BUT IT TASTES, FEELS, LOOKS SO GOOD

Samson didn’t “mess-around” with a ton of woman, just a few women: the woman of Timnath in Judges 14:1-2; the harlot in Gaza in Judges 16:1; and the famed Delilah in Judges 6:4. But the “bite” nevertheless comes as Samson ends up sightless and in shackles in Judges 16:21.

God offers to assist at the first whiff of sin providing, “…a way out, so that [we] can stand up under [the seduction of sin]…”

(1 Corinthians 10:13).

Realize: Sin Is An Allusion; A ‘Bald-Face’ Lie.

Satan himself, who

“…was a murderer from the beginning” -- Jesus reminds us in John 8. “Not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. [And so] when [the devil] lies [declaring sin, harmless] he speaks his native language -- for he is a liar and the father of lies…" - John 8:44.

Affirm God’s Sovereignty and Strength, Even When You

Have No Strength.

“God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear.” (1 Corinthians 10:13);

“…God is faithful…and He [can be trusted] not to let you be tempted and tried…beyond your ability and strength…of resistance -- and power to endure…” – through Him

(1 Corinthians 10:13, The Amplified Bible).

And so Hosea is blunt: “…you have reaped evil -- you have eaten the fruit of deception -- because you have depended on your own strength…”

(Hosea 10:13).

But there’s an alternative, Hosea notes: you can “…reap the fruit of [God’s] unfailing love… [if you depend on Him, seeking]…the Lord… [allowing God to] shower righteousness on you…” (Hosea 10: 12).

“There is no circumstance…no testing… [no temptation]…that can ever touch me until first of all, it has gone past…Christ…If it has come that far, it has [then] come with…great purpose… [Therefore, I will not panic; rather]…I lift up my eyes to [the Lord] … [trusting Him -- relaying on His power and strength]…”

Alan Redpath

Rely On God To Instruct And Guide When Exiting

Temptation.

For as the writer of Hebrews notes: “…we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weakness -- but we have one who has been tempted in every way just as we are – yet without sin.” (Hebrews 4:15).

Three times Satan tempts Jesus in the severest way, alluring Jesus

• 1) first, to turn from the power of God toward the power of self-satisfaction:

• 2) then, to turn toward the power of self-accomplishment

• 3) lastly to turn toward the power of self glorification:

But all cases – Jesus relied on God’s sovereignty and

strength -- and resisted temptation.

• 1) Jesus Didn’t Knee-Jerk, Becoming Impulsive.

• 2) Jesus Established The Truth.

• 3) Jesus Got Assertive, Taking Action.

“Away from me Satan” Jesus declares in Matthew 4:10.

“Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.  Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. Grieve, mourn and wail…Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up. (James 4:7-10, NIV).

“Resist the devil and he will flee from you. Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands…purify your hearts…grieve, mourn and wail…humble yourselves…” (James 4:7-10).

Away from me Satan (Matthew 4:10)