The stages of sin...

Temptations are promises from the devil packed with evil to destroy you.

1. Recognize the source of temptation. 

James 1:13 New International Version (NIV)

13 When tempted, no one should say, “God is tempting me.” For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone;

2. Understand the process of temptation. 

James 1:14-15 New International Version (NIV)

14 but each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed. 15 Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death.

The stages of sin...

A. Temptation customized just for you.

  

B.  Fantasy which begins with the eyes (Matt. 6:22-23).

C.  Moving toward sin (1 Cor. 6:18)

D.  The act of sin.

E.  Death (Proverbs 14:12)

3. Learn how to overcome temptation.  

James 1:16-17 New International Version (NIV)

16 Don’t be deceived, my dear brothers and sisters. 17 Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.

1 Corinthians 10:13 New International Version (NIV)

13 No temptation[a] has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted[b] beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted,[c] he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.

A.  Avoid harmful influences.

B.  Counter temptation with the Word. 

C. Develop healthy relationships. 

4. Fall in love with Jesus. 

John 14:15 New International Version (NIV)

“If you love me, keep my commands.

James 1:18 New International Version (NIV)

18 He chose to give us birth through the word of truth, that we might be a kind of first fruits of all he created.

God thinks that you're wonderful.  He is so in love with you.

Chris Hodges, Church of the Highlands 

Neck deep in Quick Sin?

A clock that is broken is at least right twice a day. A clock that runs 5 minutes slow is always wrong.

Satan works to get us off just a little. Even a small degree is more dangerous because it appears right.

He attempts to get our minds off the truth, and get us to forget the biggest truth, which is God. 

Satan's wants to convert us to his religion, and to please him. Satan tries to get us to think negatively about God. 

He tries to get us to believe that God will not punish. 1/2 the truth becomes a lie. 

Rules without punishment is only advice. Those who understand the least about sin are the deepest into it.

(notes from Adrian Rodgers)

Don't Panic in Tough Times!

God is obsessed with lost people.  

Just because you’re lost does not mean that you’ve lost your value.   

Sin will take you where you don’t want to go.  Keep you longer than you want to stay.  Makes you pay longer than you want to pay.  

Sin doesn’t make sense.  

The religious always assumes the worst about people.  God focuses on potential.  God can see you in your dignity and your depravity at the same time.  

Don’t remind people of what they did, but of who they are.  

The more you value God.  The more value you get from God.  

A man without a purpose is a man without a future.  A man without a future will always return to his past. 

There is more to this life than this life.  

God is never going to do our part.  

Our part is never the supernatural.  

God moves when we move.  

Our part is next.  God has already done His part.  

What is your part?  Ask God.   

God’s design in me, reveals His destiny for me.  

Prayer is not informing God about your realities.  Prayer is the process of letting go.  God talks to us when we are asleep.  That’s when we’re not talking or distracted.   

When you don’t know what to do, do what you know to do.  

Panic and worry will not cause the storm to go away.  Praise God until you get your break through.  Don’t allow a storm to silence your praise. 

Excerpts from Church of the Highlands notes.   

Spiritual Growth Test

1. When we become more aware of sin and weaknesses.

2. When we respond more quickly to sin with genuine repentance.

3. When our spiritual battles are becoming more intense, yet we still rejoice.

4. When we begin to see trials and temptations for opportunities for growth.

5. When we see opportunities for service as a honor and not as a burden.

6. When we view everything as coming from or through God.

7. When we sense our faith growing stronger.

8. When we desire to spend more time in praise and worship.

9. When our desire to obey God becomes more intense.

10. When we eagerly want what Christ is doing in our lives.

11. When we are experiencing an increasing awareness of God's presence.

12. When we jealously guard our private time of prayer and Bible reading.

13. When we prefer to spend more time with God than with all others.

(Charles Stanley)