S- Scripture: 1 Corinthians 10:12-13, “If you think you are standing strong, be careful, for you, too, may fall into the same sin.  But remember that the temptations that come into your life are no different from what others experience.  And God is faithful. He will keep the temptation from becoming so strong that you can’t stand up against it.  When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you will not give in to it.”  (NLT)

O-Observation: Paul warns and admonishes the church to be careful about self-reliance against the temptations of the flesh.  He tells the church to:  Remember that temptations are common to man, God is faithful to help us, and God will keep the temptation from becoming too strong for us to handle.  If temptations overtake us, it is not because God did not do His part.  When we give in to temptation, we simply ignore and rebel against the conviction of the Holy Spirit so that we can enjoy the pleasures of sin (for a moment).

A-Application: I will do my very best to heed the conviction of the Holy Spirit.  I will rely on God and other people to help me be the most effective disciple of Christ.  I will work hard to work within my strength-zone so that I’m not distracted, and will help others find their strength-zone so that they too can be empowered to do the work of Christ!

P-Prayer: Father, help me to lead myself effectively, so that I can properly and effectively lead others to do the work of Christ.  In Jesus name.  Amen.

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