Temptation-zaP. zAP. ZAP.

This week was kick off to the Spiderman3 series at GCC and Rob did a great job covering "Threatening Temptation"

He used a marshmallow as an example of our personal temptations based on the study of 4-5 yr olds who were put in a room with a single marshmallow and were told that if they didn't eat the 1 marshmallow by the time the adult came back into the room they would get 2. They observed the findings over time and it was amazing how the children that resisted that 1 marshmallow became as they were older (more self-confident, better scholastically, and the list goes on...)
I know that wasn't a defining moment for them in their lives- but it goes to show that if we resist temptation more actively we end up building up more strength and having a whole different outlook on a lot of things

The Greek word for temptation is Perismas & in the Bible the word is used both positively and negatively.
(+)trial & (-)temptation

Trial(+) James 1:2-4 Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.

Temptation(-) James 1:13-15 When tempted, no one should say, "God is tempting me." For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He tempt anyone; but each one is tempted when, by his own evil desire, he is dragged away and when its full-grown, gives birth to death. zaP. zAP. ZAP.
(ICorinthians 10:13)

No temptation has seized you
What is my marshmallow? What kinds of things, places, people tempt me?
No temptation has seized you except what is common to man
Who is my friend? Who can I talk to and be honest with concerning my marshmallow?

James 4:7 *He will flee but it will take some resistance*

Some ways to defeat temptation:
-Acknowledge its presence is real.
-Don't overestimate your ability to be in control.
-Run away.
-Re-focus. Be on guard.
-If you slip, repent and put rumble strips in place to protect yourself.

Great message!