Eight Temptations to Avoid

November 25, 2007

Introduction

This morning we want to carefully consider eight temptations we need to avoid. As we look at this list of eight, what is it that ties them together? First of all, for the most part, the temptations themselves are not illegal. They will not get you in trouble with law enforcement unless some of these lead to violations that are illegal.

The second thing that ties these temptations together is the fact that they all begin with the letter “C,” so that you might be able to remember the list better.

The third thing we would mention is that many would not consider these temptations as really being sin, so they are somewhat acceptable, and that is part of what makes them so serious. They are taken very lightly. Many would probably say, “So what’s the big deal?” So let’s get started, as we consider eight temptations, all starting with the letter C, and all of them are pretty common.

Body

I. Avoid the temptation to compare.

(2 Cor 10:12 NKJV) For we dare not class ourselves or compare ourselves with those who commend themselves. But they, measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise.

A. We are not to determine our theology by comparing our beliefs with others.

1. Simply because our brethren believe a certain way does not necessarily make it right, or condemn all those who may believe differently.

2. The doctrine that should be our guide is a quotation of scripture.

(Phil 2:12 NKJV) Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling;

B. We are not to determine our righteousness by comparing ourselves to others.

1. Jesus wants us to compare ourselves to God.

(Mat 5:43-48 NKJV) "You have heard that it was said, 'You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' {44} "But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you, {45} "that you may be sons of your Father in heaven; for He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust. {46} "For if you love those who love you, what reward have you? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? {47} "And if you greet your brethren only, what do you do more than others? Do not even the tax collectors do so? {48} "Therefore you shall be perfect, just as your Father in heaven is perfect.

2. Jesus wants us to compare ourselves to God or to Him

(John 13:14-15 NKJV) "If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another's feet. {15} "For I have given you an example, that you should do as I have done to you.

II. Avoid the temptation to compromise.

Just because others may have lowered their standards does not mean we are to do the same.
God ask that we walk in the Old Paths.

(Jer 6:16 NKJV) Thus says the LORD: "Stand in the ways and see, And ask for the old paths, where the good way is, And walk in it; Then you will find rest for your souls. But they said, 'We will not walk in it.'

Buying the truth means living by it.

(Prov 23:23 NKJV) Buy the truth, and do not sell it [by compromising it], Also wisdom and instruction and understanding.

III. Avoid the temptation of carelessness.

Solomon said to do things with our might.

(Eccl 9:10 NKJV) Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with your might; for there is no work or device or knowledge or wisdom in the grave where you are going.

Paul said to work as to the Lord.

(Eph 6:5-8 NKJV) Bondservants, be obedient to those who are your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in sincerity of heart, as to Christ; {6} not with eyeservice, as men-pleasers, but as bondservants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart, {7} with goodwill doing service, as to the Lord, and not to men, {8} knowing that whatever good anyone does, he will receive the same from the Lord, whether he is a slave or free.

Do not be careless with our standards which bring us to our next point.

IV. Avoid Conformity.

Paul says it well.

(Rom 12:1-2 NKJV) I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. {2} And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.

According to the Law of Moses, you were not to follow a crowd to do evil.

(Exo 23:2 NKJV) "You shall not follow a crowd to do evil; nor shall you testify in a dispute so as to turn aside after many to pervert justice.

V. Avoid the temptation to be critical.

(Mat 7:1-2 NKJV) "Judge not, that you be not judged. {2} "For with what judgment you judge, you will be judged; and with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you.

(Mat 7:1-2 TLB) "Don't criticize, and then you won't be criticized. {2} For others will treat you as you treat them.

VI. Avoid cynicism.

Paul always had a “Can do” attitude.

(Phil 4:11-13 NKJV) Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content: {12} I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. {13} I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

Paul says the Lord will help us as well.

(Phil 4:19 NKJV) And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.

VII. On the other hand, avoid committing to more than you can do.

Take time to be holy.
Take time for rest and revitalizing yourself.

(Mark 6:31-32 NKJV) And He said to them, "Come aside by yourselves to a deserted place and rest a while." For there were many coming and going, and they did not even have time to eat. {32} So they departed to a deserted place in the boat by themselves.

VIII. At the same time, avoid being the center.

We are to put others above ourselves.

(Phil 2:3-4 NKJV) Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. {4} Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.

Some put themselves first and compromise their usefulness.

(Phil 2:19-21 NKJV) But I trust in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you shortly, that I also may be encouraged when I know your state. {20} For I have no one like-minded, who will sincerely care for your state. {21} For all seek their own, not the things which are of Christ Jesus.

Jesus put it this way.

(Mat 16:24-25 NKJV) Then Jesus said to His disciples, "If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me. {25} "For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it.

Conclusion