08-12-12 AM - Se7en Series: Lust

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I Corinthians 6:18 “Run from sexual sin. No other sin so clearly affects the body as this one does.  For sexual immorality is a sin against your own body.”                                                                                                              

Proverbs 4:23 Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life.


There are over 372 million pornographic websites.
25% of all search engine requests are for pornographic materials.                                                    Pornography is a $12 billion a year industry in the US alone.

For instance, 15% of those who view pornography regularly on the internet develop sexual behaviors that disrupt their life and relationships.
A recent study shows that pornography actually diminishes a person’s sexual happiness, whether they are single or married.

FIVE STEPS TO ADDRESS TEMPTATION:

1. Admit that I can be tempted.                                                                              
1 Cor. 10:12

1Cor. 10:13 NLT The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure.

Psalm 139:23 MSG Investigate my life, O God, find out everything about me; Cross-examine and test me, get a clear picture of what I'm about;

2. Recognize I’m in a spiritual battle


Romans 7:23 “There is another law at work within me that is at war with my mind. And this law wins the fight and makes me a slave to the sin that is still within me.”

Sexual temptation is the temptation to trade God for a substitute.

John 10:10 The thief’s purpose is to steal and kill and destroy.  My purpose is to give life in all its fullness.

3. Temptation is much easier to avoid than it is to resist.                            

I Corinthians. “Be careful if you are thinking, oh, I would never behave like that.  Let this be a warning to you.  For you, too, may fall into sin.”

MSG Don't be so naive and self-confident. You're not exempt. You could fall flat on your face as easily as anyone else. Forget about self-confidence; it's useless. Cultivate God-confidence.

2 Samuel Chapter 11
“the man after God’s own heart”.

xxxchurch.com

1Corinthians15:32 Let’s feast and drink, for tomorrow we die!” 33 Don’t be fooled by those who say such things, for bad company corrupts good character.”

4. Focus on God not the temptation

2 Timothy 2:22 NLT Run from anything that stimulates youthful lusts. Instead, pursue righteous living, faithfulness, love, and peace. Enjoy the companionship of those who call on the Lord with pure hearts.

I Corinthians 6:19-20 Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; 20 you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body.

5. Choose to Stop

1 Corinthians 10:13 “God is faithful.  He will keep the temptation from becoming so strong that you can’t stand up against it.  When you are tempted, He will show you a way out, so that you will not give in to it.”

Deut. 30:19 This day I call heaven and earth as witnesses against you that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses.
Now choose life, so that you and your children may live 20 and that you may love the Lord your God, listen to his voice, and hold fast to him. For the Lord is your life, and he will give you many years in the land…