The Key to Defeating Temptation!
Sunday, August 24, 2025
Reverend Larry Deering
Scripture
Mark 14:27-42
27You will all fall away, Jesus told them, for it is written: 'I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep will be scattered.'
28But after I have risen, I will go ahead of you into Galilee.
29Peter declared, Even if all fall away, I will not.
30Truly I tell you, Jesus answered, today-yes, tonight-before the rooster crows twice Some early manuscripts do not have [twice.] you yourself will disown me three times.
31But Peter insisted emphatically, Even if I have to die with you, I will never disown you. And all the others said the same.
32They went to a place called Gethsemane, and Jesus said to his disciples, Sit here while I pray.
33He took Peter, James and John along with him, and he began to be deeply distressed and troubled.
34My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death, he said to them. Stay here and keep watch.
35Going a little farther, he fell to the ground and prayed that if possible the hour might pass from him.
36Abba, Aramaic for [father] Father, he said, everything is possible for you. Take this cup from me. Yet not what I will, but what you will.
37Then he returned to his disciples and found them sleeping. Simon, he said to Peter, are you asleep? Couldn't you keep watch for one hour?
38Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.
39Once more he went away and prayed the same thing.
40When he came back, he again found them sleeping, because their eyes were heavy. They did not know what to say to him.
41Returning the third time, he said to them, Are you still sleeping and resting? Enough! The hour has come. Look, the Son of Man is delivered into the hands of sinners.
42Rise! Let us go! Here comes my betrayer!
Luke 22:41-44
41He withdrew about a stone's throw beyond them, knelt down and prayed,
42Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done.
43An angel from heaven appeared to him and strengthened him.
44And being in anguish, he prayed more earnestly, and his sweat was like drops of blood falling to the ground. Many early manuscripts do not have verses 43 and 44.
Hebrews 5:7-9
7During the days of Jesus' life on earth, he offered up prayers and petitions with fervent cries and tears to the one who could save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverent submission.
8Son though he was, he learned obedience from what he suffered
9and, once made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey him
Matthew 7:24
24Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock.
Matthew 27:46
46About three in the afternoon Jesus cried out in a loud voice, Eli, Eli, Some manuscripts [Eloi, Eloi] lema sabachthani? (which means My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?).
Proverbs 3:5-6
5Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding;
6in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight. Or [will direct your paths]
1 Corinthians 10:13
13No temptation The Greek for [temptation] and [tempted] can also mean [testing] and [tested]. has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted The Greek for [temptation] and [tempted] can also mean [testing] and [tested]. beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, The Greek for [temptation] and [tempted] can also mean [testing] and [tested]. he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.
Ephesians 6:11
11Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes.
Ephesians 6:18-19
18And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord's people.
19Pray also for me, that whenever I speak, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel,