How to Handle Temptation

Message Title: How to Handle Temptation 

Message Text: James 1:17, Psalm 23 

Message Truth: “What comes into our minds when we think about God is the most important thing about us”. The goodness of God is a great barrier against yielding to temptation.” AW Tozer 

1.God Only Gives Good Gifts 

Reasons We Want to Know Why? 

1. It disturbs the orderliness we believe in.- we think we live in an orderly universe that everything is logical.  Assumption: We control our lives 
2. To prevent a repetition of the tragedy- This is why Jobs friends were so persistent. 
3. We seek absolution from guilt – Guilt is an investable consequence of grief.  What could I have done? 
4. Moral equalization- Why me? Why not someone else? 
5. To vindicate God – Theodicy; A defense of God.  Its not God’s fault. 
6. We cannot live with mystery – This technological age demands an explanation.  

2.God Gives Constantly and Consistently  

Because God is Good… 

• He will meet my needs when I’m worried  – “The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing Ps.23:1  

• He will teach me to trust when I’m afraid -“He makes me lie down in green pastures” Ps.23:2 

• He will replenish my strength when I’m empty – “He refreshes my soul” Ps.23:3a  

• He will guide me when I’m confused – He guides me along right paths for his name’s sake.” Ps. 23:3b  

• He will walk with me in my dark days  -“Even though I walk through the valley of death.” Ps. 23:4  

• He will protect me when I feel insecure – I will feel no evil because you are with me.” Ps. 23:4b  

• He will show me favor on my life – You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemy” Ps. 23:5  

• He will be good to me no matter what happens – Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life. Ps.23:6a   

• He will take me to heaven one day – And I will dwell in the house of the lord forever.” Ps. 26:b  

What is Our Response 

1. Appreciate the goodness of God.

• Count your blessings 

• Don’t take God’s gifts for granted 

2. Appreciate the patience of God.

• Learn to marvel at his patience with you 

• Seek grace to imitate it in your dealings with others 

3. Appreciate the discipline of God.

• Thorns which may awaken you from the sleep of spiritual death and lead you to repentance 

• As a believer, the discipline of a loving father guiding you to holiness and to “continue in his goodness” 

“The greatness of God rouses fear within us, but His goodness encourages us not to be afraid of Him. To fear and not be afraid-that is the paradox of faith.” AW Tozer 

Hope is Anticipating Gods Goodness