Week 9 Day 1: The Three Sources of Temptation

This is an extra resource for people going through the Pure Praise worship study.

For Week 9, Day 1
The prince of the power of the air is not the only source of our temptations. Our own fleshly nature and the world around us can also tempt us to go astray. (See Ephesians 2:2-3) I like Dr. Adrian Rogers’ summary of how we are to combat each of these tempting sources. He said that when we are tempted by the value system of this world we must have faith in God and His promises to us. 1 John 5:4 says, “This is the victory that overcomes the world – even our faith.” (NKJ) We must believe that what we cannot see is more beautiful and worthwhile than what is visible to us.

When we are tempted by our human nature (by desires for illicit sexual gratification for example), we must flee like Joseph did when he was propositioned by Potiphar’s wife. (See Genesis 39:12) It’s no wonder Paul told Timothy, “Flee youthful lusts…”! (2 Timothy 2:22a KJV)

No matter how much faith we have and how often we flee enticing situations, at times we will still be tempted. Rogue thoughts may bombard our minds when we least expect them. How often in church, for example, have you found yourself suddenly battling a lustful or prideful idea right in the midst of worshiping and focusing on the Lord? “Where did that come from?” you wonder. Most likely, at moments like those, you and I are experiencing a direct assault from the devil or one of his demons.

Read James 4:7 for what we can do to Satan in order to defeat him when he comes against us?

Below are the sources of temptation with the strategy we must use to overcome each source.

World — Faith

Flesh — Flee

Devil — Fight