Temptation on SermonAudio

Thursday Morning Bible Study. It can be a small step from testing to temptation. Now that James has explained the value of trials, he reminds his readers that temptation is never far away, but that our Father offers us something better. Notes are available.

This sermon examines Galatians 6:1, urging believers to move beyond spiritual complacency and actively engage in the restoration of those who have fallen into sin. The central message emphasizes that spiritual care is a divine command, requiring the church to approach struggling members with gentleness and a desire to restore them to usefulness rather than judgment. The exposition defines spiritual individuals as those who rely solely on the grace of God through faith in Christ, distinguishing them from those who trust in their own works. By referencing the parables of the lost sheep and the restoration of Peter, the sermon highlights God's heart for redemption and the necessity of mutual accountability within the body of Christ. Finally, it calls for spiritual caution, reminding believers to examine their own weaknesses and remain dependent on God's grace to avoid temptation.

The sermon addresses the human tendency to wish for different circumstances, particularly regarding relationship status, by teaching that Christ alone defines a believer's worth and sufficiency. Drawing from 1 Corinthians 7, it affirms both singleness and marriage as gifts from God, urging believers to glorify Him in their current state rather than waiting for ideal conditions. The message encourages those struggling with temptation to run to the throne of grace instead of hiding, emphasizing that Jesus is the advocate who provides mercy and strength. It further instructs married believers, especially those in mixed-faith marriages, to remain faithful and pursue peace, trusting God with the outcomes. Ultimately, the preacher calls the congregation to fix their eyes on Christ, rejecting the 'if only' mindset in favor of active faithfulness where they are planted.

Jeremiah 49:8 (KJV) Flee ye, turn back, dwell deep, O inhabitants of Dedan; for I will bring the calamity of Esau upon him, the time that I will visit him. Jeremiah 49:30 (KJV) Flee, get you far off, dwell deep, O ye inhabitants of Hazor, saith the LORD; for Nebuchadrezzar king of Babylon hath taken counsel against you, and hath conceived a purpose against you.

What happens to our motives when serving God becomes costly? In 1 Thessalonians 2:1-8, Paul describes a ministry that survived suffering, opposition, temptation, and the pressure of people. He did not use deceit, uncleanness, guile, flattering words, covetousness, or the glory of men. His reason was plain: God had put him in trust with the gospel, and God tried his heart. Then Paul shows the other side of right motives. He was gentle. He cared for people. He was willing not only to give them the gospel of God, but to pour his own soul into them. Stress reveals what praise and easy days can hide. Are we serving to please men or God? Are we protecting our image, or are we caring for souls? Join Pastor Ed Decker at Arnold Baptist Tabernacle as he preaches from 1 Thessalonians 2:1-8 and asks a searching question: How much stress can your motives take? KEY VERSE - 1 THESSALONIANS 2:4 KJB "But as we were allowed of God to be put in trust with the gospel, even so we speak; not as pleasing men, but God, which trieth our hearts." What happens to your motives when pressure rises? Paul was opposed, mistreated, and tested. But he did not turn to deceit, flattery, covetousness, or the praise of men. He kept the gospel entrusted to him. He stayed gentle. He cared for souls. He was willing to give more than a message. He was willing to give himself. Join Pastor Ed Decker in 1 Thessalonians 2:1-8 for a question every Christian servant needs to face: #PastorEdDecker #ArnoldBaptistTabernacle #1Thessalonians #KJB #BiblePreaching #ChristianMotives #GospelMinistry Pressure does not just test what you do

This study examines Genesis 3 as the foundational account of human sin, detailing Satan's subtle tactics to doubt and distort God's word. The preacher analyzes the progression from questioning divine authority to the violation of commandments, highlighting Adam's failure to lead and Eve's susceptibility to sensory temptation. Key themes include the immediate spiritual death and separation from God resulting from disobedience, contrasted with God's covenantal initiative to seek humanity despite their brokenness. The text serves as a warning against passive faithfulness and a reminder of Christ, the perfect second Adam, who overcame similar temptations to provide redemption.

This sermon examines the sixth petition of the Lord's Prayer, focusing on the plea to be led not into temptation but delivered from evil. The preacher clarifies that while God never tempts anyone to sin, He sovereignly ordains circumstances where believers may face trials, requiring constant reliance on His grace. The text highlights three key aspects: understanding the pervasive nature of spiritual warfare against the world, the devil, and the flesh; fearing the destructive power of sin more than external afflictions; and seeking deliverance through Christ's intercession and the Holy Spirit's strength. In closing, the message urges believers to actively avoid sinful opportunities, support one another in accountability, and look forward to final glorification where sin is entirely removed.