A Way Out: Part 2 - "Fighting Temptation" with Craig Groeschel - LifeChurch.tv

Finding God’s Way Out of Temptation

Scripture References

Primary text

• 1 Corinthians 10

Other references

• James 4:7
• Proverbs 4:14-15
• Hebrews 2:18

Overview

Temptation is universal, but God never leaves us trapped. 1 Corinthians 10 promises that every time we face a lure, God is faithful to provide “a way out.” In this second message of the series, the pastor shows how temptation moves from a single thought to full-blown sin, and how submitting to God and actively resisting the devil positions us to escape. Practical examples—from a bag of M&M’s to phone safeguards—demonstrate that we can eliminate or distance ourselves from many traps before they tighten.

Context

• Week 2 of “A Way Out,” a four-part series on overcoming temptation.
• Listeners were asked to write down their top one or two recurring temptations so they could filter the teaching through real struggle.

Main Points

1. Temptation follows a predictable path

• Five consistent steps: Thought → Imagination → Justification → Choice → Sin.
• Illustration: The M&M saga—seeing the bag, imagining the taste, justifying “just one,” choosing to open it, then eating 60 % of it.
• Key insight: what happens in the first moments of temptation often determines the outcome.

2. First, submit to God (James 4:7a)

• We cannot win in our own strength; every temptation is an invitation to depend on Christ.
• Submitting may mean:
  • Admitting the behavior is sin instead of rationalizing it.
  • Asking for help instead of hiding in pride.
  • Daily surrender.
• Story: The pastor’s daily “head-to-toe” prayer of submission—mind, eyes, ears, mouth, heart, hands, and feet offered to God before leaving the house.

3. Then, resist the devil (James 4:7b)

• With Christ, resistance is possible; we fight from victory, not for it.
• Spiritual warfare imagery: helmet of salvation, shield of faith, sword of the Spirit, etc.
• Illustration: Confronting a bobcat in the driveway—standing firm caused the animal to flee; resistance works when confidence is in Christ within us.
• Blockquote (verbatim):

  “Greater is He that is in me than he that is in the world.”

4. One of the best ways to resist is to eliminate or distance

• Solomon’s fatherly counsel (Proverbs 4:14-15): “Avoid it, do not travel on it, turn from it, and go your own way.”
• Practical applications:
  • Skip the chip aisle if chips are a weakness.
  • Pay for gas outside if alcohol tempts you.
  • Change gyms, departments, or even jobs if environment fuels lust or potential affairs.
  • Replace a smartphone with a “dumb” phone if internet filters still fail.
• Principle question: “Why would I resist a temptation tomorrow if I can eliminate it today?”

5. When the unexpected temptation appears, act quickly

• Options: throw it away, run, quote Scripture, or call someone who will shine light on the struggle—“sin grows best in the dark.”
• Hebrews 2:18 reassures that Jesus understands our battle and helps us escape.
• Keep returning to the promise:

  “Our God will also provide a way out so you can endure it.”

Key Truths

• To be human is to be vulnerable; to be proud is to be in danger.
• Submission to God precedes successful resistance.
• Christ in us is stronger than the wrong desires in us.
• Eliminating access is often the wisest form of resistance.
• God’s faithfulness guarantees a way out of every temptation.

Response

• Identify your consistent temptation and name it honestly.
• Pray a daily, specific prayer of full-body submission to God.
• Remove or distance yourself from known triggers before they surface.
• Arm yourself with memorized Scripture for on-the-spot resistance.
• Bring hidden struggles into the light through accountability.

Closing

Temptation will shout for your attention, but it never arrives without an accompanying exit sign designed by God. Submit first, resist next, and take decisive steps to distance yourself from the lure. Freedom is not found in willpower alone but in daily dependence on the One who has already conquered sin.

“Our God will also provide a way out so you can endure it.”

Prayer

The pastor asked God to equip every listener with the Holy Spirit’s power, to strengthen submitted hearts, and to reveal practical steps that place distance between them and their area of weakness, thanking Him that “he whom the Son sets free is free indeed.”