Why We Give into Temptations

Sunday, April 24, 2010

Led by Dennis Jeffries

Why do we give into temptation? What is it that deceives us into thinking that if we do this thing we will be happy? Today we took a look at those individuals who took part in the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. People like Judas, Pilate, Peter, and the Roman guards all had a false idea of what they would gain if they gave into their temptation.

• Hebrews 4:14-15  -  The world's view of temptation is like Las Vegas (a.k.a. "Sin City") where sin is not resisted but blatantly promoted.... what is the worldly saying to prove this point? "What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas." Jesus has an understanding of our infirmities but he never gave in to the infirmities. The only reason why believers can resist temptation is because Jesus first resisted.

Judas Iscariot

• Matthew 26:6-13  -  All of the disciples had indignation against the woman who, in their eyes, wasted what could have been sold for a great price.
• John 12:4-6  -  Judas voiced his opposition to the woman who anointed Jesus; Judas didn't really care for the poor, he was a thief and he wanted to put that money in his own pocket; his temptation was greed
• Luke 22:1-6  -  the religious people were glad that someone was finally willing and able to do the very thing that they hadn't been able to do
• Matthew 27:1-8  -  Once Judas realized he did wrong against innocent blood he went back to the religious people who he conspired with but they didn't care for him anymore. Judas was "in" with the religious when he was willing to betray Jesus but, when he decided that what he did was not right he was no longer supported by his supposed friends so he went out and hanged himself.

Pilate

• Matthew 27:11-26  -  Pilate's temptation was to be more concerned for his political position than for his spiritual position. He, knowing and admitting that Jesus was innocent, did not stand up for Jesus because of the crowd so he released a murderer and crucified Jesus.

Peter

• Matthew 26:69-75  -  Peter was tempted to protect his flesh before protect his Lord's name. Therefore, he denied that he was associated with Jesus and then went out and wept bitterly.

Roman Guards

• Matthew 62-66  -  the guards were tempted to make sure that Jesus didn't really seem to do what he said he would do.
• Matthew 28:1-8, 11-15  -  the soldiers were paid off to make sure they lied about Jesus' resurrection; even after they experienced the earthquake and saw the angel roll away the stone they still didn't believe and were persuaded to lie about what they saw

Did Jesus have to die for us? Did God have to sacrifice his Son?

• Matthew 26:36-41, 51-54  -  God did not owe us anything or that Jesus had to die for us. Jesus didn't have to die but because God's grace he did. God was not responsible for our sin but he sacrificed His Son anyway. Jesus said that he could have called twelve leagends of angels to take him away from the cross but he didn't because he willingly took on the wrath of God for our sins to give us the opportunity to be set free.

Prayer Requests
The Braker Family  -  son Rowan born on April 22 at 4lbs 13oz
Young girl (17) who is pregnant with twins but boyfriend left her... praise God that she has decided to carry the babies and not have an abortion.