Kitchen Table Theology
Where Coffee, Conversation, and Theology Meet. During my 40 years in ministry, I’ve developed an increasing burden for what I sense to be an increase in biblical illiteracy, not only among those in our churches, but also in the young men and women entering the ministry. Conversely, I am hopeful, because I also sense a hunger from people to learn and know biblical truth and the things of God has revealed to us in Scripture. Our Kitchen Table Theology team has developed a list of over 150 doctrinal topics which I, along with one of my cohosts, Jen Denton or Tiffany Coker, examine weekly. Our goal is to educate and share biblical truth on the same level as if we were sitting at your kitchen table with a Bible and a pot of southern pecan coffee in front of us. Welcome to the table!
Kitchen Table Theology
261 How to Overcome Temptation, Vice, and the Flesh
Every Christian wrestles with temptation, but the Bible outlines a clear plan for victory.
By submitting to God, fleeing from sin, and choosing holiness daily, we can live in freedom and strength. In this episode, Pastor Jeff and Tiffany explore why we face temptation and how believers can overcome it. They unpack practical steps from Scripture to stay steadfast in faith and restore fellowship with God when we fall short.
What We Discussed
[00:00] Introduction: Spiritual Victory and Temptation
Pastor Jeff and Tiffany continue their series on practical theology, turning to the topic of temptation and how believers can live in victory through Christ.
[01:18] The Story of José Rivera
Pastor Jeff shares a humorous story originally told by Ravi Zacharias that illustrates how easily temptation can win when we give in to selfish desires.
[04:30] What Is Temptation?
Temptation is the invitation to act against God’s will. It can come from the sin nature within us, from Satan, or from the world around us.
[05:19] Step 1: Decide Not to Yield
Victory begins with a firm choice to resist. James 4:7 reminds us to “Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.”
[06:33] Step 2: Submit to God Immediately
The first move in any moment of temptation is to surrender control to God. Submission gives Him command of our hearts and strength to resist.
[07:21] Step 3: Resist in God’s Strength
We cannot fight temptation in our own power. We must rely on God’s strength and, when possible, remove ourselves from the situation, just as Joseph fled from Potiphar’s wife in Genesis 39.
[08:16] Step 4: Do the Holy Alternative
Instead of focusing only on what to avoid, believers are called to do the holy alternative, to obey God and walk in His will.
[10:16] Step 5: Avoid What Tempts You
Paul’s words in 2 Corinthians 6:17 call believers to “come out from among them and be separate.” Avoid people, places, and influences that stir temptation.
[13:00] Step 6: Deal with Sin Immediately
When we fall, we must confess and repent quickly. Sin breaks fellowship with God, but confession restores intimacy and peace.
[14:04] What Happens When Fellowship Breaks
Sin doesn’t destroy salvation, but it creates a barrier in our relationship with God. Like conflict in a family, the bond remains, but the closeness is lost until forgiveness is sought.
[16:00] Restoring Fellowship through Repentance
Repentance is turning 180 degrees back toward God. 1 John 1:9 assures us that when we confess, He is faithful to forgive and cleanse us. Even after failure, repentance brings victory.
[17:37] The Real Victory
No victory over temptation is permanent in this life, but every defeat can become victory when it leads us back to repentance and renewal in Christ.
“Defeat can become victory when repentance leads us back to God.” – Pastor Jeff Cranston
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Remember, the real power of theology is not only knowing it but applying it. Thanks for listening!