Topic: Tempting Stuff
Dave began this series by discussing the Temptation story and where temptation all began. Kids were actually amazed to learn that not only is the Bible unclear as to what kind of fruit it was, the fruit, aka apple, wasn’t really even the issue. The fruit was simply an object used by Satan to reveal the real temptation of trying to become like God. So many times we hear "the devil made me do it"; "it’s not my fault". In reality, God gives us the ability to choose between obeying Him or choosing to go against Him. The sin didn’t occur and doesn’t occur in the temptation, instead it occurs when we make that decision in our hearts, to be disobedient. We discussed that God has allowed temptation to occur in our lives but does not bring the temptation on us.
James 1:13-15
When people are tempted, they should not say, “God is tempting me.” Evil cannot tempt God, and God himself does not tempt anyone. But people are tempted when their own evil desire leads them away and traps them. This desire leads to sin, and then the sin grows and brings death.
Temptation is such a powerful thing that we will continue to live with all of our lives. When Jesus was in the desert and Satan tempted Him to do all the things He knew He shouldn’t, Jesus did not sin. So again the temptation itself is not the sin, as Jesus was without sin. But if Jesus was tempted when He walked the earth, it must be something we should expect and pay attention to. The devil simply wants to see us fail. He wants to sneak up on the weak, those who are not spending time with Word, Prayer and Christian friends, and devour them like a lion would devour its weak prey.
John 10:10
A thief comes to steal and kill and destroy, but I came to give life – life in all its fullness.
1 Peter 5:8
Control yourselves and be careful! The devil, your enemy, goes around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to eat.
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