn 3:8).
      • Deliberate sin is likened to crucifying the Son of God once again (Heb 6:4-8).
  • Confide in and get help from God-fearing people.
    • If we are struggling with sin, we can turn to God-fearing brethren for help.
      • Confess our sins to one another (Jas 5:16).
      • Pray together and for each other, for two are better than one (Eccl 4:9-10).
  • Watch and pray (Mt 26:41; Gal 5:16).
    • Through prayer, we can be watchful against Satan’s traps.
    • Prayer increases our spiritual strength so that through the Spirit, we can put to death the deeds of the body and live (Rom 8:13).
  • Be severe with sin.
    • Do not let sin reign (Rom 6:12) and make no provision for the flesh (Rom 13:14).
      • We need to discipline ourselves so that we do not gratify the desires of the flesh.
    • Be strict with areas in our life we need to “cut off” in order to say no to sin, lest we be thrown in hell (Mt 5:29-30; 18:8-9).

  • eRhema Topical Study
    • Sin