How to Escape Part 2

Communion: Taking the cup means that we are baptized with the baptism that Jesus was baptized with, the baptism of death (Matt. 20:20-28). Sermon: In 1 Cor. 10:13 God tells us that no temptation has overtaken you (personally) except what is common to man, and that God is faithful to make a way for you to escape what you are not able to handle. Jesus has already been through whatever you’re going through (Heb. 4:14).  Pastor Dale tells of a man who God delivered from cocaine, but the same man couldn’t overcome his nicotine addictions. God knew he couldn’t handle the cocaine addiction, so he gave him an instant deliverance, but he could win over cigarettes. Every test has a way of escape. Obedience is more than victory, which can be based in self. We are incapable of fighting sin. Our fight is that of faith. You don’t resist sexual sin. You flee from it! You don’t need victory over it; you need to escape from it. You aren’t strong enough to overcome. So how do you get out? The number one way is to praise the Lord as a lifestyle, and number 2 is to have a prayer life. Luke 22:40 tells you to pray that you do not enter into temptation. The way of escape is to realize that you need a prayer life. Heb. 5:7-8. Jesus was tempted to not go to the cross. He didn’t try to be strong. He asked for prayer. Let the trials of life take you to your knees. Pray for yourself (James 5:13). Don’t pray for people who don’t want it or who aren’t believing in faith. The presence of temptation is the call to pray.