Bible Sermon Outline: Five Spiritual Laws of Tempation
Bible Text: 1 Corinthians 10:11–13; James 1:12–13
Theme: God gives clear guidance in how to face temptation.
Big Idea: Temptation comes daily, but God provides examples, limits, and escape routes so we can endure and grow spiritually.
1. The Old Testament as Our Example (1 Corinthians 10:11)
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Israel’s failures in the wilderness warn us today.
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Repeated testing shows God’s persistence in shaping faith.
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Falling into the same “holes” means it’s time to change direction.
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A tested faith becomes a true and strong faith.
2. Spiritual Law #1 – No Unknown Temptations (1 Corinthians 10:13)
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Every temptation we face is “common to man.”
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No one can truthfully say, “No one has ever gone through this but me.”
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The lust of the eyes, lust of the flesh, and pride of life are timeless tests.
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Temptations may look modern but are the same old traps.
3. Spiritual Law #2 – God’s Hand Limits the Load (1 Corinthians 10:13)
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God promises not to allow more than we can bear.
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Trials may bend us but will not break us.
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Like a father correcting a child, God tests but does not destroy.
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His eyes are on us every step of the way.
4. Spiritual Law #3 – God Provides an Escape (1 Corinthians 10:13)
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With each temptation, God provides a way out.
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Walking by faith, not by sight, shows the escape route.
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Anger and bitterness blind us to God’s provision.
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Humility opens our eyes to God’s deliverance.
5. Spiritual Law #4 – Spiritual Growth Comes Through Testing (James 1:12)
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Trials grow faith and build endurance.
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Smooth seas don’t make skillful sailors; adversity shapes Christians.
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The real test is how we act under pressure, not when life is easy.
6. Spiritual Law #5 – God Never Tempts Anyone (James 1:13)
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God allows tests, but He is not the tempter.
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Moses, Job, David, Peter—all tempted by weakness, flesh, or Satan.
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We cannot blame God for our failures.
Alliterated Points
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Examples from Israel
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Extent of temptation (common to all)
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Escape always provided
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Endurance builds strength
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Exemption—God never tempts us
Illustration / Example
A man fell into the same hole in the sidewalk four days in a row while reading his paper. On the fifth day, he finally chose a different route. Temptation teaches us to stop repeating the same mistakes and take God’s way of escape.
Conclusion / Invitation
The true test of Christianity isn’t church attendance or giving but how we respond to temptation. Will we grow bitter or better? God promises help, limits, and escape if we trust Him. Choose today to rely on Christ for strength in trials.