Finding Your Way Out

Finding Your Way Out

The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so you can endure.

1 Corinthians 10:13

Keep watch and pray, so that you will not give in to temptation. For the spirit is willing, but the body is weak.

Mark 14:38

Those who live only to satisfy their own sinful nature will harvest decay and death from that sinful nature. But those who live to please the Spirit will harvest everlasting life from the Spirit.

Galatians 6:8

Before an airplane takes off, a flight attendant shows passengers how to buckle their seat belts and put on an oxygen mask. He or she usually points out lights that will come on along the floor of the aircraft in the event of a power failure or fire, pointing passengers to the nearest exit. It’s good to have an exit strategy in place before things get hot! It’s also wise to have an exit strategy for when the temptation to sin heats up in your life. We all need a practical plan for getting away from what will hurt us—and perhaps even destroy us.

The first strategy is to avoid what tempts you in the first place, if at all possible. “Hold on to what is good. Stay away from every kind of evil.” (1 Thessalonians 5:21-22). Most of us know our own weaknesses, so we know what situations to avoid that bring us tremendous temptation. Second, quickly say a firm no to thoughts of temptation. Don’t toss the idea around in your mind, fanning its flame. “Resist the devil, and he will flee from you” (James 4:7). Talk back to the temptation with what you know is true, with what God has promised you. Focus your thoughts on the promises and joys of Christ until the temptation is exposed for the lie it is and until you want to please God more than you want to sin. Then get busy doing something productive and good. Replace your passion for something sinful with a passion for doing something pleasing to God.

DISCUSSION STARTERS

What’s the closest you’ve ever been to a fire? Do you have a plan for getting out of your house in case of fire?

Give some examples of what it means to “talk back” to temptation.

Based on your experiences, how is pleasing God more satisfying than giving in to sin?