I’ve had a lot of good feedback from the sermon series on temptation.  I’m sure the reason some have found it helpful is because temptation is a big, regular problem for all of us.  In fact, it’s an everyday problem.  It’s a problem I hope to prevail over more and more, as you apparently do.  Let me help a little further. 

             There are three things these three messages have in common with regard to handling temptation.  All three messages asserted that:

1.  Handling it early is always better than handling it late.  This means somewhere around the starting line rather than up into the process.
2. Foundational work is better than reaction to a temptation knocking at the door of your life.
3. A changed nature is the only way you’re going to win over temptation consistently and this requires spiritual discipline.

 Let me go over each of these three battle strategies with you.

1.  Early is always better than late.  When you wait until temptation is breathing down your neck, there’s a good chance you’ve already lost.  A friend of mine who had an addiction problem was telling me that all addicts find great relief in making the decision to go ahead and yield to their addiction.   In fact, they feel about as good when they make the decision to go ahead as they do when they actually roll the dice, take the drink, or practice whatever addiction they have.

 Many of us believe we are free enough and powerful enough to be able to decide to get out of a situation whenever we want to.  But all three of the Scripture passages we looked at asserted that there is a point at which you can make the decision “yes” or “no,” but that opportunity doesn’t last for long.  Once you reach the point of no return, guess what?  You’re unlikely to return.  Can God do something once you’ve passed that point?  Yes, He certainly can and He will help you, but the results won’t be the same as if you have dealt with the temptation early rather than late and walk away.  Get away from it.  Turn to God.  Talk to a friend.  Develop some accountability for yourself, but do it when you first begin to have the feeling or think about it. 

 (I will conclude this in my next blog.)