…and do not subject us to the final test, but deliver us from the evil one.
Matthew 6:13
Matthew 6:13
What Is Temptation?
If I said to you, “There’s a great looking girl down the street. Let’s go look through her window and watch her undress and see her naked. Then her boyfriend is coming over and they usually get in the car and have sex, so we can listen and watch until the windows steam up”, you would think I was an immoral pervert! But how about if I said, “Let’s watch the movie Titanic?”
A significant percentage of people in our society, including those who say they are Christian, have seen Titanic, even though it contains a scene almost identical to the one described above.
Do We Face More Temptations Today?
Therefore, whoever thinks he is standing secure should take care not to fall. No trial has come to you but what is human. God is faithful and will not let you be tried beyond your strength; but with the trial he will also provide a way out, so that you may be able to bear it. (1 Cor 10:12-13)
Paul makes it clear in 1 Corinthians that the temptations we face are nothing new. Temptation starts with Eve in Genesis chapter 3, and examples abound throughout the Bible.
Consider/Discuss
1. What are some examples of people in the Bible who were tempted?
2. How did they respond?
Leading Us Astray
Whenever the media is challenged about the growing immorality and bad examples that surround us today, the response is that they are just giving people what they want. In reality, they are giving us what tempts us. Just as those who follow Jesus desire to spread love and joy, people who are trapped in an immoral and depressing life style try to lead others down that same path. They know that even “one little scene” repeated over and over in many movies will change us, and surveys prove that it is working. Even worse, whatever shocks us today will not be quite so shocking tomorrow, so what is presented in the media gradually becomes more twisted and immoral over time.
How Do We Break The Connection?
We previously described the connection with the world as being like a strong cable. As we are gradually strengthening our connection with God and enhancing our awareness and obedience to the presence of Jesus within us in the form of the Holy Spirit, we will continually be distracted and tempted by our old self, by the world around us, and by Satan. However, Satan can often sit back and watch, because our old self and the world are very capable of weakening our connection with God with no help from him.
Consider/Discuss
1. What are some of the temptations we face?
2. What can we do about them?
3. What did Jesus suggest we should do? (See Mt 18:8 – 9) Would that make any difference?
Nothing Is A "Must See"
It is important to recognize the daily onslaught of temptation for what it is. For example, articles in newspapers and on the internet will gush that a certain movie or show is a “must see.” All the talk shows will be discussing how wonderful it is, and it will win many awards. At the same time, your friends will start talking about it and asking if you have seen it. Over time it is easy to give in to all the subtle and even overt pressure and go see something that you regret having seen afterwards.
Despite all the media hype, nothing is a “must see.” And even though people in media may be saying that “everyone” is going to watch a certain show, that is not true. I remember the build up to the last episode of Seinfeld. One reporter wrote that everyone would be watching, and how important it was to record that show so you would have it forever. I looked up the ratings for Seinfeld and discovered that only 25% of our country was watching Seinfeld. Around three quarters of the country, like me, had probably never even watched it once, but in the circles that reporter traveled in, everyone was watching and talking about Seinfeld. He had no idea that the majority of people couldn’t care less about that show.
What Goes In Can Never Be Erased
It is also important to realize that what we take into our minds can never be erased. It may fade over time, but it is always there. That is why God emphasizes how critical it is to control what we allow in, because everything affects our spirit. There is plenty of evil and immorality in this world, and some of us may be called to serve in difficult areas, bringing the light of Christ to a suffering world. God strengthens and protects those He calls to that kind of service. However, it is truly unfortunate to expose ourselves to, and even pay for, evil and immorality that is presented in guise of “entertainment.”
If I said to you, “There’s a great looking girl down the street. Let’s go look through her window and watch her undress and see her naked. Then her boyfriend is coming over and they usually get in the car and have sex, so we can listen and watch until the windows steam up”, you would think I was an immoral pervert! But how about if I said, “Let’s watch the movie Titanic?”
A significant percentage of people in our society, including those who say they are Christian, have seen Titanic, even though it contains a scene almost identical to the one described above.
Do We Face More Temptations Today?
Therefore, whoever thinks he is standing secure should take care not to fall. No trial has come to you but what is human. God is faithful and will not let you be tried beyond your strength; but with the trial he will also provide a way out, so that you may be able to bear it. (1 Cor 10:12-13)
Paul makes it clear in 1 Corinthians that the temptations we face are nothing new. Temptation starts with Eve in Genesis chapter 3, and examples abound throughout the Bible.
Consider/Discuss
1. What are some examples of people in the Bible who were tempted?
2. How did they respond?
Leading Us Astray
Whenever the media is challenged about the growing immorality and bad examples that surround us today, the response is that they are just giving people what they want. In reality, they are giving us what tempts us. Just as those who follow Jesus desire to spread love and joy, people who are trapped in an immoral and depressing life style try to lead others down that same path. They know that even “one little scene” repeated over and over in many movies will change us, and surveys prove that it is working. Even worse, whatever shocks us today will not be quite so shocking tomorrow, so what is presented in the media gradually becomes more twisted and immoral over time.
How Do We Break The Connection?
We previously described the connection with the world as being like a strong cable. As we are gradually strengthening our connection with God and enhancing our awareness and obedience to the presence of Jesus within us in the form of the Holy Spirit, we will continually be distracted and tempted by our old self, by the world around us, and by Satan. However, Satan can often sit back and watch, because our old self and the world are very capable of weakening our connection with God with no help from him.
Consider/Discuss
1. What are some of the temptations we face?
2. What can we do about them?
3. What did Jesus suggest we should do? (See Mt 18:8 – 9) Would that make any difference?
Nothing Is A "Must See"
It is important to recognize the daily onslaught of temptation for what it is. For example, articles in newspapers and on the internet will gush that a certain movie or show is a “must see.” All the talk shows will be discussing how wonderful it is, and it will win many awards. At the same time, your friends will start talking about it and asking if you have seen it. Over time it is easy to give in to all the subtle and even overt pressure and go see something that you regret having seen afterwards.
Despite all the media hype, nothing is a “must see.” And even though people in media may be saying that “everyone” is going to watch a certain show, that is not true. I remember the build up to the last episode of Seinfeld. One reporter wrote that everyone would be watching, and how important it was to record that show so you would have it forever. I looked up the ratings for Seinfeld and discovered that only 25% of our country was watching Seinfeld. Around three quarters of the country, like me, had probably never even watched it once, but in the circles that reporter traveled in, everyone was watching and talking about Seinfeld. He had no idea that the majority of people couldn’t care less about that show.
What Goes In Can Never Be Erased
It is also important to realize that what we take into our minds can never be erased. It may fade over time, but it is always there. That is why God emphasizes how critical it is to control what we allow in, because everything affects our spirit. There is plenty of evil and immorality in this world, and some of us may be called to serve in difficult areas, bringing the light of Christ to a suffering world. God strengthens and protects those He calls to that kind of service. However, it is truly unfortunate to expose ourselves to, and even pay for, evil and immorality that is presented in guise of “entertainment.”
MEDIA INPUT FILTER
(Print this and place it by your TV and computer)
(Print this and place it by your TV and computer)
Before you watch a show or movie, or read a book, magazine, or internet article, ask these questions:
Is it true, noble, honorable, just, pure, lovely, gracious, excellent or worthy of praise? (Phil 4:8)
Will it lead you towards righteousness, devotion, faith, love, patience, and gentleness? (1 Tim 6:11-13)
Does it involve fruitless works of darkness, or what the disobedient do in secret? (Eph 5:11-12)
Then ask for God’s help - Avert my eyes from what is worthless; by your way give me life. (Ps 119:37)
Scripture Memory Verse
Avert my eyes from what is worthless; by your way give me life. (Ps 119:37)
Let's Pray! - Praying Through the Day
Is it true, noble, honorable, just, pure, lovely, gracious, excellent or worthy of praise? (Phil 4:8)
Will it lead you towards righteousness, devotion, faith, love, patience, and gentleness? (1 Tim 6:11-13)
Does it involve fruitless works of darkness, or what the disobedient do in secret? (Eph 5:11-12)
Then ask for God’s help - Avert my eyes from what is worthless; by your way give me life. (Ps 119:37)
Scripture Memory Verse
Avert my eyes from what is worthless; by your way give me life. (Ps 119:37)
Let's Pray! - Praying Through the Day