“The Way of Escape”

Introduction

I.     When one is in some difficulty, it is natural to seek for a way of escape.
II. 	One of the most outstanding promises of the word of God is that a way of  escape from temptation will be provided God’s children.  I Cor. 10:13.
III. 	 God’s children have not always used the way of escape and many have become      	guilty of transgressions.
IV. 	 It is important for us to be aware of such bad examples, and it is important that 	we understand the value of this promise of God.
V. 	 I would like for you to give me your attention today as we together study God’s 	teaching on “the way of escape.”
 
Body

I. 	The way of escape was apparently not utilized by some Bible characters.
A. 	Eve and Adam missed a wonderful opportunity to avoid their temptation.
1. 	They had been placed in a beautiful garden and told they could eat of any of the trees of the garden, but of the fruit of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil.  Gen. 2:16-17.
2. 	In spite of all the fruit they could eat, Eve chose to listen to the serpent, and she and Adam ate of the forbidden fruit.  Gen. 3:1-6.
3. 	The way of escape was there, but they ignored it.
B. 	David had been given multiple wives, but he did not use this to avoid his temptation with Bathsheba.
1. 	David could have fulfilled his desires with his wives, but he chose to take another man’s wife.  II Sam. 11:2-13.
2. 	Again, a way of escape was available, but David did not use it.

II. 	We should be aware of the temptations to sin and should seek the way of escape that God provides.  I Cor. 10:13.
A. 	Jesus, as our example, met temptations by quoting the Scriptures.           Matt. 4:1-11.
B. 	Paul taught that marriage was desirable as a means of avoiding fornication.     I Cor. 7:1-5.	
C. 	When we are faced with evil thoughts, we are taught to think on good things.  Phil. 4:8.
D. 	If we are tempted to render vengeance to those who have done us wrong, we must yield to the wrath of God.  Rom. 12:19-13:7. 
E. 	If we are tempted to steal, we should go to work.  Eph. 4:28.
F. 	If we are discouraged, we should look to Jesus.  Heb. 12:1-6.
G. 	If we are suffering, we should pray.  James 5:13.
H. 	If we are cheerful we don’t have to do bad things to celebrate, we can sing praises.  James 5:13.
I. 	When we have sinned, we do not have to be in despair, since we can pray for forgiveness.  James 5:16; I John 1:9.  
J. 	If we think things are bad for us here upon this earth, we should be revived with our hope of heaven.  Hebrews 6:18-20.    

	

 

“The Way of Escape,” page 2.

Conclusion

I.     All of us have experiences which tempt us to do wrong.
II.   We should look for some means of overcoming the temptation.
III. 	We should remember that God has promised to make a way of escape.                    I Cor. 10:13.
IV. 	It may well be that we simply have to think of the Scripture that forbids the doing of that which is wrong.
V. 	Somehow we can overcome sin in our lives, so look for the way of escape.
VI.  Obey the Lord so as to be able to claim this promise.

Prepared by:
   David Arnold
   December 13, 1998