“The greatest challenge you will ever face in your life is temptation!” – Fireproof Your Marriage

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. (1 Corinthians 10:13)

What temptation are you struggling to overcome?

Last Saturday (Nov 30), Julia and I benefitted again by yet another outstanding message at City On A Hill Church. GW Dameron’s message titled “Breaking Free” came from Week 4 of the six week Fireproof Your Marriage series. Today’s message comes from that.

Day #23 of The Love Dare book states, “Watch out for parasites. A parasite is anything that latches on to you or your partner and sucks the life out of your marriage. They’re usually in the form of addictions, like gambling, drugs, or pornography. They promise pleasure but grow like a disease and consume more and more of your thoughts, time, and money. They steal away your loyalty and heart from those you love. Marriages rarely survive if parasites are present. If you love your spouse, you must destroy any addiction that has your heart. If you don’t, it will destroy you.”

Three facts about temptation
1) Every temptation you face has been faced by others
2) You’ve never been tempted by something you didn’t have the power to resist
3) God promises a way out of every temptation (1 Cor 10:13)

There are only 3 kinds of temptation (1 John 2:16, Matt 4:1-11)
1) The cravings of our body
2) The lust of our eyes
3) The pride of our hearts

There are differences in the ways that temptations reveal themselves to men and women. For men, temptations usually revolve around achievement (power) and sensuality (sex). For women, temptations usually revolve around relationships. 95% of us are battling some sort of parasite that’s dominating our lives.

There are ways out of every temptation
1) Divert your thoughts (e.g. pray, worship) – 2 Cor 10:5, Rom 12:2, Phil 4:8
2) Hide God’s Word in your heart – To do this you must read or listen to the Bible.
3) Walk in the Spirit and bear fruit of the Spirit – Gal 5:16-25
4) Remove yourself from the situation (i.e. Flee) – 2 Tim 2:22

After we fail, then what?
1) Evaluate how it happened. Learn from your mistakes. Get an accountability partner.
2) Confess and repent (1 John 1:9)
3) Experience an intimate relationship with Jesus (Jude 1:24)

By the way, Julia’s identical twin sister (Issi) and two daughters were staying with us for the Thanksgiving weekend and they chose to come to hear GW’s message. On the drive back home, Issi’s 11 year old daughter shared opened her eyes to see that some of the music she listens to and TV shows she watches are parasites in her life.

Prayer Power
Heavenly Father, I suspect that many of the people who read this message are really struggling with temptation. Please set them free from parasites as they reflect upon and apply the principles above. Thank You Jesus. Amen.

Link of the Day
The View –  Thank you GW for doing such a great job being consist at posting short and powerful messages to your blog. All of us can learn from the good example you are setting. Not only is your blog a good way to keep up with what’s happening in Culpeper, but people who live elsewhere can receive godly inspiration and ideas that can impact their own communities. CONTINUE the good work God has begun through you. You’re changing my life and lives of many others.

Blessings to be set free!