Background Story: 1 Timothy and 2 Timothy are letters from the Apostle Paul to Timothy. Paul was considered a mentor and spiritual father to Timothy who encouraged and built him up.

Read 1 Timothy 6:1-16

These are the things you are to teach and insist on. ³ If anyone teaches otherwise and does not agree to the sound instruction of our Lord Jesus Christ and to godly teaching, ⁴ they are conceited and understand nothing. They have an unhealthy interest in controversies and quarrels about words that result in envy, strife, malicious talk, evil suspicions ⁵ and constant friction between people of corrupt mind, who have been robbed of the truth and who think that godliness is a means to financial gain.

⁶ But godliness with contentment is great gain. ⁷ For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. ⁸ But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that. ⁹ Those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. ¹⁰ For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.

¹¹ But you, man of God, flee from all this, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness. ¹² Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses. ¹³ In the sight of God, who gives life to everything, and of Christ Jesus, who while testifying before Pontius Pilate made the good confession, I charge you ¹⁴ to keep this command without spot or blame until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ, ¹⁵ which God will bring about in his own time—God, the blessed and only Ruler, the King of kings and Lord of lords, ¹⁶ who alone is immortal and who lives in unapproachable light, whom no one has seen or can see. To him be honor and might forever. Amen.

Big Idea: There are steps you can take to stand against temptation.

As you are resisting temptations in your life, remember these important principles from 1 Timothy 6:11-12:

1- Your Identity: You are a man or woman of God, a child of the Most High, with full access to the Father. You are not helpless, alone and left to fight this battle by yourself. You have the Holy Spirit living on the inside of you giving you the ability to stand your ground. You are no longer a slave to sin, but a new person with a new identity in Christ.

Bible Passages to Check Out: Romans 8:1-16, Hebrews 4:15-16, Philippians 2:12-13, John 14:15-21

2- Run Away From Sin: Often the most useful tactic against temptation is fast shoes! In Genesis 39, we see an amazing example of this! When Potiphar’s beautiful wife tried to seduce Joseph, he didn’t stop and pray what he should do, call a friend, or seek wise counsel. He just ran! In your temptation, running might look like getting off social media, moving away from a friend group, or getting off video games. Sometimes creating space between you and that temptation is the easiest and most effective tool!

Bible Passages to Check Out: 1 Corinthians 10:13, Genesis 39, Mark 9:42-47

3- Run Towards God: We don’t overcome sin through willpower. We overcome sin through the power of the Holy Spirit! Seek God, memorize scripture, and run towards God in these areas of struggle. He will equip you with the strength to stand your ground against temptation and gain victory!

Bible Passages to Check Out: Romans 12:2, Psalms 34:4-7, Romans 8:33-39, Proverbs 2:7-11, Ephesians 6:10-17

4- Remember He is Better: Satan wants to lie to us that the temporary pleasure in front of us is better than the life God has in store for us. To exchange the plan of God for the pleasure of today. Never forget that God’s ways and plans are always better! God’s plans lead towards abundant life, whereas Satan’s lead toward your destruction!

Bible Passages: John 10:10, Psalm 86:11, Jeremiah 29:11, Philippians 4:19-20, Philippians 1:20, Titus 2:11-13, 2 Timothy 3

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