New Believers Bible - Flipbook - Page 113
FIRST STEPS
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1. Recognize That You Are a New Creation. When you understand what
God has done in your life, obedience becomes more of a desire than a mere
duty (see 2 Corinthians 5:14-17, page 1051).
2. Follow God Wholeheartedly. When you follow God completely, you will
finish the race of life well (see Joshua 14:6-14, page 201).
3. Offer God More than Lip Service. God looks at your heart more than
your religious actions (see 1 Samuel 15:1-23, page 249).
4. Live in God’s Love. Discover the secret of true and lasting joy (see John
15:9-11, page 957).
5. Put On God’s Armor. Obedience prepares you for the battles of life (see
Romans 13:11-14, page 1019).
6. Let God Occupy Your Thoughts. Your thoughts will affect your actions
(see Colossians 3:2-4, page 1081).
Now that you are a follower of Jesus Christ, Satan is going to try to draw you away
by tempting you to disobey God’s Word. It is not a sin to be tempted—even Jesus
was tempted (see Luke 4:1-13, pages 902-903). We sin when we give in to that
temptation. The good news is that God will never let a temptation become so
strong that we can’t handle it. In addition, he has given us specific ways to handle
temptation. Here are four things to remember when dealing with temptation.
1. Realize Who Is Tempting You. Satan is the mastermind behind all of
your temptations (see Ephesians 6:10-12, page 1069).
2. Resist the Devil. The Bible says that if you resist Satan’s enticements, he
will flee from you (see James 4:7-8, page 1129).
3. Rejoice Because Victory Is Yours in Christ Jesus. God promises that
he will always provide a way of escape (see 1 Corinthians 10:13, page 1037).
4. Remember That Others Have Successfully Dealt with Temptation.
Joseph’s example shows us one of the best ways to resist temptation (see
Genesis 39:1-23, page 37).
Some people look at the Christian life and say, “I couldn’t begin to live that way
and hold to those standards. It is too hard!” This is true. It is not hard to be a
Christian—it is impossible (that is, without the help of the Holy Spirit). You see,
God has given you power to live the Christian life. The moment you asked Jesus
