The Kryptonite Of Faith

When tempted, no one should say, “God is tempting me.” For Godcannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone. v.13But the LORD God called to the man and said to him, “Where are you?” And he said, “I heard the sound of you in the garden, and I was afraid, because I was naked, and I hid myself.” He said, “Who told you that you were naked? Have you eaten of the tree of which I commanded you not to eat?” Genesis 3:9-11The man said, “The woman whom you gave to be with me, she gave me fruit of the tree, and I ate.” Then the LORD God said to the woman, “What is this that you have done?” The woman said, “The serpent deceived me, and I ate.” Genesis 3:12-13Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. 1 Peter 5:8But each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed. v.14A person’s own folly leads to their ruin, yet their heart rages against the Lord. Proverbs 19:3For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh… Galatians 5:17Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death. v.15Whoever is pregnant with evil conceives trouble and gives birth to disillusionment. Psalm 7:14Image slide: spiraltext-01.pngDon’t be deceived, my dear brothers and sisters. v.16…take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all theflaming arrows of the evil one. Ephesians 6:16For though we walk in the flesh, we are not waging war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds. We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ. 2 Corinthians 10:3-5If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is your[a] life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.Colossians 3:1-4Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. He chose to give us birth through the word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of all he created. v.17-18Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good. His love endures forever. Psalm 136:1No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it. 1 Corinthians 10:13Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. James 4:7Truly my soul finds rest in God; my salvation comes from him. Truly he is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will never be shaken. Psalm 62:1-2(Mariners Church Chapel, Irvine, CA)