”But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed.“ James 1:14 NKJV
Temptation-the devil trying to entice someone to do evil
”Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him. Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am tempted by God”; for God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He Himself tempt anyone.“ James 1:12-13 NKJV
Sin being contrary to Gods character then will separate that believer from pure fellowship with the Spirit
”Then they will cry to the Lord, But He will not hear them; He will even hide His face from them at that time, Because they have been evil in their deeds.“ Micah 3:4 NKJV
”But your iniquities have separated you from your God; And your sins have hidden His face from you, So that He will not hear.“Isaiah 59:2 NKJV
Some things that separate fellowship!
”Husbands, likewise, dwell with them with understanding, giving honor to the wife, as to the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life, that your prayers may not be hindered.“I Peter 3:7
”For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.“ Matthew 6:14-15 NKJV
”If I regard iniquity in my heart, The Lord will not hear.“Psalms 66:18 NKJV
If I have cherished it in my soul; if I have gloated over past sins; if I am purposing to commit sin again; if I am not willing to abandon all sin, and to be holy
”One who turns away his ear from hearing the law, Even his prayer is an abomination.“ Proverbs 28:9 NKJV
Temptation is inevitable! Jesus was tried! A test!
”Then Jesus was led(driven) up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted/tested by the devil.“ Matthew 4:1 NKJV
We all will be tempted before promotion
You have got to pass the test even for greater anointings
”knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience.“James 1:3 NKJV
”Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you; but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ’s sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy.“ I Peter 4:12-13 NKJV
Jesus was led or driven into a wilderness
No one at your right or left just you and the devil/midnight hour
God does not tempt us but we do go through things to try or test our faith
Jesus declared by John and the Father to be deity the attack upon His identity comes
3 areas of temptation
”For all that is in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not of the Father but is of the world.“I John 2:16 NKJV
Devil says if you’re the son of God turn rock into bread to meet your need
He tempted him to despair of his Father’s goodness, and to distrust his Father’s care concerning him
Let us learn not to take any wrong courses for our supply, when our wants are ever so pressing: in some way or other the Lord will provide.
Took Jesus to a high place and said throw yourself down
Satan tempted Christ to presume upon his Father’s power and protection,
Possible despair or opposite extreme presumption
Set him into the holy city, again if you are the son of God
Puffed up arrogance of bible knowledge leads to a rogue or independent spirit
I’ll give you all kingdoms of the world
Temptation gets bold when resisted
Satan tempted Christ to idolatry with the offer of the kingdoms of the world, and the glory of them. The glory of the world is the most charming temptation to the unthinking
”Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded.“ James 4:7-8