Monday, March 26, 2018

A Purpose Driven Life - Chapter 27

A Purpose Driven Life Chapter 27 - Defeating Temptation

Chapter Overview:  Rick talks about to defeat temptation resistance is futile. It's like a self defeating prophecy.  The best thing to to do is run.  The bible says resist the devil not temptation.

2011 (40 years old)

Defeating temptation - respecting my bride - image of a bride's dress and flowersHaving a couple of days to think about this chapter I think I've realized that the temptations I've been dealing with are more subtle than I thought. One reared it's head at small group last night again - I only realized that it was an issue last night. I don't honour Ewa in how I talk about her. And I need to if I'm being transformed into the image if Christ. The church is his bride and I can't see him making comments like I did when she isn't present. I need to honour her on my thoughts too. That's where it all starts.
I also get tempted with the get rich scheme of lotto max - winning the lottery. If God is my provider, why is that a temptation? And finally, the last one that kind of hit home with me was the question in small group - is there a good thing getting in the way of a better thing? - and I thought about all this extra software work that I do in the evenings.  Is it really what God wants me to do with my evenings and weekends? Am I getting my sense of self worth out of the work I do, or how much I make, or who I am in God?

2016 (45 years old)

There is always a way out. 'God is faithful. He will keep the temptation from becoming so strong that you can't stand up against it. When you are tempted he will show you a way out so that you will not give into it' 1 Cor. 10:13. Who could I ask to become a spiritual partner to help me defeat a persistent temptation by praying for me?  Ewa. Four steps to defeating temptation:
1. Refocus your mind on something else. Spiritually you mind is your most vulnerable organ. I need to be conscious of my thoughts. Defeat bad thoughts with good, thankful thought - the principal of replacement.
2. Reveal you struggle to a Godly friend or support group. Find accountability.
3. Resist the devil. Defy him. Best do this with scripture like Jesus did. Don't argue. Just say no and use scripture for your why.
4. Realize your vulnerability. Be humble - the heart is deceitful above all things. Be vigilant.


For background on what these 'Purpose Driven Life' posts are about, click this link.
  • Purpose Driven Life Chapter 1 - Its Not About Me
  • Purpose Driven Life Chapter 2 - You Are Not an Accident
  • Purpose Driven Life Chapter 3 - What Drives You?
  • Purpose Driven Life Chapter 4 - Eternity In Our Hearts
  • Purpose Driven Life Chapter 5 - What is Life?
  • Purpose Driven Life Chapter 6 - Life on Earth is a Temporary Assignment
  • Purpose Driven Life Chapter 7 - The Reason for Everything
  • Purpose Driven Life Chapter 8 - You Were Planned for God's Pleasure
  • Purpose Driven Life Chapter 9 - What Makes God Smile?
  • Purpose Driven Life Chapter 10 - The Surrendered Life
  • Purpose Driven Life Chapter 11 - Friend of God
  • Purpose Driven Life Chapter 12 - Friend of God II
  • Purpose Driven Life Chapter 13 - Worship That Pleases God
  • Purpose Driven Life Chapter 14 - When God Isn't There
  • Purpose Driven Life Chapter 15 - Part of God's Family
  • Purpose Driven Life Chapter 16 - What Matters Most
  • Purpose Driven Life Chapter 17 - You Belong
  • Purpose Driven Life Chapter 18 - Life is Meant to be Shared
  • Purpose Driven Life Chapter 19 - Made for Community
  • Purpose Driven Life Chapter 20 - Restoring Broken Fellowship
  • Purpose Driven Life Chapter 21 - Unity of the Church
  • Purpose Driven Life Chapter 22 - Transformed to be Like Christ
  • Purpose Driven Life Chapter 23 - Transformed by Thought
  • Purpose Driven Life Chapter 24 - Transformed By Truth
  • Purpose Driven Life Chapter 25 - Transformed by Trouble
  • Purpose Driven Life Chapter 26 - Transformed by Temptation
  • Purpose Driven Life Chapter 28 - It Takes Time
  • Purpose Driven Life Chapter 29 - Shaped for Serving God
  • Purpose Driven Life Chapter 30 - Our Place in Serving
  • Purpose Driven Life Chapter 31 - Finding Your Specific Purpose
  • Purpose Driven Life Chapter 32 - Using What God Gave You
  • Purpose Driven Life Chapter 33 - How Real Servants Act
  • Purpose Driven Life Chapter 34 - Thinking Like a Servant
  • Purpose Driven Life Chapter 35 - God Uses Our Weaknesses
  • Purpose Driven Life Chapter 36 - You Were Made for a Mission
  • Purpose Driven Life Chapter 37 - Sharing Your Life Message
  • My Appendix to Chapter 37
  • My Testimony Based on Chapter 37
  • Purpose Driven Life Chapter 38 - Becoming a World-Class Christian
  • Purpose Driven Life Chapter 39 - Balance
  • Purpose Driven Life Chapter 40 - Living With Purpose
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