Faith that Works…no matter what

Faith to Break Bad Habits. Pastor Michael Dascoli

June 26, 2021

Don’t blame God when you are tempted! God cannot be tempted by evil, and He doesn’t use evil to tempt others. 14 We are tempted by our own desires that drag us off and trap us. 15 Our desires make us sin, and when sin is finished with us, it leaves us dead.

James 1:13 CEV

“…who on earth can set me free from the clutches of my sinful nature? I thank God there is a way out through Jesus Christ our Lord.” Romans 7:24b-25 JBP

TAKE A LOOK AT MYSELF

1: I need to recognize my default coping strategy

“… let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, 2 fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. Hebrews 12:1b-2a

2: I need to know my emotional triggers

“Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.”

Proverbs 4:23

Brief list of emotional triggers: Physically Exhausted. . . Discouraged & Pessimistic. . . Bored or Discontented Spiritually Dry or Empty. . . Lonely or Disconnected. . . Insecure or Unsure. . . Wounded or hurt. . . Resentful. . . Sad or Grieving a loss. . .

3: I need to learn my patterns

“Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor stands in the path of sinners, nor sits in the seat of the scornful…” Psalm 1:1 NKJV

• When am I most tempted?

• Where am I most tempted?

• Who is with me when I’m most tempted?

• What perceived temporary benefit do I get when I give in to temptation?

4: I need to plan to avoid those situations

“Give careful thought to the paths for your feet and be steadfast in all your ways. 27 Do not turn to the right or the left; keep your foot from evil.” Proverbs 4:26-27

TAKE A GOOD LOOK AT GOD

“Don’t blame God when you’re tempted! He’s not the source of it.” James 1:13

1: Ask God for help

“We do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet He did not sin.

16 Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need. Hebrews 4:15-16

2: Refocus my attention on something else

“Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” Romans 12:21

“Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. 2 Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.” Colossians 3:1

3: Remember that God is on my side

“No test or temptation that comes your way is beyond the course of what others have had to face. All you need to remember is that God will never let you down; He’ll never let you be pushed past your limit; He’ll always be there to help you come through it.” 1Corinthians 10:13 Msg

“God blesses those who patiently endure testing and temptation. Afterward they will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love Hm.” James 1:12 NLT

So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in Him, 7 rooted and built up in Him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness. Colossians 2:6-7

“…being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” Philippians 1:6

Let’s Pray:

-What is God’s Spirit saying to you today?

-How must you respond?