The Second Look (James 1.12-15, 26-27) - 7-10-22

Scripture Texts are 2Samuel 12.1-7a and James 1.12-15, 26-27. Today’s subject is “The Second Look.”The book of 2Samuel records David’s fall from grace. He went through five stages leading to sin. We shall examine those stages and provide five strategies to overcome temptation.Five Stages Leading to Sin- Desensitization: world of temptation for sex, money, power- Relaxation: not constantly guarding against temptation in areas of weakness- Fixation: well, maybe just once, entertaining other ideas, forgetting God- Rationalization: excuse making, justifying wrong- Degeneration: yielding to temptation, horrible & perhaps deadly consequencesKing David went through the stages & broke at least 6 of the 10 Commandments all because he took a 2nd look. Exo 20:12-17 NKJV. (1) "You shall not covet your neighbor's wife." (2) "You shall not steal. (3) "You shall not commit adultery. (4) "You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor. (5) "You shall not murder. (6) "Honor your father and your mother.” If it happened to him, it could happen to us. Run like Joseph did in Gen 39. He did not take entertain temptation. He got away from it.Five Strategies to Overcome Temptation- Prayer; Submit & Resist (James 4.7)- Prayer; Accountability Partner(s) (2Sam 12.7a)- Prayer; Memorize and Pray God’s Word (Psa 119.9, 11) Jesus in wilderness.- Prayer; Discipline of the Mind (Mark 9.47; Php 4.😎- Prayer; Set Boundaries (Prov 6.27); NetFlix vs PureFlix. Run away from it!Amen.