Can You Beat Temptation?

What's the worst thing you've ever done? What's the worst thing you've ever done? Don't say it aloud. Some of you were a little too quick Some of you were a little too quick there. there. there. Let me ask that another way. Let me ask that another way. Let me ask that another way. If you could rewind life and take a If you could rewind life and take a If you could rewind life and take a do-over, do-over, do-over, what's the one thing you would change? Even without hearing your story, I know Even without hearing your story, I know a few things about that moment. Before a few things about that moment. Before a few things about that moment. Before you did it, you thought about it. you did it, you thought about it. you did it, you thought about it. Maybe for weeks, moments, minutes, maybe Maybe for weeks, moments, minutes, maybe Maybe for weeks, moments, minutes, maybe only a split second. only a split second. only a split second. But every word you speak and action you But every word you speak and action you But every word you speak and action you take begins with a thought. take begins with a thought. take begins with a thought. Then comes the battle over whether that Then comes the battle over whether that Then comes the battle over whether that thought will become an action. That thought will become an action. That thought will become an action. That battle is called temptation. battle is called temptation. battle is called temptation. Chances are before the bad decision, you Chances are before the bad decision, you Chances are before the bad decision, you didn't carefully consider the didn't carefully consider the didn't carefully consider the consequences. consequences. consequences. If you did, the action or conversation If you did, the action or conversation If you did, the action or conversation would never have happened. would never have happened. would never have happened. Words and actions have consequences. Words and actions have consequences. Words and actions have consequences. Those consequences can be short-term or Those consequences can be short-term or Those consequences can be short-term or long-term. long-term. long-term. Some of you are still paying for Some of you are still paying for Some of you are still paying for mistakes made long ago. You lost mistakes made long ago. You lost mistakes made long ago. You lost relationships that mattered or or you relationships that mattered or or you relationships that mattered or or you spent time in prison.

spent time in prison. spent time in prison. Your consequences might be internal or Your consequences might be internal or Your consequences might be internal or external. external. external. For an example, an internal consequence For an example, an internal consequence For an example, an internal consequence is feeling guilty for something you is feeling guilty for something you is feeling guilty for something you stole, and external consequence is stole, and external consequence is stole, and external consequence is getting arrested for that. getting arrested for that. getting arrested for that. Consequences can be personal, Consequences can be personal, Consequences can be personal, meaning they affect only you, meaning they affect only you, meaning they affect only you, or they can be corporate, meaning they or they can be corporate, meaning they or they can be corporate, meaning they also affect those around you, often also affect those around you, often also affect those around you, often those closest to you. those closest to you. those closest to you. And sadly, consequences can also be And sadly, consequences can also be And sadly, consequences can also be eternal. eternal. eternal. Some people never make things right with Some people never make things right with Some people never make things right with God. God. God. I want you to avoid long-term painful I want you to avoid long-term painful I want you to avoid long-term painful consequences. That's why we're going to consequences. That's why we're going to consequences. That's why we're going to talk about temptation and learn the talk about temptation and learn the talk about temptation and learn the strategy to overcome it. strategy to overcome it. strategy to overcome it. The dictionary definition of temptation The dictionary definition of temptation The dictionary definition of temptation is the desire desire to do something, is the desire desire to do something, is the desire desire to do something, especially something wrong especially something wrong especially something wrong or unwise. or unwise. or unwise. Temptation is the desire to go against Temptation is the desire to go against Temptation is the desire to go against God's word. God's word. God's word. It's the pull from the enemy to break It's the pull from the enemy to break It's the pull from the enemy to break God's laws and to do your things your God's laws and to do your things your God's laws and to do your things your way way way instead of God's way.

instead of God's way. instead of God's way. Temptation is universal. Temptation is universal. Temptation is universal. Young or old, new Christian or Christian Young or old, new Christian or Christian Young or old, new Christian or Christian your entire life, we all deal with your entire life, we all deal with your entire life, we all deal with temptation. It attacks everyone. No one temptation. It attacks everyone. No one temptation. It attacks everyone. No one is exempt. Even Jesus was tempted by is exempt. Even Jesus was tempted by is exempt. Even Jesus was tempted by Satan. Satan. Satan. Temptation doesn't go away. Temptation doesn't go away. Temptation doesn't go away. And fighting temptation doesn't get And fighting temptation doesn't get And fighting temptation doesn't get easier over time. You will never reach easier over time. You will never reach easier over time. You will never reach the point where Satan says, the point where Satan says, the point where Satan says, "Let's just leave her alone. "Let's just leave her alone. "Let's just leave her alone. She's not going to sin. She's too She's not going to sin. She's too She's not going to sin. She's too committed to Jesus." committed to Jesus." committed to Jesus." In fact, the more committed you are to In fact, the more committed you are to In fact, the more committed you are to Jesus, the harder Satan targets you. Jesus, the harder Satan targets you. Jesus, the harder Satan targets you. Satan is creative and will find new ways Satan is creative and will find new ways Satan is creative and will find new ways to tempt you. to tempt you. to tempt you. It doesn't seem fair. It doesn't seem fair. It doesn't seem fair. Once you defeat temptation, you Once you defeat temptation, you Once you defeat temptation, you shouldn't have to face it again. shouldn't have to face it again. shouldn't have to face it again. But Satan isn't trying to test you. His But Satan isn't trying to test you. His But Satan isn't trying to test you. His goal is to destroy you. goal is to destroy you. goal is to destroy you. Temptation is a real and powerful life Temptation is a real and powerful life Temptation is a real and powerful life or death struggle. or death struggle. or death struggle. An intense spiritual battle rages An intense spiritual battle rages An intense spiritual battle rages between good and evil, between God and between good and evil, between God and between good and evil, between God and Satan.

Satan. Satan. The battlefield is in your mind and in The battlefield is in your mind and in The battlefield is in your mind and in your heart. your heart. your heart. That battle's happening every single That battle's happening every single That battle's happening every single day, often in moments day, often in moments day, often in moments no one else can see. no one else can see. no one else can see. It's not a new struggle. It's not a new struggle. It's not a new struggle. The early Christians faced the same The early Christians faced the same The early Christians faced the same battle. battle. battle. The book of James is a letter written to The book of James is a letter written to The book of James is a letter written to poor working class Jews whose already poor working class Jews whose already poor working class Jews whose already difficult lives had become even harder difficult lives had become even harder difficult lives had become even harder because they chose to follow Jesus. because they chose to follow Jesus. because they chose to follow Jesus. Their homes had been taken away. Their homes had been taken away. Their homes had been taken away. They were no longer together in one They were no longer together in one They were no longer together in one place, place, place, but scattered by the first stages of but scattered by the first stages of but scattered by the first stages of persecution. persecution. persecution. The struggles they faced were not only The struggles they faced were not only The struggles they faced were not only external pressures, external pressures, external pressures, but also internal battles. They wanted but also internal battles. They wanted but also internal battles. They wanted to follow Jesus, but they also wanted to to follow Jesus, but they also wanted to to follow Jesus, but they also wanted to be accepted, important, and affluent. be accepted, important, and affluent. be accepted, important, and affluent. They were tempted to discard or diminish They were tempted to discard or diminish They were tempted to discard or diminish their faith in order to be accepted and their faith in order to be accepted and their faith in order to be accepted and make more money. make more money. make more money. They were tempted to hide their beliefs, They were tempted to hide their beliefs, They were tempted to hide their beliefs, live like the culture around them, and live like the culture around them, and live like the culture around them, and separate what they thought about God separate what they thought about God separate what they thought about God from how they lived. from how they lived. from how they lived. They were tempted to adjust their faith They were tempted to adjust their faith They were tempted to adjust their faith to fit their desired lifestyle.

to fit their desired lifestyle. to fit their desired lifestyle. 2,000 years later, people face similar 2,000 years later, people face similar 2,000 years later, people face similar temptations. Well, the details may look temptations. Well, the details may look temptations. Well, the details may look different, but the battle is the same. different, but the battle is the same. different, but the battle is the same. The temptation to choose money over God. The temptation to choose money over God. The temptation to choose money over God. If you don't like God's command to If you don't like God's command to If you don't like God's command to tithe, give the first 10%, you decide tithe, give the first 10%, you decide tithe, give the first 10%, you decide that part of scripture don't apply to that part of scripture don't apply to that part of scripture don't apply to you. You choose money. you. You choose money. you. You choose money. The temptation to live one way at church The temptation to live one way at church The temptation to live one way at church and a completely different way at work and a completely different way at work and a completely different way at work or school. or school. or school. The temptation to adjust your faith to The temptation to adjust your faith to The temptation to adjust your faith to fit your preferences. fit your preferences. fit your preferences. If you don't like God's rules about If you don't like God's rules about If you don't like God's rules about sexual purity or marriage, the sexual purity or marriage, the sexual purity or marriage, the temptation is just choose a different temptation is just choose a different temptation is just choose a different path because after all, path because after all, path because after all, God wants me to be happy. God wants me to be happy. God wants me to be happy. The temptation to drink or do drugs, The temptation to drink or do drugs, The temptation to drink or do drugs, sexual temptation, the temptation to lie sexual temptation, the temptation to lie sexual temptation, the temptation to lie in order to get ahead. in order to get ahead. in order to get ahead. The temptation to rant on social media, The temptation to rant on social media, The temptation to rant on social media, creating division in your church, and creating division in your church, and creating division in your church, and harming your testimony. harming your testimony. harming your testimony. The temptation to gossip, The temptation to gossip, The temptation to gossip, to share bad about others, to share bad about others, to share bad about others, and the temptation to walk away from and the temptation to walk away from and the temptation to walk away from God.

God. God. Every day you face temptation. Every day you face temptation. Every day you face temptation. Temptation is a fact of life for the Temptation is a fact of life for the Temptation is a fact of life for the believer and for the unbeliever. believer and for the unbeliever. believer and for the unbeliever. Now, before we go any further, I want Now, before we go any further, I want Now, before we go any further, I want you to know, being tempted is not sin. you to know, being tempted is not sin. you to know, being tempted is not sin. Sin occurs when you give in to the Sin occurs when you give in to the Sin occurs when you give in to the temptation. temptation. temptation. James said it this way, "Each one is James said it this way, "Each one is James said it this way, "Each one is tempted when by his own evil desire he's tempted when by his own evil desire he's tempted when by his own evil desire he's dragged away and enticed." dragged away and enticed." dragged away and enticed." Then, after desire, or the King James Then, after desire, or the King James Then, after desire, or the King James says lust, has conceived, it gives birth says lust, has conceived, it gives birth says lust, has conceived, it gives birth to sin, and sin when it's full-grown to sin, and sin when it's full-grown to sin, and sin when it's full-grown gives birth to death, to spiritual gives birth to death, to spiritual gives birth to death, to spiritual death, separation from God." death, separation from God." death, separation from God." The preparation is desire, sin, death. The preparation is desire, sin, death. The preparation is desire, sin, death. James didn't write that so believers James didn't write that so believers James didn't write that so believers would feel defeated. He wrote it so would feel defeated. He wrote it so would feel defeated. He wrote it so believers could learn how to win. believers could learn how to win. believers could learn how to win. James described the progression so you James described the progression so you James described the progression so you can recognize it before it controls you. can recognize it before it controls you. can recognize it before it controls you. You don't have to give in and be You don't have to give in and be You don't have to give in and be defeated. You don't have to stay trapped defeated. You don't have to stay trapped defeated. You don't have to stay trapped in the cycle of wanting to do right, but in the cycle of wanting to do right, but in the cycle of wanting to do right, but instead doing wrong. With God's help, instead doing wrong. With God's help, instead doing wrong. With God's help, you can win the war over temptation.

you can win the war over temptation. you can win the war over temptation. In chapter 4:7, James gives us the In chapter 4:7, James gives us the In chapter 4:7, James gives us the strategy for victory. strategy for victory. strategy for victory. Submit yourselves then to God. Submit yourselves then to God. Submit yourselves then to God. Resist the devil, Resist the devil, Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. That verse and he will flee from you. That verse and he will flee from you. That verse contains both a command and a promise. contains both a command and a promise. contains both a command and a promise. To fully understand, we need to study it To fully understand, we need to study it To fully understand, we need to study it in context, so we're going to back up in context, so we're going to back up in context, so we're going to back up and start at chapter 4. and start at chapter 4. and start at chapter 4. Verse 1 exposes the problem. Verse 1 exposes the problem. Verse 1 exposes the problem. "What causes fights and quarrels among "What causes fights and quarrels among "What causes fights and quarrels among you? you? you? Don't they come from your desires that Don't they come from your desires that Don't they come from your desires that battle within you? battle within you? battle within you? You want something, but don't get it. You want something, but don't get it. You want something, but don't get it. You kill and covet, but you cannot have You kill and covet, but you cannot have You kill and covet, but you cannot have what you want. You quarrel and fight, what you want. You quarrel and fight, what you want. You quarrel and fight, you do not have because you did not ask you do not have because you did not ask you do not have because you did not ask God." James said, "The reason you have God." James said, "The reason you have God." James said, "The reason you have conflicts with others is because you're conflicts with others is because you're conflicts with others is because you're selfish. selfish. selfish. You want something you can't have. You want something you can't have. You want something you can't have. The problem is not others, it's you and The problem is not others, it's you and The problem is not others, it's you and your evil desires. your evil desires. your evil desires. When you have a conflict, instead of When you have a conflict, instead of When you have a conflict, instead of focusing on what the other person did focusing on what the other person did focusing on what the other person did wrong, examine yourself. wrong, examine yourself. wrong, examine yourself. That sounds harsh, but it's true. Every That sounds harsh, but it's true. Every That sounds harsh, but it's true. Every one of your problems has one thing in one of your problems has one thing in one of your problems has one thing in common.

Own it instead of blaming others. Blame Own it instead of blaming others. Blame is the number one enemy of spiritual is the number one enemy of spiritual is the number one enemy of spiritual growth. As long as you blame others and growth. As long as you blame others and growth. As long as you blame others and avoid responsibility, you will continue avoid responsibility, you will continue avoid responsibility, you will continue to make bad choices, give in to to make bad choices, give in to to make bad choices, give in to temptation and sin. temptation and sin. temptation and sin. Spiritual growth begins when you stop Spiritual growth begins when you stop Spiritual growth begins when you stop blaming others and start examining blaming others and start examining blaming others and start examining yourself. yourself. yourself. Some of you have a story that's years Some of you have a story that's years Some of you have a story that's years old. old. old. The reason you're not serving God is The reason you're not serving God is The reason you're not serving God is because of how someone treated you wrong because of how someone treated you wrong because of how someone treated you wrong in church. in church. in church. Someone cheated or hurt you or said Someone cheated or hurt you or said Someone cheated or hurt you or said something you can't forget. And you're something you can't forget. And you're something you can't forget. And you're right, it shouldn't have happened. right, it shouldn't have happened. right, it shouldn't have happened. But how long are you going to hold on to But how long are you going to hold on to But how long are you going to hold on to that story and let it be your excuse? that story and let it be your excuse? that story and let it be your excuse? They did wrong. That's not an excuse for They did wrong. That's not an excuse for They did wrong. That's not an excuse for you doing wrong. you doing wrong. you doing wrong. You can't change their action. You can You can't change their action. You can You can't change their action. You can choose your response. choose your response. choose your response. It's not your parents' fault you're not It's not your parents' fault you're not It's not your parents' fault you're not serving God. It's your choice. serving God. It's your choice. serving God. It's your choice. It's not that other person's fault that It's not that other person's fault that It's not that other person's fault that you're prejudiced. you're prejudiced. you're prejudiced. It's your choice. It's time to let go of It's your choice. It's time to let go of It's your choice. It's time to let go of your story. It's been your excuse way your story. It's been your excuse way your story. It's been your excuse way too long. Don't blame others. Give up too long. Don't blame others. Give up too long. Don't blame others. Give up the story. Take responsibility.

the story. Take responsibility. the story. Take responsibility. Verse three exposes another problem. Verse three exposes another problem. Verse three exposes another problem. When you ask, you do not receive because When you ask, you do not receive because When you ask, you do not receive because you ask with wrong motives. you ask with wrong motives. you ask with wrong motives. That you may spend what you get on your That you may spend what you get on your That you may spend what you get on your pleasures. pleasures. pleasures. What an important verse. This might be What an important verse. This might be What an important verse. This might be the answer to the question, "Where's my the answer to the question, "Where's my the answer to the question, "Where's my blessing? Why isn't God answering my blessing? Why isn't God answering my blessing? Why isn't God answering my prayer?" prayer?" prayer?" Your motives might be wrong. Your motives might be wrong. Your motives might be wrong. God is not obligated to bless selfish God is not obligated to bless selfish God is not obligated to bless selfish motives. motives. motives. And then verse four raises the stakes And then verse four raises the stakes And then verse four raises the stakes even higher. even higher. even higher. You adulterous people. You adulterous people. You adulterous people. Don't you know that friendship with the Don't you know that friendship with the Don't you know that friendship with the world is hatred towards God? world is hatred towards God? world is hatred towards God? Anyone who chooses to be a friend of the Anyone who chooses to be a friend of the Anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God. James world becomes an enemy of God. James world becomes an enemy of God. James said, "Can't have it both ways." said, "Can't have it both ways." said, "Can't have it both ways." You're either living for God You're either living for God You're either living for God or you're living for the world. It's a or you're living for the world. It's a or you're living for the world. It's a choice. choice. choice. If living for stuff and money, the If living for stuff and money, the If living for stuff and money, the approval of others, and feeding your approval of others, and feeding your approval of others, and feeding your desire is your drive, you're an enemy of desire is your drive, you're an enemy of desire is your drive, you're an enemy of God. God. God. That's tough stuff, but That's tough stuff, but That's tough stuff, but it's just what the Bible says. it's just what the Bible says. it's just what the Bible says. He continues, He continues, He continues, "Or do you think scripture says without "Or do you think scripture says without "Or do you think scripture says without reason that the spirit he caused to live reason that the spirit he caused to live reason that the spirit he caused to live in us envies intensely?

in us envies intensely? in us envies intensely? But he gives us more grace. But he gives us more grace. But he gives us more grace. That is why scripture says God opposes That is why scripture says God opposes That is why scripture says God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble. the proud but gives grace to the humble. the proud but gives grace to the humble. Society around the believers in that Society around the believers in that Society around the believers in that time was obsessed with image, time was obsessed with image, time was obsessed with image, accomplishment, and pride. James accomplishment, and pride. James accomplishment, and pride. James challenged the believers to be challenged the believers to be challenged the believers to be different. different. different. To be humble. To be humble. To be humble. As followers of Jesus, we are supposed As followers of Jesus, we are supposed As followers of Jesus, we are supposed to sacrifice our preferences and put to sacrifice our preferences and put to sacrifice our preferences and put others first. others first. others first. Instead of self-promotion, your Instead of self-promotion, your Instead of self-promotion, your responsibility is to represent Jesus and responsibility is to represent Jesus and responsibility is to represent Jesus and his kingdom in everything you do and his kingdom in everything you do and his kingdom in everything you do and say. say. say. Humility is not about your voice, your Humility is not about your voice, your Humility is not about your voice, your thoughts, or your opinions being heard. thoughts, or your opinions being heard. thoughts, or your opinions being heard. It's about his truth being known. It's about his truth being known. It's about his truth being known. Now, I understand Now, I understand Now, I understand you have a lot of opinions. I do, too. I do, too. And what I'm learning is the older I And what I'm learning is the older I And what I'm learning is the older I get, the more opinions I have. get, the more opinions I have. get, the more opinions I have. I just I've just been collecting them I just I've just been collecting them I just I've just been collecting them for years.

for years. for years. And I've I've just got this one and I And I've I've just got this one and I And I've I've just got this one and I got this one. I picked up a new one this got this one. I picked up a new one this got this one. I picked up a new one this week. week. week. I have a lot of opinions I would love to I have a lot of opinions I would love to I have a lot of opinions I would love to share. share. share. Some of you Some of you Some of you you really want me to share my opinions. you really want me to share my opinions. you really want me to share my opinions. But my calling and assignment from God But my calling and assignment from God But my calling and assignment from God is not to share Rod's opinions. is not to share Rod's opinions. is not to share Rod's opinions. It's to preach the gospel and share It's to preach the gospel and share It's to preach the gospel and share God's love. God's love. God's love. Sadly, many Christians spend more time Sadly, many Christians spend more time Sadly, many Christians spend more time sharing their opinions than they do sharing their opinions than they do sharing their opinions than they do sharing his love. When your opinions become louder than When your opinions become louder than your love, people stop hearing the your love, people stop hearing the your love, people stop hearing the message of Jesus. message of Jesus. message of Jesus. So, that's the context. So, that's the context. So, that's the context. Stop arguing, quit chasing after the Stop arguing, quit chasing after the Stop arguing, quit chasing after the world and its pleasures. The reason you world and its pleasures. The reason you world and its pleasures. The reason you have conflict with others is your own have conflict with others is your own have conflict with others is your own pride and arrogance. To fix that, humble pride and arrogance. To fix that, humble pride and arrogance. To fix that, humble yourself. yourself. yourself. James diagnosed the problem, pride, James diagnosed the problem, pride, James diagnosed the problem, pride, selfish desires, friendship with the selfish desires, friendship with the selfish desires, friendship with the world, and then he gave the solution world, and then he gave the solution world, and then he gave the solution that we looked at a moment ago. "Submit that we looked at a moment ago. "Submit that we looked at a moment ago. "Submit yourselves then to God.

yourselves then to God. yourselves then to God. Resist the devil, Resist the devil, Resist the devil, and he will flee from you." and he will flee from you." and he will flee from you." That verse gives a condition and a That verse gives a condition and a That verse gives a condition and a promise. The condition, submit to God, promise. The condition, submit to God, promise. The condition, submit to God, resist the devil. The promise, Satan resist the devil. The promise, Satan resist the devil. The promise, Satan will flee. will flee. will flee. Now, what does that look like in real Now, what does that look like in real Now, what does that look like in real life? life? life? "Submit yourself then to God." "Submit yourself then to God." "Submit yourself then to God." Submitting is both a decision and an Submitting is both a decision and an Submitting is both a decision and an action. action. action. It's obedience to his commands. It's obedience to his commands. It's obedience to his commands. Submitting to God means choosing his Submitting to God means choosing his Submitting to God means choosing his authority over your instincts. authority over your instincts. authority over your instincts. His plan and his will over your will and His plan and his will over your will and His plan and his will over your will and your plan. your plan. your plan. It's holding your resources with open It's holding your resources with open It's holding your resources with open hands, allowing God to use them as he'd hands, allowing God to use them as he'd hands, allowing God to use them as he'd like. like. like. Being willing to sacrifice in order to Being willing to sacrifice in order to Being willing to sacrifice in order to advance the kingdom. advance the kingdom. advance the kingdom. Sacrifice money, time, position, Sacrifice money, time, position, Sacrifice money, time, position, reputation, even your rights. reputation, even your rights. reputation, even your rights. When you submit yourself to God, his When you submit yourself to God, his When you submit yourself to God, his kingdom truly comes first. kingdom truly comes first. kingdom truly comes first. Another word for submission is Another word for submission is Another word for submission is surrender. surrender. surrender. Surrender your desires and preferences Surrender your desires and preferences Surrender your desires and preferences to him.

to him. to him. What you want takes a backseat to what What you want takes a backseat to what What you want takes a backseat to what he desires or he commands. he desires or he commands. he desires or he commands. Submitting Submitting Submitting is when you give up your rights is when you give up your rights is when you give up your rights so Jesus can be seen so Jesus can be seen so Jesus can be seen and known. and known. and known. >> I give myself [singing and music] >> I give myself [singing and music] >> I give myself [singing and music] away. I give myself [singing] I give myself [singing] [music] away [music] away [music] away so you can use so you can use so you can use me. me. me. I give myself [music and singing] I give myself [music and singing] I give myself [music and singing] away. I give myself away [music and singing] I give myself away [music and singing] so you so you so you can use [music] can use [music] can use [music] me. Oh, I give myself [singing] away. Give it all to you. Give it all to you. I give myself [music and singing] away, I give myself [music and singing] away, I give myself [music and singing] away, so you so you so you can use me. [music and singing] I give can use me. [music and singing] I give can use me. [music and singing] I give myself away.

I give myself [music and singing] I give myself [music and singing] away, away, away, so you so you so you can [music] use me. can [music] use me. can [music] use me. Here I am. Here [music and singing] I stand. Here [music and singing] I stand. Lord, my life is in your Lord, my life is in your Lord, my life is in your >> [music and singing] >> [music and singing] >> [music and singing] >> hands. >> hands. >> hands. Lord, I long to your desires [singing and music] your desires [singing and music] revealed revealed revealed in me. in me. in me. I give myself [music and singing] away. I give it all to you. I give it all to you. I give myself [music and singing] I give myself [music and singing] I give myself [music and singing] away, away, away, so you so you so you can use [music] can use [music] can use [music] me. I [singing] give myself away. I give myself [music and singing] I give myself [music and singing] away, away, away, so you so you so you can use [music] can use [music] can use [music] me.

me. me. Take Take Take >> [singing] >> [singing] >> [singing] >> my heart. >> my heart. >> my heart. Take [music] my life Take [music] my life Take [music] my life as [singing] as [singing] as [singing] a a a >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> living sacrifice. All All >> [music and singing] >> [music and singing] >> [music and singing] >> my dreams, all my plans, >> my dreams, all my plans, >> my dreams, all my plans, Lord, I place place >> [singing and music] >> [singing and music] >> [singing and music] >> them >> them >> them in your my hands. in your my hands. in your my hands. Give myself [music and singing] away. Give myself [music and singing] Give myself [music and singing] away away away so you so you so you can use me. [music and singing] I give can use me. [music and singing] I give can use me. [music and singing] I give myself away. myself away. myself away. Give it I give myself [music] I give myself [music] [singing] away [singing] away [singing] away so you so you so you can use [music] can use [music] can use [music] me. Sing I give myself [singing] me. Sing I give myself [singing] me. Sing I give myself [singing] away. All of me All of me belongs to you.

belongs to you. belongs to you. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> Give myself [singing] away >> Give myself [singing] away >> Give myself [singing] away so you so you so you can [music] use me. I give [singing] can [music] use me. I give [singing] can [music] use me. I give [singing] myself away. I give myself [music and singing] away I give myself [music and singing] away so you so you so you can use me. My life is not my own. My life is not my own. To you To you To you >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> I belong. >> I belong. >> I belong. I give myself. I give myself to you. My life is not my [music] own. My life is not my [music] own. To you To you To you I belong. I belong. I belong. >> [singing] >> [singing] >> [singing] >> I give myself. >> I give myself. >> I give myself. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> I give myself [singing] to you. >> I give myself [singing] to you. >> I give myself [singing] to you. Sing my life is not my own. Sing my life is not my own. Sing my life is not my own. Oh, my life [music] is not my own. Oh, my life [music] is not my own. Oh, my life [music] is not my own. To you To you To you >> [singing] >> [singing] >> [singing] >> I belong. I [music] give myself. I give myself to I [music] give myself. I give myself to you. Sing my you. Sing my you. Sing my life is not my [music] own.

life is not my [music] own. life is not my [music] own. My life is not my own. [singing] My life is not my own. [singing] My life is not my own. [singing] To you [music] To you [music] To you [music] I belong. I give myself. I give myself [music] I give myself. I give myself [music] to you. Yeah. to you. Yeah. to you. Yeah. I give myself >> [music] >> [music] >> Give myself away >> Give myself away >> Give myself away so so so you can use me. you can use me. you can use me. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> I give myself away. I give myself [music] I give myself [music] [singing] away [singing] away [singing] away so you so you so you can use me. [music] can use me. [music] can use me. [music] I give myself away. I give myself away I give myself away so so so you can use you can use you can use me. [music] And I [singing] surrender And I [singing] surrender all.

I surrender I surrender >> [singing and music] >> [singing and music] >> [singing and music] >> all. All to thee, All to thee, my my my >> [music and singing] >> [music and singing] >> [music and singing] >> blessed savior. I surrender I surrender all. We do that, Lord. We surrender to you. We do that, Lord. We surrender to you. Everything, all, in Jesus' name. Submitting to God Submitting to God means recognizing you don't have the means recognizing you don't have the means recognizing you don't have the power to resist temptation alone. power to resist temptation alone. power to resist temptation alone. It means admitting you are powerless It means admitting you are powerless It means admitting you are powerless over your deepest problems and over your deepest problems and over your deepest problems and temptations. temptations. temptations. It means recognizing that you can't It means recognizing that you can't It means recognizing that you can't overcome temptation, but God can. overcome temptation, but God can. overcome temptation, but God can. If you submit yourself to God, his power If you submit yourself to God, his power If you submit yourself to God, his power in you will help you resist temptation. in you will help you resist temptation. in you will help you resist temptation. Submit yourselves then to God. Resist Submit yourselves then to God. Resist Submit yourselves then to God. Resist the devil, the devil, the devil, and he will flee from you. First, submit and he will flee from you. First, submit and he will flee from you. First, submit to God, then resist the devil.

to God, then resist the devil. to God, then resist the devil. Let's talk about it. Resisting the devil Let's talk about it. Resisting the devil Let's talk about it. Resisting the devil must be active, not passive. The devil must be active, not passive. The devil must be active, not passive. The devil isn't going to flee on his own. isn't going to flee on his own. isn't going to flee on his own. Temptation isn't just going to go away. Temptation isn't just going to go away. Temptation isn't just going to go away. You have to actively resist and fight. You have to actively resist and fight. You have to actively resist and fight. Resisting the devil also has to be Resisting the devil also has to be Resisting the devil also has to be intentional. It's not accidental. It's intentional. It's not accidental. It's intentional. It's not accidental. It's not something that just happens. not something that just happens. not something that just happens. You don't have to be in the military to You don't have to be in the military to You don't have to be in the military to know it's foolish to go into battle know it's foolish to go into battle know it's foolish to go into battle without advanced strategic planning. without advanced strategic planning. without advanced strategic planning. It's fundamental. It's fundamental. It's fundamental. If that's true when it comes to warfare If that's true when it comes to warfare If that's true when it comes to warfare in the natural world where lives are at in the natural world where lives are at in the natural world where lives are at stake, then it's true in the spiritual stake, then it's true in the spiritual stake, then it's true in the spiritual world where souls are at stake. world where souls are at stake. world where souls are at stake. Planning to fail Planning to fail Planning to fail Failing to plan is planning to fail. Failing to plan is planning to fail. Failing to plan is planning to fail. Satan is going to fight. Temptation is Satan is going to fight. Temptation is Satan is going to fight. Temptation is going to come. going to come. going to come. That's going to happen. Guaranteed. That's going to happen. Guaranteed. That's going to happen. Guaranteed. So, since you know it's coming, make a So, since you know it's coming, make a So, since you know it's coming, make a plan. plan. plan. Decide in advance what you're going to Decide in advance what you're going to Decide in advance what you're going to do. Preparation before temptation is a do. Preparation before temptation is a do. Preparation before temptation is a way better strategy than regret after way better strategy than regret after way better strategy than regret after temptation. temptation. temptation. Don't just say I won't view pornography.

Don't just say I won't view pornography. Don't just say I won't view pornography. Instead, say when I'm tempted to view Instead, say when I'm tempted to view Instead, say when I'm tempted to view pornography, I will open my Bible. I pornography, I will open my Bible. I pornography, I will open my Bible. I will call my friend and tell him I'm will call my friend and tell him I'm will call my friend and tell him I'm struggling. I will go for a run. I will struggling. I will go for a run. I will struggling. I will go for a run. I will turn on worship music. I will hit myself turn on worship music. I will hit myself turn on worship music. I will hit myself in the head with a hammer. Whatever it in the head with a hammer. Whatever it in the head with a hammer. Whatever it takes. takes. takes. >> [laughter] >> Decide ahead of time. When I'm attracted >> Decide ahead of time. When I'm attracted to someone other than my spouse, I will to someone other than my spouse, I will to someone other than my spouse, I will When I feel angry, I will When I feel angry, I will When I feel angry, I will When I'm tempted to post something angry When I'm tempted to post something angry When I'm tempted to post something angry and divisive on social media, I will and divisive on social media, I will and divisive on social media, I will When I desire a drink, I will When I'm When I desire a drink, I will When I'm When I desire a drink, I will When I'm tempted to return to addiction, I will tempted to return to addiction, I will tempted to return to addiction, I will Temptation will come. So, make a plan. Temptation will come. So, make a plan. Temptation will come. So, make a plan. That's really what Forever Free is all That's really what Forever Free is all That's really what Forever Free is all about. about. about. It's It's about [cheering] It's It's about [cheering] It's It's about [cheering] It's about You have a problem. You've It's about You have a problem. You've It's about You have a problem. You've overcome that problem. If you're going overcome that problem. If you're going overcome that problem. If you're going to be free from that problem forever, to be free from that problem forever, to be free from that problem forever, you got to have a plan not to go back. you got to have a plan not to go back. you got to have a plan not to go back. Then when temptation comes Then when temptation comes Then when temptation comes execute the plan you already made.

execute the plan you already made. execute the plan you already made. Resisting the devil must be ongoing. Resisting the devil must be ongoing. Resisting the devil must be ongoing. Overcome Overcoming temptation and Overcome Overcoming temptation and Overcome Overcoming temptation and defeating the devil is not a one-time defeating the devil is not a one-time defeating the devil is not a one-time event. event. event. Celebrate that you don't give in today. Celebrate that you don't give in today. Celebrate that you don't give in today. That's awesome. Then resist again That's awesome. Then resist again That's awesome. Then resist again tomorrow. tomorrow. tomorrow. Don't let your down your guard. Don't Don't let your down your guard. Don't Don't let your down your guard. Don't quit. Resisting the devil is an active, quit. Resisting the devil is an active, quit. Resisting the devil is an active, ongoing, everyday discipline. ongoing, everyday discipline. ongoing, everyday discipline. Yesterday's victory does not remove Yesterday's victory does not remove Yesterday's victory does not remove today's responsibility. Sometimes resisting the devil looks Sometimes resisting the devil looks spiritual. spiritual. spiritual. Sometimes Sometimes Sometimes looks very practical. looks very practical. looks very practical. Other times, it looks like running. Other times, it looks like running. Other times, it looks like running. You've heard me share this advice You've heard me share this advice You've heard me share this advice before, but it needs to be said again. before, but it needs to be said again. before, but it needs to be said again. Run from temptation. Run from temptation. Run from temptation. You say, "Rod, you're talking You say, "Rod, you're talking You say, "Rod, you're talking symbolically, right?" No, I'm not. I'm symbolically, right?" No, I'm not. I'm symbolically, right?" No, I'm not. I'm talking literally. Run. talking literally. Run. talking literally. Run. Run far. Run fast. Strap on your Nikes Run far. Run fast. Strap on your Nikes Run far. Run fast. Strap on your Nikes and run. and run. and run. When that woman tries to tempt you to When that woman tries to tempt you to When that woman tries to tempt you to cheat on your wife, scream, "I love my cheat on your wife, scream, "I love my cheat on your wife, scream, "I love my wife!" at the top of your lungs and take wife!" at the top of your lungs and take wife!" at the top of your lungs and take off running down the hall.

off running down the hall. off running down the hall. I promise it won't happen again. I promise it won't happen again. I promise it won't happen again. >> [laughter] >> When your friends try to get you to >> When your friends try to get you to violate your standards at a party, violate your standards at a party, violate your standards at a party, scream and run. scream and run. scream and run. If you're trying to live free from If you're trying to live free from If you're trying to live free from alcohol, someone offers you alcohol, alcohol, someone offers you alcohol, alcohol, someone offers you alcohol, literally scream and take off running. literally scream and take off running. literally scream and take off running. Trust me, they're not going to invite Trust me, they're not going to invite Trust me, they're not going to invite you back. It's worth being embarrassed to avoid It's worth being embarrassed to avoid ruining your life and letting Satan win. ruining your life and letting Satan win. ruining your life and letting Satan win. Run like the wind. Don't hang around Run like the wind. Don't hang around Run like the wind. Don't hang around temptation. Don't go where it is. temptation. Don't go where it is. temptation. Don't go where it is. I understand it looks good. Might even I understand it looks good. Might even I understand it looks good. Might even feel good for a moment, but don't hang feel good for a moment, but don't hang feel good for a moment, but don't hang around. Run. around. Run. around. Run. Resisting the devil must be active, Resisting the devil must be active, Resisting the devil must be active, intentional, ongoing, aggressive, and intentional, ongoing, aggressive, and intentional, ongoing, aggressive, and extreme. extreme. extreme. Because Satan is aggressive and extreme. Because Satan is aggressive and extreme. Because Satan is aggressive and extreme. I have a good friend whose addiction was I have a good friend whose addiction was I have a good friend whose addiction was online. online. online. He gave me his laptop literally for He gave me his laptop literally for He gave me his laptop literally for months.

That was extreme. That was extreme. It also worked. It also worked. It also worked. If you're an alcoholic, change your If you're an alcoholic, change your If you're an alcoholic, change your routes. You don't drive past the bar or routes. You don't drive past the bar or routes. You don't drive past the bar or the liquor store. the liquor store. the liquor store. If your friends keep pulling you to do If your friends keep pulling you to do If your friends keep pulling you to do wrong, change your cell phone number. wrong, change your cell phone number. wrong, change your cell phone number. When people tell me they're committed to When people tell me they're committed to When people tell me they're committed to change, first thing I ask is have you change, first thing I ask is have you change, first thing I ask is have you changed your cell phone number? They changed your cell phone number? They changed your cell phone number? They say, "No." I know they're not committed. say, "No." I know they're not committed. say, "No." I know they're not committed. Cancel the internet and cable TV. Say, Cancel the internet and cable TV. Say, Cancel the internet and cable TV. Say, "Well, how will I live without the "Well, how will I live without the "Well, how will I live without the internet?" Change jobs. Change jobs. Delete social media. Delete social media. Delete social media. Go to a different recovery ministry Go to a different recovery ministry Go to a different recovery ministry every night of the week. every night of the week. every night of the week. Aggressively and extremely resist. Aggressively and extremely resist. Aggressively and extremely resist. The fear is, "What will people think?" The fear is, "What will people think?" The fear is, "What will people think?" Well, the thing about that is what you Well, the thing about that is what you Well, the thing about that is what you got you into the trouble to begin with. got you into the trouble to begin with. got you into the trouble to begin with. Don't worry about what people think. Don't worry about what people think. Don't worry about what people think. Worry about what God thinks. Worry about what God thinks. Worry about what God thinks. Stop managing your image and start Stop managing your image and start Stop managing your image and start projecting your protecting your projecting your protecting your projecting your protecting your integrity. Here's another powerful weapon against Here's another powerful weapon against temptation. If you want to resist the temptation. If you want to resist the temptation. If you want to resist the devil and defeat temptation, be devil and defeat temptation, be devil and defeat temptation, be accountable.

accountable. accountable. Dictionary definition of accountable is Dictionary definition of accountable is Dictionary definition of accountable is subject to the obligation to report, subject to the obligation to report, subject to the obligation to report, responsible, answerable. responsible, answerable. responsible, answerable. My definition is answering for and My definition is answering for and My definition is answering for and giving report of your actions, words, giving report of your actions, words, giving report of your actions, words, attitudes, or behavior. Owning your attitudes, or behavior. Owning your attitudes, or behavior. Owning your decisions and actions. decisions and actions. decisions and actions. Have people in your life who have the Have people in your life who have the Have people in your life who have the right to ask you the tough questions and right to ask you the tough questions and right to ask you the tough questions and demand truthful answers. demand truthful answers. demand truthful answers. I am thankful for the people in my life I am thankful for the people in my life I am thankful for the people in my life willing to ask the tough questions. My willing to ask the tough questions. My willing to ask the tough questions. My friend David, my sons, our board, my friend David, my sons, our board, my friend David, my sons, our board, my counselor, they all regularly challenge counselor, they all regularly challenge counselor, they all regularly challenge me. me. me. Tell someone what you're working on. Tell someone what you're working on. Tell someone what you're working on. Give them permission to challenge you Give them permission to challenge you Give them permission to challenge you with tough questions. Did you take a with tough questions. Did you take a with tough questions. Did you take a drink? drink? drink? Did you say or do anything Did you say or do anything Did you say or do anything inappropriate? Did you lose your temper? inappropriate? Did you lose your temper? inappropriate? Did you lose your temper? Did you look at pornography this week? Did you look at pornography this week? Did you look at pornography this week? Did you spend time with your family? Did you spend time with your family? Did you spend time with your family? Questions like that protect you long Questions like that protect you long Questions like that protect you long before a failure happens. before a failure happens. before a failure happens. If you want to lose the battle, avoid If you want to lose the battle, avoid If you want to lose the battle, avoid accountability. accountability. accountability. Don't let anyone challenge your Don't let anyone challenge your Don't let anyone challenge your decisions and actions.

decisions and actions. decisions and actions. Don't allow anyone to ask you tough Don't allow anyone to ask you tough Don't allow anyone to ask you tough questions. Take solo, complete command questions. Take solo, complete command questions. Take solo, complete command of your growth. If you failed, don't let of your growth. If you failed, don't let of your growth. If you failed, don't let anyone know. anyone know. anyone know. If you're trying to stop a bad habit, If you're trying to stop a bad habit, If you're trying to stop a bad habit, don't tell a soul. Don't dare let them don't tell a soul. Don't dare let them don't tell a soul. Don't dare let them know if you mess up and relapse. know if you mess up and relapse. know if you mess up and relapse. Hide every weakness, mistake, and Hide every weakness, mistake, and Hide every weakness, mistake, and failure. failure. failure. Refuse to answer questions, share Refuse to answer questions, share Refuse to answer questions, share details, or answer in any way for your details, or answer in any way for your details, or answer in any way for your actions, attitude, or words. If someone actions, attitude, or words. If someone actions, attitude, or words. If someone dares to confront or question you, dares to confront or question you, dares to confront or question you, attack them with all you got. attack them with all you got. attack them with all you got. Accuse them of not trusting you or not Accuse them of not trusting you or not Accuse them of not trusting you or not believing in you. Drop out of process believing in you. Drop out of process believing in you. Drop out of process groups, Bible studies, ministry, groups, Bible studies, ministry, groups, Bible studies, ministry, connection classes, and forever free. connection classes, and forever free. connection classes, and forever free. Completely avoid any and all Completely avoid any and all Completely avoid any and all accountability. accountability. accountability. Now, doesn't that sound foolish? Now, doesn't that sound foolish? Now, doesn't that sound foolish? It's easy to see when someone else is It's easy to see when someone else is It's easy to see when someone else is making this mistake, but easy to justify making this mistake, but easy to justify making this mistake, but easy to justify when you're the one doing it. when you're the one doing it. when you're the one doing it. When someone says, "Well, I don't need When someone says, "Well, I don't need When someone says, "Well, I don't need accountability anymore." Why is accountability important? Because Why is accountability important? Because failure happens in isolation. failure happens in isolation. failure happens in isolation. Failure happens when you don't fear Failure happens when you don't fear Failure happens when you don't fear getting caught.

getting caught. getting caught. When you don't have to answer to anyone When you don't have to answer to anyone When you don't have to answer to anyone but yourself. but yourself. but yourself. Establishing accountability is one of Establishing accountability is one of Establishing accountability is one of the biggest reasons you need to be the biggest reasons you need to be the biggest reasons you need to be connected to a local church. connected to a local church. connected to a local church. Hopping from church to church helps you Hopping from church to church helps you Hopping from church to church helps you avoid accountability. You don't have a avoid accountability. You don't have a avoid accountability. You don't have a spiritual authority. You don't have to spiritual authority. You don't have to spiritual authority. You don't have to answer to anyone. No one knows who you answer to anyone. No one knows who you answer to anyone. No one knows who you are, where you are, what you're doing. are, where you are, what you're doing. are, where you are, what you're doing. Believers who want to beat the system Believers who want to beat the system Believers who want to beat the system simply refuse to attach themselves to a simply refuse to attach themselves to a simply refuse to attach themselves to a church. Say, "Well, I don't need the church. Say, "Well, I don't need the church. Say, "Well, I don't need the church. I don't need anyone." Oh, so the church. I don't need anyone." Oh, so the church. I don't need anyone." Oh, so the Bible doesn't apply to you. Bible doesn't apply to you. Bible doesn't apply to you. >> [laughter] >> Ecclesiastes 4:9, "Two are better than >> Ecclesiastes 4:9, "Two are better than one cuz they have a good return for one cuz they have a good return for one cuz they have a good return for their work. If one falls down, his their work. If one falls down, his their work. If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man friend can help him up. But pity the man friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up. who falls and has no one to help him up. who falls and has no one to help him up. The one may be overpowered, two can The one may be overpowered, two can The one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves, and a cord of three defend themselves, and a cord of three defend themselves, and a cord of three strands is not quickly broken." strands is not quickly broken." strands is not quickly broken." The church is designed so you don't and The church is designed so you don't and The church is designed so you don't and won't stand alone. We're designed for won't stand alone. We're designed for won't stand alone. We're designed for community. We are safer, better, and community. We are safer, better, and community. We are safer, better, and stronger when we resist the devil stronger when we resist the devil stronger when we resist the devil together.

together. together. The conditions are The conditions are The conditions are "Submit yourselves, therefore, to God. "Submit yourselves, therefore, to God. "Submit yourselves, therefore, to God. Resist the devil." Resist the devil." Resist the devil." When you submit to God, when you When you submit to God, when you When you submit to God, when you actively resist, when you refuse to actively resist, when you refuse to actively resist, when you refuse to quit, then the promise becomes real. I quit, then the promise becomes real. I quit, then the promise becomes real. I love this part of the verse, "And he love this part of the verse, "And he love this part of the verse, "And he will flee from you." will flee from you." will flee from you." Satan will run from you. Satan will run from you. Satan will run from you. Temptation will turn the other way. You Temptation will turn the other way. You Temptation will turn the other way. You don't just win the battle, you will don't just win the battle, you will don't just win the battle, you will thoroughly defeat the enemy. thoroughly defeat the enemy. thoroughly defeat the enemy. Now, will Satan come back? Now, will Satan come back? Now, will Satan come back? Of course. Of course. Of course. That's his strategy. That's his strategy. That's his strategy. Every time he does, you go right back Every time he does, you go right back Every time he does, you go right back through the process. Resist again. through the process. Resist again. through the process. Resist again. "Well, I just can't say no" is one of "Well, I just can't say no" is one of "Well, I just can't say no" is one of the biggest lies people tell themselves. the biggest lies people tell themselves. the biggest lies people tell themselves. Everything's a choice, a decision. The Everything's a choice, a decision. The Everything's a choice, a decision. The devil can't force you to sin. He can devil can't force you to sin. He can devil can't force you to sin. He can tempt you and will. He can lie and tempt you and will. He can lie and tempt you and will. He can lie and pressure you, but the decision's still pressure you, but the decision's still pressure you, but the decision's still yours. yours. yours. If you can choose to sin, you can also If you can choose to sin, you can also If you can choose to sin, you can also choose not to sin.

choose not to sin. choose not to sin. Decide right now that you're going to Decide right now that you're going to Decide right now that you're going to win and the devil's going to lose. win and the devil's going to lose. win and the devil's going to lose. Decide. Decide. Decide. Decide now that you're going to do Decide now that you're going to do Decide now that you're going to do what's right. I understand it seems what's right. I understand it seems what's right. I understand it seems easier to follow the crowd, but if you easier to follow the crowd, but if you easier to follow the crowd, but if you follow the crowd, you will never lead follow the crowd, you will never lead follow the crowd, you will never lead the crowd. You have not been called to the crowd. You have not been called to the crowd. You have not been called to be a crowd follower. You've been called be a crowd follower. You've been called be a crowd follower. You've been called to follow Jesus and do right. Even when it's unpopular, do right. Even when it's unpopular, do right. When no one else is doing it, do what's When no one else is doing it, do what's When no one else is doing it, do what's right. right. right. If your friends leave you, If your friends leave you, If your friends leave you, if people make fun, if people make fun, if people make fun, if you have to stand alone, if you have to stand alone, if you have to stand alone, do what's right. do what's right. do what's right. If it costs you money, If it costs you money, If it costs you money, do what's right. do what's right. do what's right. If it hurts, do what's right. If it hurts, do what's right. If it hurts, do what's right. When the crowd does wrong, you do right. When the crowd does wrong, you do right. When the crowd does wrong, you do right. God honors right. God honors right. God honors right. God honors those who obey his commands, God honors those who obey his commands, God honors those who obey his commands, his word, and do right. Faith that works his word, and do right. Faith that works his word, and do right. Faith that works chooses obedience even when obedience is chooses obedience even when obedience is chooses obedience even when obedience is difficult. Submit yourselves difficult. Submit yourselves difficult. Submit yourselves therefore to God.

Full submission. Lord, whatever I have, Full submission. Lord, whatever I have, you can have. you can have. you can have. I'm holding nothing back from you. I'm holding nothing back from you. I'm holding nothing back from you. I I I submit. I surrender to you. I I I submit. I surrender to you. I I I submit. I surrender to you. Resist the devil Resist the devil Resist the devil with all you've got. with all you've got. with all you've got. Stay in accountability. Stay in accountability. Stay in accountability. Be smart. Be smart. Be smart. Be aggressive. Be extreme. Be aggressive. Be extreme. Be aggressive. Be extreme. And he will flee from you. And he will flee from you. And he will flee from you. What a good verbal picture What a good verbal picture What a good verbal picture of you saying no and Satan tucking his of you saying no and Satan tucking his of you saying no and Satan tucking his tail and taking off running the other tail and taking off running the other tail and taking off running the other direction. I like that thought, don't direction. I like that thought, don't direction. I like that thought, don't you? I'm not going to ask you I considered I'm not going to ask you I considered asking you stand if you're tempted to asking you stand if you're tempted to asking you stand if you're tempted to [clears throat] wrong this week, but [clears throat] wrong this week, but [clears throat] wrong this week, but I'll tell you what, just stay seated if I'll tell you what, just stay seated if I'll tell you what, just stay seated if you're tempted to do wrong this week. Cuz that's pretty well everybody. And if Cuz that's pretty well everybody. And if you if you don't, you if you don't, you if you don't, then you're currently being tempted to then you're currently being tempted to then you're currently being tempted to lie.

Temptation's universal. We all face it. Temptation's universal. We all face it. But I want to pray you'll be wise But I want to pray you'll be wise But I want to pray you'll be wise and you'll resist it and you'll resist it and you'll resist it and you'll win the battle over the and you'll win the battle over the and you'll win the battle over the enemy. enemy. enemy. Lord, help us. Because this is just the fundamental Because this is just the fundamental tool of the enemy to tempt us. To to put things in front of us that To to put things in front of us that seem good but are really bad. seem good but are really bad. seem good but are really bad. To tempt us to lose our temper and be To tempt us to lose our temper and be To tempt us to lose our temper and be angry. angry. angry. To tempt us with To tempt us with To tempt us with substance abuse, to tempt us with going substance abuse, to tempt us with going substance abuse, to tempt us with going back to old habits or old friends, to back to old habits or old friends, to back to old habits or old friends, to tempt us to go back to old ways of tempt us to go back to old ways of tempt us to go back to old ways of thinking. thinking. thinking. To tempt us to choose money over your To tempt us to choose money over your To tempt us to choose money over your kingdom. Lord, there's just so many kingdom. Lord, there's just so many kingdom. Lord, there's just so many temptations. temptations. temptations. We recognize the enemy's strategy and we We recognize the enemy's strategy and we We recognize the enemy's strategy and we ask you to help us implement your plan to resist the devil and submit ourselves to resist the devil and submit ourselves to you.

to you. to you. Lord, I pray for people in this room, Lord, I pray for people in this room, Lord, I pray for people in this room, people watching online people watching online people watching online who have almost surrendered. They still have that area or that spot They still have that area or that spot that they haven't committed to you. Cuz that they haven't committed to you. Cuz that they haven't committed to you. Cuz we know that that's the area where we know that that's the area where we know that that's the area where temptation's going to come. I pray, Lord, just in the quietness of I pray, Lord, just in the quietness of this moment this moment this moment they would make the decision of full they would make the decision of full they would make the decision of full surrender, submitting themselves to you. And then, Lord, And then, Lord, help us to wisely, aggressively, help us to wisely, aggressively, help us to wisely, aggressively, extremely, intentionally, extremely, intentionally, extremely, intentionally, actively actively actively resist the enemy resist the enemy resist the enemy who's trying to destroy us. who's trying to destroy us. who's trying to destroy us. Lord, I pray for people who've gone back Lord, I pray for people who've gone back Lord, I pray for people who've gone back to the same sin repeatedly to the same sin repeatedly to the same sin repeatedly and keep dealing with the same issue. and keep dealing with the same issue. and keep dealing with the same issue. Help them, Lord, to develop the plan and Help them, Lord, to develop the plan and Help them, Lord, to develop the plan and to stand strong against the enemy and to to stand strong against the enemy and to to stand strong against the enemy and to win the battle.

win the battle. win the battle. Lord, we want to see Satan running from Lord, we want to see Satan running from Lord, we want to see Satan running from us. us. us. And we want to live in a way that And we want to live in a way that And we want to live in a way that pleases you. pleases you. pleases you. In Jesus' name. In Jesus' name. In Jesus' name. Amen.