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Harvester Church of the Nazarene

August 16, 2009

Pastor Harold Wedel

TODAY’S MESSAGE

The Prayer of Protection

Matthew 6:9-13

“And don’t let us yield to temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.”

Matthew 6:13, NLT

 

Overcoming Temptation

 

Man’s Way:  Just stop it!

 

1.     Temptation attacks our weakest points

 

Please Note:  Temptation does not play fair.

 

 

2.     The Law arouses  sinful passions

 

“For while we were in the flesh - the sinful passions, which were aroused by the Law, were at work in the members of our body to bear fruit for death. (Romans 7:5, NLT)

 

The Law Leads Us to Christ

1)      God gives the Law

2)      Sinful passions causes disobedience

3)      We realize we need Jesus

 

3.     Willpower is overrated

Willpower got broken in the fall of mankind!

 

“And I, the Son of Man, have come to seek and save those like him who are lost.” (Luke 19:10, NLT)

 

Please Note:  We cannot overcome sin by self-discipline.

 

“You have died with Christ, and he has set you free from the evil powers of this world.  So why do you keep on following rules of the world such as, ‘Don’t handle, don’t eat, don’t touch.’  Such rules are mere human teaching about things that are gone as soon as we use them.  These rules may seem wise because they require strong devotion, humility, and severe bodily discipline.  But they have no effect when it comes to conquering a person’s evil thoughts and desires.” (Colossians 2:20-23, NLT)

 

God’s Way: My grace is sufficient

 

1.     Grace lets us connect with God

 

“For it is by grace that we are saved.”

 

 

2.     Grace lets us flee temptation

 

“Run from anything that stimulates youthful lust.” (2 Timothy 2:22, NLT)

 

 

3.     Grace lets us become restored

 

 

 

4.     Grace lets us help others

 

“Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed.” (James 5:16,  NLT)