Page 34 - First Steps 2023

self attracted to a woman who’s also attending the conference. And
to his surprise, she seems to find him appealing as well.
He begins entertaining lustful thoughts, finding ways to be near
her. Professional conversations turn into flirting and flirting into after-

dinner drinks. Toward the end of the conference, the two spend the
night together.
He’s allowed evil desires to not only give birth to sin, but then
allowed thoughts to become actions.
Actions with devastating results.
Not only is the man’s relationship with God damaged, but the
STD he brings home to his marital bed is impossible to hide—result-

ing in the death of his marriage and the loss of his family.
And, left untreated, the disease will even cost him his physical
life.

The truth is, though Jesus has set you free from sin, it’s a freedom
requiring you to do your part to stay free.
You have to decide your freedom is worth defending when temptation
appears…and temptation will appear.
Both of you review the following chart that describes how temptation

leads to sin on both battlefronts: in your mind, and in your actions.

Christian Object of
Temptation
Enticed by
STAGE ONE evil desire
Battle of Temptation Result
the Mind is sin

Sin is full
grown: action
Opportunity
STAGE TWO Death
Sinful Action

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