Sep. 08, 2024

Seven Steps To Break Free from Persistent Temptations:

1. Predetermine My Pattern of Temptation - The point is once you determine: How, Where, When, Why, and What’s the most typical pattern of your temptation– you can formulate a plan to defend against it. 

A. When am I most tempted? 

B. Where am I most tempted? 

C. Who Am I With when I am most tempted? 

D. What temporary benefit do I get when I give in to temptation? 

E. How do I feel right before I am tempted? 

2. Plan To Avoid It - Once you know the patterns that cause you to give in to temptation then you plan to avoid those patterns.  Once you know the triggers, set some boundaries in your life that keep you from those situations.

3. Protect the Condition of My Heart - If you want to change something that is continually causing you to stumble, you don’t start with your behavior.  You start with the heart and what's inside of you. 

4. Pray for God’s Help - Talk to God regularly so that you have protection against temptation.  

5. Point Your Attention Elsewhere - Temptation always starts with a thought.  It always starts with the mind.  So, in the end, whatever gets your attention gets you. Attention-Arousal-Action! Catch it at the attention stage and divert your attention to something more positive.

You cannot control all your circumstances, you just can’t.  You certainly cannot control the people in your life.  You can’t even control your own emotions.  But there is one thing you can control.  You can control what you choose to think about it.  

6. Pick an Accountability Partner - You need someone who loves you enough to hold you accountable, not judging you accountable. Have someone on your side that will help you break free from your temptations and hold each other accountable.  Check up on each other and encourage one other. 

Jesus said, “When you know the truth the truth sets you free.” 

The moment you share your secret sin with somebody else it does several things: 

A. It weakens its grip on your life - Liberates you and sets you free

B. It Empowers you - God gives us power when we humble ourselves

C. It's Enduring - When you’re honest about your weakness to somebody else it actually draws that person closer to you instead of repelling them away. We gravitate to authenticity! 

7.  Persist in Believing I Can Change - People appreciate when we are honest about the trials we are going through. It makes us realize we are all human. We ALL need a little help getting through life’s difficulties.  

Use the ABC Principle – Accountability, Boundaries, Christian Friends

Scripture References:

Romans 7:15, 12:21

Proverbs 4:23, 4:26-27, 5:6

Lamentations 3:40 

Ephesians 4:27  

Psalm 50:15

Hebrews 4:15 

James 1:14-15

2 Corinthians 10:5, 10:13

Ecclesiastes 4:12 

1 Thessalonians 5:11