Pathway to Victory offers a practical application of God’s Word to everyday life through the clear, biblical teaching of Pastor Jeffress.
Closed captions
Show Timecode
Dr. Robert Jeffress | Robert Jeffress - How To Handle Temptation | August 23, 2025
- ♪ music ♪
- 00:00:00.156 --> 00:00:05.128
- [announcer] from the pulpit of the first baptist church
- 00:00:06.262 --> 00:00:08.364
- Of dallas, texas, this is "pathway to victory"
- 00:00:08.364 --> 00:00:11.334
- With dr. robert jeffress.
- 00:00:11.334 --> 00:00:13.503
- [dr. jeffress] hi, i am robert jeffress
- 00:00:14.337 --> 00:00:15.638
- And welcome again to "pathway to victory."
- 00:00:15.638 --> 00:00:18.174
- We've all felt the magnetic pull of temptation.
- 00:00:18.174 --> 00:00:21.444
- That moment when something we know is wrong
- 00:00:21.444 --> 00:00:24.280
- Suddenly seems irresistible.
- 00:00:24.280 --> 00:00:26.749
- Whether it's a financial shortcut,
- 00:00:26.749 --> 00:00:29.352
- A relationship outside of god's will,
- 00:00:29.352 --> 00:00:31.588
- Or simply losing our temper,
- 00:00:31.588 --> 00:00:33.890
- Temptation comes knocking at everybody's door.
- 00:00:33.890 --> 00:00:37.861
- Well, here's the good news.
- 00:00:37.861 --> 00:00:39.529
- Giving into temptation is not inevitable.
- 00:00:39.529 --> 00:00:42.966
- Today we're going to discover practical biblical strategies
- 00:00:42.966 --> 00:00:47.070
- For resisting the enemy's schemes and walking in victory.
- 00:00:47.070 --> 00:00:51.441
- My message is titled how to handle temptation
- 00:00:51.441 --> 00:00:54.777
- On today's edition of "pathway to victory."
- 00:00:54.777 --> 00:00:58.281
- ♪ music ♪
- 00:00:58.281 --> 00:01:07.223
- ♪ music ♪
- 00:01:07.557 --> 00:01:17.100
- ♪ music ♪
- 00:01:17.433 --> 00:01:20.503
- ♪ it's not conservative or liberal ♪
- 00:01:20.503 --> 00:01:24.774
- ♪ however they're defined ♪
- 00:01:24.774 --> 00:01:28.278
- ♪ it's not about interpretation ♪
- 00:01:28.278 --> 00:01:32.282
- ♪ or the judgment of the mind ♪
- 00:01:32.282 --> 00:01:35.952
- ♪ it's the opposite of politics ♪
- 00:01:35.952 --> 00:01:40.290
- ♪ power or prestige ♪
- 00:01:40.290 --> 00:01:43.526
- ♪ it's about a simple message ♪
- 00:01:43.526 --> 00:01:47.730
- ♪ and whether we believe ♪
- 00:01:47.730 --> 00:01:52.135
- ♪ t's still the cross ♪
- 00:01:52.135 --> 00:01:55.905
- ♪ it's still the blood of calvary ♪
- 00:01:55.905 --> 00:01:59.909
- ♪ that cleanses sins ♪
- 00:01:59.909 --> 00:02:03.947
- ♪ and sets the captives free ♪
- 00:02:03.947 --> 00:02:06.883
- ♪ it's still the name ♪
- 00:02:06.883 --> 00:02:11.020
- ♪ the name of jesus ♪
- 00:02:11.020 --> 00:02:13.389
- ♪ that has power to save the lost ♪
- 00:02:13.389 --> 00:02:18.228
- ♪ it's still the cross ♪
- 00:02:18.228 --> 00:02:22.465
- ♪ though some may say it's man's religion ♪
- 00:02:22.465 --> 00:02:26.502
- ♪ or ancient history ♪
- 00:02:26.502 --> 00:02:30.640
- ♪ the cross of jesus still remains ♪
- 00:02:30.640 --> 00:02:34.277
- ♪ the price for sin that sets us free ♪
- 00:02:34.277 --> 00:02:40.483
- ♪ it's still the cross ♪
- 00:02:41.017 --> 00:02:44.787
- ♪ it's still the blood of calvary ♪
- 00:02:44.787 --> 00:02:49.158
- ♪ that cleanses sins ♪
- 00:02:49.158 --> 00:02:53.129
- ♪ and sets the captives free ♪
- 00:02:53.129 --> 00:02:55.898
- ♪ it's still the name ♪
- 00:02:55.898 --> 00:03:00.136
- ♪ the name of jesus ♪
- 00:03:00.136 --> 00:03:02.505
- ♪ that has power to save the lost ♪
- 00:03:02.505 --> 00:03:07.477
- ♪ it's still the cross ♪
- 00:03:07.477 --> 00:03:12.715
- ♪ it's still the cross ♪
- 00:03:13.249 --> 00:03:19.889
- ♪ it's still the cross ♪
- 00:03:20.423 --> 00:03:33.169
- (congregation applauding)
- 00:03:33.736 --> 00:03:35.271
- [singer] hallelujah.
- 00:03:35.271 --> 00:03:37.440
- [announcer] where there's genuine faith,
- 00:03:38.308 --> 00:03:40.009
- There will always be visible fruit.
- 00:03:40.009 --> 00:03:42.545
- In his brand new book,
- 00:03:42.545 --> 00:03:43.780
- "how to know if you're really saved,"
- 00:03:43.780 --> 00:03:45.848
- Dr. robert jeffress helps you take stock of the evidence
- 00:03:45.848 --> 00:03:48.985
- Of your faith, the spiritual fruit in your daily life.
- 00:03:48.985 --> 00:03:52.922
- This outstanding verse-by-verse walk
- 00:03:52.922 --> 00:03:55.258
- Through the book of james will help you cultivate
- 00:03:55.258 --> 00:03:57.560
- The spiritual fruit that reflects genuine faith.
- 00:03:57.560 --> 00:04:01.130
- Request "how to know if you're really saved"
- 00:04:01.130 --> 00:04:03.466
- When you give a generous gift
- 00:04:03.466 --> 00:04:05.001
- To support the ministry of "pathway to victory."
- 00:04:05.001 --> 00:04:07.236
- ♪ music ♪
- 00:04:07.236 --> 00:04:09.138
- ♪ music ♪
- 00:04:09.138 --> 00:04:15.011
- [dr. jeffress] my late seminary professor,
- 00:04:15.912 --> 00:04:18.247
- Howard hendricks, used to tell the story
- 00:04:18.247 --> 00:04:20.583
- Of the man who boarded an overnight train
- 00:04:20.583 --> 00:04:24.120
- Going from chicago to new york.
- 00:04:24.120 --> 00:04:26.723
- The train was scheduled to make a stop in pittsburgh,
- 00:04:26.723 --> 00:04:30.159
- And so the man, as the train pulled out of chicago,
- 00:04:30.159 --> 00:04:33.629
- Found a porter and said,
- 00:04:33.629 --> 00:04:34.997
- "look, i've got to get off the train in pittsburgh.
- 00:04:34.997 --> 00:04:38.768
- It's the middle of the night.
- 00:04:38.768 --> 00:04:40.636
- I'll be sleepy, i may resist you,
- 00:04:40.636 --> 00:04:43.039
- But whatever you do, get me off this train.
- 00:04:43.039 --> 00:04:46.809
- I've got a business appointment, an interview for a new job.
- 00:04:46.809 --> 00:04:50.580
- And by the way, here's $200
- 00:04:50.580 --> 00:04:52.615
- To make sure you get me off the train."
- 00:04:52.615 --> 00:04:55.551
- Well, the next morning the man awakened
- 00:04:55.551 --> 00:04:58.154
- As the train was pulling into grand central station
- 00:04:58.154 --> 00:05:01.290
- In new york.
- 00:05:01.290 --> 00:05:02.692
- He realized he had missed his stop,
- 00:05:02.692 --> 00:05:04.927
- So he bounded out of bed, ran up and down the train,
- 00:05:04.927 --> 00:05:09.632
- Looking for that negligent porter.
- 00:05:10.400 --> 00:05:12.301
- And when he found him, he grabbed him and began to shake him
- 00:05:12.301 --> 00:05:15.238
- And he said, "i gave you $200 to get me off this train.
- 00:05:15.238 --> 00:05:20.476
- You made me miss my appointment,
- 00:05:21.110 --> 00:05:22.712
- My possibility of a new job.
- 00:05:22.712 --> 00:05:24.747
- I'm going to sue you. i'm going to sue the train company.
- 00:05:24.747 --> 00:05:27.517
- I'm going to sue everybody i can!"
- 00:05:27.517 --> 00:05:29.385
- And with that, he stormed off the train.
- 00:05:29.385 --> 00:05:32.121
- Another passenger was watching the altercation
- 00:05:32.121 --> 00:05:34.657
- And he came up to the porter and said,
- 00:05:34.657 --> 00:05:36.626
- "i've never seen anybody that mad before."
- 00:05:36.626 --> 00:05:40.463
- The porter said, "if you think he was mad,
- 00:05:40.463 --> 00:05:43.032
- You should have seen the guy i put off the train
- 00:05:43.032 --> 00:05:44.767
- In pittsburgh this morning."
- 00:05:44.767 --> 00:05:46.536
- (congregation laughing)
- 00:05:46.536 --> 00:05:50.139
- You know, all of us can sympathize with the guy
- 00:05:51.073 --> 00:05:53.209
- Who got put off the train in pittsburgh.
- 00:05:53.209 --> 00:05:56.045
- Sometimes we feel like we're just the victim
- 00:05:56.045 --> 00:05:58.147
- Of circumstances beyond our control.
- 00:05:58.147 --> 00:06:01.651
- Unfortunately, that feeling of helplessness
- 00:06:01.651 --> 00:06:04.854
- Sometimes extends to our attitude about sin and temptation.
- 00:06:04.854 --> 00:06:10.126
- When we're confronted with temptation,
- 00:06:10.960 --> 00:06:12.361
- We take a passive attitude.
- 00:06:12.361 --> 00:06:14.464
- We excuse disobedience by saying,
- 00:06:14.464 --> 00:06:16.933
- Remember the old comedian flip wilson,
- 00:06:16.933 --> 00:06:19.502
- "the devil made me do it."
- 00:06:19.502 --> 00:06:22.238
- We refuse to take responsibility for sin.
- 00:06:22.238 --> 00:06:25.308
- We think we're victims.
- 00:06:25.308 --> 00:06:27.376
- But james, the half brother of jesus,
- 00:06:27.376 --> 00:06:30.213
- Offers a different perspective on temptation and sin,
- 00:06:30.213 --> 00:06:34.717
- And it's one we're going to look at today.
- 00:06:34.717 --> 00:06:36.552
- If you have your bibles, turn to james chapter 1,
- 00:06:36.552 --> 00:06:40.456
- As we discover how to handle temptation.
- 00:06:40.456 --> 00:06:44.293
- Let's, first of all, talk about the difference
- 00:06:44.293 --> 00:06:47.096
- Between temptations and trials.
- 00:06:47.096 --> 00:06:49.966
- There's a similarity we need to understand
- 00:06:49.966 --> 00:06:52.134
- Before we look at the differences.
- 00:06:52.134 --> 00:06:54.337
- In james 2, james said, "count it all joy, my brethren,
- 00:06:54.337 --> 00:06:59.642
- When you encounter various trials."
- 00:07:00.376 --> 00:07:02.612
- Now, in verse 13, when he talks about temptations, he said,
- 00:07:02.612 --> 00:07:06.048
- "let no one say when he is tempted..."
- 00:07:06.048 --> 00:07:10.586
- The common denominator in those verses is "when."
- 00:07:10.586 --> 00:07:14.290
- "when you encounter trials," not "if" or "should you."
- 00:07:14.290 --> 00:07:18.728
- They're inevitable, but so are temptations.
- 00:07:18.728 --> 00:07:22.298
- Well, then what is the source of temptations?
- 00:07:22.298 --> 00:07:25.401
- God tested abraham, genesis 22:1, to strengthen his faith.
- 00:07:25.401 --> 00:07:30.740
- But where do temptations come from?
- 00:07:31.507 --> 00:07:32.808
- Look at the components that lead up to sin.
- 00:07:32.808 --> 00:07:36.779
- Write it down on your outline.
- 00:07:36.779 --> 00:07:38.648
- Corrupt desires plus the right bait
- 00:07:38.648 --> 00:07:43.753
- Plus a wrong choice equals sin.
- 00:07:44.387 --> 00:07:49.225
- That's how sin comes.
- 00:07:49.225 --> 00:07:51.494
- Corrupt desires plus the right bait
- 00:07:51.494 --> 00:07:54.163
- Plus wrong choices result in sin.
- 00:07:54.163 --> 00:07:57.500
- Let's look at each of those components.
- 00:07:57.500 --> 00:07:59.335
- First of all, corrupt desires.
- 00:07:59.335 --> 00:08:02.338
- "each person is tempted when he is carried away."
- 00:08:02.338 --> 00:08:05.708
- That's what "carried away" refers to,
- 00:08:05.708 --> 00:08:08.978
- Corrupt inward desires we have.
- 00:08:08.978 --> 00:08:12.281
- Our desires, our righteous desires,
- 00:08:12.281 --> 00:08:16.285
- Have been infected by sin.
- 00:08:16.285 --> 00:08:18.487
- We have corrupt desires
- 00:08:18.487 --> 00:08:20.523
- For either the right thing in the wrong way
- 00:08:20.523 --> 00:08:23.059
- Or too much of the right thing.
- 00:08:23.059 --> 00:08:24.760
- It becomes a god in our life.
- 00:08:24.760 --> 00:08:26.796
- Corrupt desires plus the right bait.
- 00:08:26.796 --> 00:08:30.967
- There's an external cause of temptation as well.
- 00:08:30.967 --> 00:08:34.737
- The right bait. that's indicated by the word "enticed."
- 00:08:34.737 --> 00:08:39.108
- "each person is tempted
- 00:08:39.108 --> 00:08:41.177
- When he is carried away and enticed."
- 00:08:41.177 --> 00:08:45.214
- Satan knows exactly what bait to dangle in front of you,
- 00:08:45.214 --> 00:08:50.553
- What it is that you think is going to satisfy
- 00:08:51.520 --> 00:08:53.889
- Your corrupt desires.
- 00:08:53.889 --> 00:08:55.424
- And he knows exactly the right time
- 00:08:55.424 --> 00:08:58.794
- To dangle it in front of you.
- 00:08:58.794 --> 00:09:01.397
- How does this bait work with our corrupt desires
- 00:09:01.397 --> 00:09:04.834
- To produce sin?
- 00:09:04.834 --> 00:09:06.202
- Remember corrupt desires plus the right bait
- 00:09:06.202 --> 00:09:09.205
- Plus the wrong choices.
- 00:09:09.205 --> 00:09:12.108
- That's what verse 15 says.
- 00:09:12.108 --> 00:09:14.143
- "then when lust has conceived, it gives birth to sin,
- 00:09:14.143 --> 00:09:19.448
- And when sin is accomplished, it brings forth death."
- 00:09:20.516 --> 00:09:24.253
- God sometimes takes a christian's life
- 00:09:24.253 --> 00:09:28.290
- Who is involved in sin.
- 00:09:28.290 --> 00:09:30.893
- That is expressed in 1 john 5:16
- 00:09:30.893 --> 00:09:35.064
- When john talks about sin unto death.
- 00:09:35.064 --> 00:09:38.701
- "if anyone sees his brother committing a sin
- 00:09:38.701 --> 00:09:41.671
- Not leading to death,
- 00:09:41.671 --> 00:09:43.239
- He shall ask and god will give him life
- 00:09:43.239 --> 00:09:46.542
- To those who commit sin not leading to death.
- 00:09:46.542 --> 00:09:49.745
- But there is sin leading to death."
- 00:09:49.745 --> 00:09:54.450
- Now, in your english translation, it says, "a sin."
- 00:09:54.450 --> 00:09:58.220
- "a" is an article.
- 00:09:58.220 --> 00:09:59.622
- It makes us think there is one particular sin.
- 00:09:59.622 --> 00:10:02.625
- If you commit that, god's going to kill you.
- 00:10:02.625 --> 00:10:05.661
- That's not what it says in the greek text.
- 00:10:05.661 --> 00:10:07.830
- There is no article. it's anarthrous.
- 00:10:07.830 --> 00:10:11.033
- It literally reads, "sin leading to death."
- 00:10:11.033 --> 00:10:14.437
- It's not a particular sin that causes god to take your life,
- 00:10:14.437 --> 00:10:18.541
- But it's a state of sinning.
- 00:10:18.541 --> 00:10:20.976
- That is, you get so hardened to sin,
- 00:10:20.976 --> 00:10:24.013
- Sin has become so characteristic of your life
- 00:10:24.013 --> 00:10:26.949
- That in some instances god takes your life.
- 00:10:26.949 --> 00:10:31.053
- You are a miserable witness for jesus christ.
- 00:10:31.053 --> 00:10:33.656
- You're leading other people astray.
- 00:10:33.656 --> 00:10:35.758
- God sometimes says it would be better to take this child
- 00:10:35.758 --> 00:10:39.662
- And call him home than to leave him here
- 00:10:39.662 --> 00:10:42.498
- And disrupt my reputation.
- 00:10:42.498 --> 00:10:45.034
- But even though sin doesn't affect
- 00:10:45.034 --> 00:10:47.236
- Our decisional relationship with god.
- 00:10:47.236 --> 00:10:51.874
- It can affect our relational fellowship with god.
- 00:10:51.874 --> 00:10:57.213
- Sin can break our fellowship with our heavenly father.
- 00:10:58.314 --> 00:11:01.851
- When we sin, we put up a wall of separation
- 00:11:01.851 --> 00:11:05.788
- That keeps us from wanting to seek fellowship with god
- 00:11:05.788 --> 00:11:09.759
- Because we feel guilty.
- 00:11:09.759 --> 00:11:11.794
- Guilt wants us to run from god.
- 00:11:11.794 --> 00:11:14.330
- It produces a separation from god.
- 00:11:14.330 --> 00:11:16.766
- I think it's that kind of what one writer calls
- 00:11:16.766 --> 00:11:19.802
- A deathlike existence that david experienced
- 00:11:19.802 --> 00:11:23.939
- After a sin with bathsheba.
- 00:11:23.939 --> 00:11:26.375
- That sin will destroy your practical relationship with god.
- 00:11:26.375 --> 00:11:31.247
- It may destroy your marriage.
- 00:11:31.247 --> 00:11:33.415
- It may destroy your witness for christ.
- 00:11:33.415 --> 00:11:35.718
- It may mean the death of your career.
- 00:11:35.718 --> 00:11:38.087
- But sin always results in death.
- 00:11:38.087 --> 00:11:42.691
- Is there any victory over sin?
- 00:11:43.325 --> 00:11:45.327
- Are we bound inevitably to sin? no.
- 00:11:45.327 --> 00:11:50.766
- Romans 8:2 says we can have freedom over every temptation
- 00:11:51.934 --> 00:11:55.838
- That comes into our life.
- 00:11:56.405 --> 00:11:57.940
- Listen to the words of romans 8, verse 2
- 00:11:57.940 --> 00:12:00.810
- In the living bible.
- 00:12:00.810 --> 00:12:02.244
- "for the power of the life-giving spirit,
- 00:12:02.244 --> 00:12:05.347
- And this power is mine through christ jesus,
- 00:12:05.347 --> 00:12:08.617
- Has freed me from the vicious circle of sin and death."
- 00:12:08.617 --> 00:12:12.588
- If you're a christian, you have the resurrection power
- 00:12:12.588 --> 00:12:16.859
- Of jesus christ in your life.
- 00:12:16.859 --> 00:12:19.195
- The same holy spirit of god, who raised jesus from the dead,
- 00:12:19.195 --> 00:12:23.265
- Is at work in your life
- 00:12:23.265 --> 00:12:25.034
- To deliver you from the power of sin.
- 00:12:25.034 --> 00:12:28.270
- Giving in to temptation isn't inevitable,
- 00:12:28.270 --> 00:12:32.107
- But god's power is not enough.
- 00:12:32.107 --> 00:12:35.578
- That may shock some of you.
- 00:12:35.578 --> 00:12:37.446
- God's power is not enough.
- 00:12:37.446 --> 00:12:40.015
- It requires your and my effort as well.
- 00:12:40.015 --> 00:12:43.419
- How do i know that?
- 00:12:43.419 --> 00:12:44.854
- James 4:7 says, "you resist the devil."
- 00:12:44.854 --> 00:12:49.358
- Not, "let god resist the devil,"
- 00:12:49.358 --> 00:12:51.560
- "you resist the devil, and he will flee from you."
- 00:12:51.560 --> 00:12:56.799
- How do you do that practically?
- 00:12:57.433 --> 00:12:58.968
- How do you resist the devil when temptation comes?
- 00:12:58.968 --> 00:13:03.272
- Let's go back to that equation
- 00:13:03.272 --> 00:13:05.341
- And see how to counteract that equation.
- 00:13:05.341 --> 00:13:08.577
- Remember, the first component is corrupt desires.
- 00:13:08.577 --> 00:13:13.048
- If corrupt desires play a part in our sin,
- 00:13:13.048 --> 00:13:16.619
- Then we need to refuse to nurture our corrupt desires.
- 00:13:16.619 --> 00:13:21.190
- Refuse to nurture, refuse to feed our corrupt desires.
- 00:13:21.190 --> 00:13:26.562
- Now, remember, most desires are legitimate desires
- 00:13:27.563 --> 00:13:30.766
- That have gone wrong.
- 00:13:30.766 --> 00:13:32.601
- God gave us a desire for sex.
- 00:13:32.601 --> 00:13:35.871
- He gave us that desire for sex
- 00:13:35.871 --> 00:13:38.207
- To strengthen our marriage relationship.
- 00:13:38.207 --> 00:13:41.310
- God has given us a desire for money
- 00:13:41.310 --> 00:13:44.146
- To take care of the basic needs of ourselves
- 00:13:44.146 --> 00:13:47.116
- And our family that we're responsible for.
- 00:13:47.116 --> 00:13:50.619
- God has given us a desire to work, that comes from god,
- 00:13:50.619 --> 00:13:54.590
- To help us fulfill our god-given purpose.
- 00:13:54.590 --> 00:13:58.861
- Many times our corrupt desires
- 00:13:58.861 --> 00:14:01.563
- Are genuine desires that we try to meet illegitimately,
- 00:14:01.563 --> 00:14:06.001
- Or they may be desires, needed desires in our life,
- 00:14:06.001 --> 00:14:10.773
- That we take to excess.
- 00:14:10.773 --> 00:14:13.309
- Whatever the case, we're like lion tamers
- 00:14:13.309 --> 00:14:16.712
- Having to constantly tame our temptations
- 00:14:16.712 --> 00:14:20.182
- Either to fulfill desires illegitimately
- 00:14:20.182 --> 00:14:23.485
- Or to fill them in excess.
- 00:14:23.485 --> 00:14:26.388
- How do you do that?
- 00:14:26.388 --> 00:14:27.690
- Well, don't nurture those corrupt desires.
- 00:14:27.690 --> 00:14:30.326
- Job said in job 31, verse 1,
- 00:14:30.326 --> 00:14:33.095
- "i have made a covenant with my eyes.
- 00:14:33.095 --> 00:14:36.298
- How then could i gaze at a young woman, a virgin?"
- 00:14:36.298 --> 00:14:41.637
- He said, "i've just made myself a practice
- 00:14:42.538 --> 00:14:45.607
- That if i see a pretty lady, i'll look once,
- 00:14:45.607 --> 00:14:48.711
- But i'm not going to look twice.
- 00:14:48.711 --> 00:14:50.579
- I'm not going to gaze at her.
- 00:14:50.579 --> 00:14:52.414
- I'm not going to enter a fantasy of what it would be like
- 00:14:52.414 --> 00:14:55.184
- To be with her sexually.
- 00:14:55.184 --> 00:14:56.952
- I won't gaze at a woman."
- 00:14:56.952 --> 00:14:59.254
- I remember when i was youth minister here
- 00:14:59.254 --> 00:15:01.890
- Back when the dinosaurs roamed the earth.
- 00:15:01.890 --> 00:15:04.226
- (congregation laughing)
- 00:15:04.226 --> 00:15:05.627
- I remember one of our students
- 00:15:05.627 --> 00:15:07.196
- Made an appointment to see us.
- 00:15:07.196 --> 00:15:08.831
- He was a guy, a leader in the youth group.
- 00:15:08.831 --> 00:15:10.933
- He said, "robert, i need some advice.
- 00:15:10.933 --> 00:15:14.236
- I just am filled with lust.
- 00:15:14.837 --> 00:15:17.539
- All i can think about are illicit thoughts."
- 00:15:17.539 --> 00:15:20.976
- And i said, "well, is there a time
- 00:15:20.976 --> 00:15:23.612
- When you find those desires increasing,
- 00:15:23.612 --> 00:15:27.282
- A time you're prone to lust?"
- 00:15:27.916 --> 00:15:29.985
- He said, with a straight face,
- 00:15:29.985 --> 00:15:31.353
- "yes, when i'm looking at playboy magazine."
- 00:15:31.353 --> 00:15:35.057
- Remember playboy magazine?
- 00:15:35.624 --> 00:15:37.192
- Some of you act like you don't know what i'm talking about.
- 00:15:37.192 --> 00:15:39.828
- (congregation laughing)
- 00:15:39.828 --> 00:15:41.296
- Today, it's internet porn. but it's just so obvious.
- 00:15:41.296 --> 00:15:45.934
- Why would you do that
- 00:15:45.934 --> 00:15:47.436
- And not expect to have your corrupt desires enticed?
- 00:15:47.436 --> 00:15:52.074
- But you know, it's not just sexual desires
- 00:15:52.074 --> 00:15:55.110
- That can run amuck.
- 00:15:55.110 --> 00:15:56.812
- So can material desires.
- 00:15:56.812 --> 00:15:59.314
- You can feed your corrupt desires for material things.
- 00:15:59.314 --> 00:16:02.718
- We used to call it window shopping.
- 00:16:02.718 --> 00:16:04.853
- Nobody goes to the mall much anymore,
- 00:16:04.853 --> 00:16:07.289
- But you can do it on your iphone.
- 00:16:07.289 --> 00:16:09.291
- You can scroll through and look at all kind of clothes
- 00:16:09.291 --> 00:16:11.894
- You wish you had, or boats, or houses, or different things.
- 00:16:11.894 --> 00:16:17.266
- Some people feel their excessive desire for money.
- 00:16:18.267 --> 00:16:20.669
- They feel that by constantly looking at the stock market
- 00:16:20.669 --> 00:16:24.740
- And see if their investments are up and down
- 00:16:24.740 --> 00:16:26.942
- And calculating how much money they have.
- 00:16:26.942 --> 00:16:29.678
- Whatever desires satan wants to incite in your life,
- 00:16:29.678 --> 00:16:35.250
- Refuse to play along by feeding those desires,
- 00:16:36.151 --> 00:16:39.755
- Whether they're sexual, material, or monetary.
- 00:16:39.755 --> 00:16:43.759
- By the way, it's not enough
- 00:16:43.759 --> 00:16:44.893
- Just to starve your corrupt desires.
- 00:16:44.893 --> 00:16:47.796
- You have to feed your new desires.
- 00:16:47.796 --> 00:16:50.265
- Remember psalm 119, verses 9 and 11?
- 00:16:50.265 --> 00:16:54.303
- David said, "how can a young man keep his life pure?
- 00:16:54.303 --> 00:16:58.073
- By keeping it according to thy word?
- 00:16:58.073 --> 00:17:00.943
- Thy word have i hid in my heart
- 00:17:00.943 --> 00:17:03.812
- That i might not sin against god."
- 00:17:03.812 --> 00:17:07.149
- Secondly, recognize and run from satan's bait.
- 00:17:07.149 --> 00:17:12.855
- Remember, the temptation equation
- 00:17:13.622 --> 00:17:16.125
- Not only involves your corrupt desires,
- 00:17:16.125 --> 00:17:18.660
- But it involves the right bait at the wrong time.
- 00:17:18.660 --> 00:17:23.065
- We need to recognize and run from satan's bait.
- 00:17:23.065 --> 00:17:26.869
- Satan is the master fisherman.
- 00:17:26.869 --> 00:17:29.805
- The best thing you can do is to run from it.
- 00:17:29.805 --> 00:17:33.742
- Run from it. that's what joseph did.
- 00:17:33.742 --> 00:17:36.979
- Remember in genesis 39, the wife of his boss potiphar
- 00:17:36.979 --> 00:17:42.217
- Kept making the moves on joseph?
- 00:17:42.851 --> 00:17:45.387
- She would continually entice him to have sex with her,
- 00:17:45.387 --> 00:17:49.791
- And one day she had joseph all to herself.
- 00:17:49.791 --> 00:17:53.562
- Verse 12 says, "and mrs. potiphar caught him
- 00:17:53.562 --> 00:17:56.965
- By his garment saying, 'lie with me.'"
- 00:17:56.965 --> 00:18:00.769
- Now, that's the sanitized version.
- 00:18:00.769 --> 00:18:02.905
- Literally in hebrew says, "have sex with me."
- 00:18:02.905 --> 00:18:06.842
- How did joseph respond? look at what moses wrote.
- 00:18:06.842 --> 00:18:10.045
- "and joseph said, 'mrs. potiphar,
- 00:18:10.045 --> 00:18:12.514
- I sense you have a deep need in your life.
- 00:18:12.514 --> 00:18:14.750
- Can we pray about it together?
- 00:18:14.750 --> 00:18:17.085
- Mrs. potiphar, i sense there's something missing
- 00:18:17.085 --> 00:18:19.588
- In your marriage.
- 00:18:19.588 --> 00:18:20.589
- May i share with you five secrets
- 00:18:20.589 --> 00:18:22.491
- For assimilating marriage?'"
- 00:18:22.491 --> 00:18:25.127
- No.
- 00:18:25.127 --> 00:18:26.295
- Joseph knew this situation was too much
- 00:18:26.295 --> 00:18:29.398
- For his hot hebrew hormones to handle on his own,
- 00:18:29.398 --> 00:18:33.669
- And so he did the most spiritual thing he could do.
- 00:18:33.669 --> 00:18:36.805
- He scrammed.
- 00:18:36.805 --> 00:18:38.540
- The bible says, "he left his garment in her hand
- 00:18:38.540 --> 00:18:42.144
- And fled and went outside."
- 00:18:42.144 --> 00:18:45.147
- She had grabbed him by his garment.
- 00:18:45.147 --> 00:18:46.682
- He went so far so quickly in the opposite direction.
- 00:18:46.682 --> 00:18:50.085
- She was left holding a piece of his garment.
- 00:18:50.085 --> 00:18:53.455
- That's what 2 timothy 2:22 says.
- 00:18:53.455 --> 00:18:57.159
- "flee, run from, run as fast as you can,
- 00:18:57.159 --> 00:19:01.063
- From youthful lusts."
- 00:19:01.063 --> 00:19:04.499
- The third way to handle temptation
- 00:19:04.499 --> 00:19:07.469
- Is to remember the consequences of sin.
- 00:19:07.469 --> 00:19:11.373
- That's what james is talking about in verse 16 when he says,
- 00:19:11.373 --> 00:19:14.977
- "do not be deceived, my beloved brethren."
- 00:19:14.977 --> 00:19:20.315
- Instead of fantasizing and studying that bait
- 00:19:21.250 --> 00:19:24.686
- That satan has dropped in front of you,
- 00:19:25.487 --> 00:19:28.090
- Look at the hook that is going to destroy you.
- 00:19:29.024 --> 00:19:33.829
- Sometimes when i am tempted,
- 00:19:34.429 --> 00:19:37.065
- I think about the consequences.
- 00:19:37.065 --> 00:19:40.602
- If i fell into sin, what it would mean to this church,
- 00:19:41.703 --> 00:19:46.375
- What it would mean to my family,
- 00:19:46.375 --> 00:19:48.143
- What it would mean to the cause of christ.
- 00:19:48.143 --> 00:19:51.613
- It's helpful sometimes
- 00:19:52.114 --> 00:19:54.216
- To imagine the consequences of your temptation.
- 00:19:54.216 --> 00:19:58.687
- If you were to say yes to that temptation,
- 00:19:58.687 --> 00:20:01.490
- How would it affect your friends
- 00:20:01.490 --> 00:20:04.059
- Who have grown to respect you?
- 00:20:04.059 --> 00:20:05.994
- How would it affect your mate who trusts you?
- 00:20:05.994 --> 00:20:09.865
- What impact would it have on your children who admire you?
- 00:20:09.865 --> 00:20:14.169
- What would it do to your grandchildren who adore you?
- 00:20:15.203 --> 00:20:19.574
- How would saying yes to sin impact your savior
- 00:20:20.475 --> 00:20:25.380
- Who died for you?
- 00:20:25.380 --> 00:20:27.215
- Remember the consequences. don't be deceived.
- 00:20:28.150 --> 00:20:33.188
- In his book, "three steps forward, two steps back,"
- 00:20:34.256 --> 00:20:39.594
- Chuck swindoll tells about an experience long ago he had
- 00:20:40.729 --> 00:20:43.231
- While he was at a bible conference in canada.
- 00:20:43.231 --> 00:20:46.702
- He had been there for eight days.
- 00:20:46.702 --> 00:20:48.603
- He's missing his family, feeling sorry for himself.
- 00:20:48.603 --> 00:20:52.407
- He was stuck on a saturday in a hotel with nothing to do,
- 00:20:52.407 --> 00:20:55.744
- So he went downstairs to the newsstand
- 00:20:55.744 --> 00:20:58.680
- And picked up a few newspapers,
- 00:20:58.680 --> 00:21:00.882
- Headed back to the elevator.
- 00:21:00.882 --> 00:21:02.617
- He pushed the up button,
- 00:21:02.617 --> 00:21:04.553
- And a couple of ladies approached him
- 00:21:05.354 --> 00:21:07.356
- And they pushed the up button.
- 00:21:07.356 --> 00:21:10.025
- Chuck got in the elevator cab with the two women.
- 00:21:10.025 --> 00:21:15.364
- He pressed the sixth floor button
- 00:21:16.098 --> 00:21:18.867
- And he politely asked the women,
- 00:21:18.867 --> 00:21:20.969
- "what floor would you like?"
- 00:21:20.969 --> 00:21:22.938
- They said, "six would be fine.
- 00:21:23.572 --> 00:21:26.408
- Do you have any plans tonight?"
- 00:21:27.042 --> 00:21:29.544
- And chuck said he eventually thought about his family
- 00:21:30.579 --> 00:21:34.616
- And his church,
- 00:21:34.616 --> 00:21:36.551
- But the first thing that came to his mind,
- 00:21:36.551 --> 00:21:38.353
- He said it was like god drew down window blinds
- 00:21:38.353 --> 00:21:42.724
- Over his eyes
- 00:21:42.724 --> 00:21:44.559
- And he saw a verse he had memorized decades earlier.
- 00:21:44.559 --> 00:21:49.164
- It was galatians 6, verse 7.
- 00:21:49.164 --> 00:21:52.701
- "do not be deceived, god is not mocked.
- 00:21:52.701 --> 00:21:57.139
- For whatever a man sows, this he shall also reap."
- 00:21:57.139 --> 00:22:02.377
- Chuck writes, "during that elevator ride,
- 00:22:03.278 --> 00:22:06.581
- The memorized word flew to my rescue.
- 00:22:06.581 --> 00:22:11.086
- As i looked at the two women, i replied,
- 00:22:11.086 --> 00:22:14.356
- 'i've got a full evening planned already.
- 00:22:14.356 --> 00:22:17.159
- I'm really not interested.'
- 00:22:17.159 --> 00:22:19.628
- I walked to my room, suddenly grateful
- 00:22:19.628 --> 00:22:23.498
- For the overcoming power of god's book."
- 00:22:23.498 --> 00:22:27.302
- ♪ music ♪
- 00:22:27.302 --> 00:22:32.007
- That temptation that looks so appealing today
- 00:22:32.908 --> 00:22:36.211
- Can destroy everything you hold dear tomorrow.
- 00:22:36.211 --> 00:22:39.881
- But if you're a christian, you have the holy spirit
- 00:22:39.881 --> 00:22:43.185
- Living inside you.
- 00:22:43.185 --> 00:22:44.886
- And the same holy spirit who raised from the dead
- 00:22:44.886 --> 00:22:48.557
- Gives you the power to resist every temptation
- 00:22:48.557 --> 00:22:52.060
- That comes your way.
- 00:22:52.060 --> 00:22:53.929
- Now, in closing, i want to say thanks to those of you
- 00:22:53.929 --> 00:22:56.565
- Who faithfully support "pathway to victory."
- 00:22:56.565 --> 00:22:59.734
- Because of your generosity,
- 00:22:59.734 --> 00:23:01.403
- We're able to broadcast this program on television, radio,
- 00:23:01.403 --> 00:23:05.040
- And digital platforms, reaching millions of people
- 00:23:05.040 --> 00:23:08.610
- Who desperately need biblical truth.
- 00:23:08.610 --> 00:23:11.746
- Your financial partnership makes it possible for us
- 00:23:11.746 --> 00:23:14.649
- To expand our reach into new cities and countries,
- 00:23:14.649 --> 00:23:18.553
- Touching lives that might otherwise
- 00:23:18.553 --> 00:23:20.822
- Never hear the transforming message of god's word.
- 00:23:20.822 --> 00:23:24.826
- Whether you're a pathway partner who gives monthly
- 00:23:24.826 --> 00:23:27.929
- Or someone who gives an occasional gift,
- 00:23:27.929 --> 00:23:30.298
- Your support is vital to our mission.
- 00:23:30.298 --> 00:23:33.435
- Thank you for partnering with us
- 00:23:33.435 --> 00:23:35.704
- As we pierce the darkness with the light of god's word.
- 00:23:35.704 --> 00:23:40.141
- Now stay right there.
- 00:23:40.141 --> 00:23:41.443
- I'll be back with more "pathway to victory"
- 00:23:41.443 --> 00:23:43.845
- In just a moment.
- 00:23:43.845 --> 00:23:44.980
- ♪ music ♪
- 00:23:44.980 --> 00:23:46.781
- [announcer] every believer wants to see clear evidence
- 00:23:46.781 --> 00:23:49.284
- Of their spiritual growth
- 00:23:49.284 --> 00:23:50.819
- And discover the fruit that god is producing in their lives.
- 00:23:50.819 --> 00:23:54.256
- Dr. robert jeffress shows you exactly how to recognize
- 00:23:54.256 --> 00:23:57.959
- That fruit in his brand new book,
- 00:23:57.959 --> 00:23:59.828
- "how to know if you're really saved."
- 00:23:59.828 --> 00:24:02.264
- [dr. jeffress] the book of james teaches us
- 00:24:02.264 --> 00:24:03.832
- That the christian life is about more
- 00:24:03.832 --> 00:24:06.134
- Than just knowing god's word.
- 00:24:06.134 --> 00:24:08.270
- It's about living it out.
- 00:24:08.270 --> 00:24:09.905
- In my new book, "how to know if you're really saved,"
- 00:24:09.905 --> 00:24:12.674
- I'll walk you through what it truly means
- 00:24:12.674 --> 00:24:14.676
- To be a doer of the word,
- 00:24:14.676 --> 00:24:16.811
- Showing you how to respond to trials,
- 00:24:16.811 --> 00:24:19.281
- Control your speech, endure hardships,
- 00:24:19.281 --> 00:24:22.050
- Resist temptation, and so much more.
- 00:24:22.050 --> 00:24:25.053
- [announcer] this outstanding 232-page book
- 00:24:25.954 --> 00:24:28.156
- Will help you examine the evidence of your faith
- 00:24:28.156 --> 00:24:30.859
- And see the spiritual fruit
- 00:24:30.859 --> 00:24:32.427
- That should be growing in your daily life.
- 00:24:32.427 --> 00:24:35.096
- Request your copy of "how to know if you're really saved"
- 00:24:35.096 --> 00:24:38.233
- When you give a generous gift
- 00:24:38.233 --> 00:24:39.501
- To support the ministry of "pathway to victory"
- 00:24:39.501 --> 00:24:42.270
- Or when you become a pathway partner.
- 00:24:42.270 --> 00:24:44.639
- With your ministry gift of $75 or more,
- 00:24:44.639 --> 00:24:47.642
- We'll send you not just the book,
- 00:24:47.642 --> 00:24:49.377
- But also the personal and group study guide,
- 00:24:49.377 --> 00:24:51.880
- And the complete message series on both cd and dvd.
- 00:24:51.880 --> 00:24:55.784
- [dr. jeffress] if you are truly saved,
- 00:24:55.784 --> 00:24:57.986
- There's going to be evidence of it.
- 00:24:57.986 --> 00:24:59.754
- There's some tests that you need to apply to your life.
- 00:24:59.754 --> 00:25:03.725
- [announcer] thank you for your generous support
- 00:25:03.725 --> 00:25:05.160
- Of "pathway to victory."
- 00:25:05.160 --> 00:25:06.962
- Your partnership helps us bring bold biblical
- 00:25:06.962 --> 00:25:09.564
- And practical teaching into homes
- 00:25:09.564 --> 00:25:11.833
- Across the nation and around the world.
- 00:25:11.833 --> 00:25:13.969
- ♪ music ♪
- 00:25:13.969 --> 00:25:16.304
- [dr. jeffress] when temptation comes knocking,
- 00:25:16.304 --> 00:25:18.673
- You don't have to answer the door.
- 00:25:18.673 --> 00:25:20.842
- By refusing to nurture corrupt desires,
- 00:25:20.842 --> 00:25:23.845
- Recognizing satan's bait,
- 00:25:23.845 --> 00:25:26.047
- And remembering sin's consequences,
- 00:25:26.047 --> 00:25:28.783
- You can experience victory every single time.
- 00:25:28.783 --> 00:25:32.954
- Well, it's one thing to hear god's word,
- 00:25:32.954 --> 00:25:35.323
- But it's an entirely different thing
- 00:25:35.323 --> 00:25:37.726
- To actually do what god's word says.
- 00:25:37.726 --> 00:25:40.428
- Next time, we'll discover why being a doer of the word
- 00:25:40.428 --> 00:25:44.599
- And not just a hearer is the key to experiencing
- 00:25:44.599 --> 00:25:47.802
- God's richest blessings in your life.
- 00:25:47.802 --> 00:25:50.872
- Stay tuned for a preview of what's coming up next
- 00:25:50.872 --> 00:25:53.074
- In our series, "how to know if you're really saved."
- 00:25:53.074 --> 00:25:57.245
- It's possible to love the word of god,
- 00:25:58.079 --> 00:26:01.549
- To read the word of god, to defend the word of god
- 00:26:01.549 --> 00:26:05.453
- Without ever doing the word of god.
- 00:26:05.453 --> 00:26:09.557
- We have been called to be doers of the word of god
- 00:26:09.557 --> 00:26:13.762
- And not hearers only.
- 00:26:13.762 --> 00:26:16.331
- [announcer] set your dvr and join us next time
- 00:26:16.331 --> 00:26:18.533
- For the message "mirror, mirror on the wall,"
- 00:26:18.533 --> 00:26:21.436
- Here on "pathway to victory."
- 00:26:21.436 --> 00:26:22.804
- ♪ music ♪
- 00:26:22.804 --> 00:26:25.774
- Step away from your daily routine
- 00:26:25.774 --> 00:26:27.709
- And immerse yourself in god's masterpiece
- 00:26:27.709 --> 00:26:30.211
- On the pathway to victory cruise to alaska,
- 00:26:30.211 --> 00:26:32.814
- June 13 through 20, 2026.
- 00:26:32.814 --> 00:26:35.684
- [dr. jeffress] imagine starting each day immersed
- 00:26:35.684 --> 00:26:37.719
- In god's word, then stepping out to witness god's grandeur,
- 00:26:37.719 --> 00:26:41.756
- From the majestic glaciers to soaring eagles.
- 00:26:41.756 --> 00:26:45.193
- These moments in god's creation will deepen your faith
- 00:26:45.193 --> 00:26:48.563
- In powerful ways.
- 00:26:48.563 --> 00:26:49.964
- [announcer] experience five-star dining,
- 00:26:49.964 --> 00:26:51.866
- Luxurious state rooms, and exceptional service
- 00:26:51.866 --> 00:26:54.569
- While visiting iconic ports like juneau,
- 00:26:54.569 --> 00:26:56.971
- Ketchikan, and skagway.
- 00:26:56.971 --> 00:26:58.873
- [dr. jeffress] we'll explore god's word together
- 00:26:58.873 --> 00:27:00.742
- Against the backdrop of his most impressive handiwork.
- 00:27:00.742 --> 00:27:04.612
- I promise your return home with memories
- 00:27:04.612 --> 00:27:07.182
- That will last a lifetime
- 00:27:07.182 --> 00:27:08.616
- And a heart renewed by god's presence.
- 00:27:08.616 --> 00:27:12.120
- [announcer] to book your spot on the 2026
- 00:27:12.120 --> 00:27:14.189
- Pathway to victory cruise to alaska,
- 00:27:14.189 --> 00:27:16.424
- Call 888-280-6747
- 00:27:16.424 --> 00:27:20.028
- Or go to ptv.org.
- 00:27:20.028 --> 00:27:22.030
- ♪ music ♪
- 00:27:22.030 --> 00:27:22.030