Thank you for listening to Servants for Christ. And all that we do and all that we say, we want to give glory and honor to our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Thank you for tuning us in as we get into the wonderful Word of God. For the next few minutes, let's take the beautiful Word of God and share it with each and every one of you as we have a sense of anticipation to take the Word of God and to listen to its truth for each and every one. As we tune in, in our continuing series, Sugar Creek Adventures. Here in our sixth series, Navigating the Murky Waters of Temptation. It's based on the Swamp Robber book. All of this based on Paul Hutchings' childhood adventures around the fishing hole, the swimming hole, the island, and the woods that surround Indiana. Sugar Creek inspired these wonderful novels for teenagers. as you take your Bibles to James 1, verse 14, as we unlock God's truth for today's teens. This sermon series is for teenagers that I use for our children's ministries based on Paul Hunchin's memories of childhood adventures around the fishing swimming hole and the island woods that surround Indiana's Sugar Creek Tails. If you have your Bibles handy, turn to James 1, verse 14. The Word of God says, but every man is tempted when he's drawn away of his own lust and enticed. Will you pray with me? Heavenly Father, we come before you, acknowledging our constant need for your guidance and forgiveness. And your Word assures us that if we confess our sins, that you're faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. And Lord, as we explore the adventure of the swamp robber, where the sugarcrete gang remind us of the dangerous nature of temptation that can lurk in the shadows of our lives. Your word warns us in James 1.14. Grant us discernment and strength to navigate the murky waters of temptation and to cling to your truth. In Jesus' marvelous mighty name we pray, amen. I was reading about a group of teenagers who found an abandoned boat filled with valuable items. They knew it likely belonged to someone who had been lost in a storm. And so the temptation to keep the items, which were things they had always wanted, was strong. Some argued that no one would ever know. But one of the teens argued, even though that no one would ever know, remembering his parents' teaching about honesty, convinced the others to try and find the rightful owner. It turned out the boat belonged to a struggling fisherman who had lost his livelihood. Their decision to resist temptation and do the right thing brought immense relief and gratitude to that fisherman. Well, as we wade into the murky world of the swamp robber with the Sugar Creek Gang, in this sixth series, The gang encounters a mysterious mystery involving stolen goods and individuals who are likely given in to the temptation of greed. And just like those teenagers with the abandoned boat, the characters in this book faces choices between right and wrong, often by the promise of something they desire. And this story offers valuable insights into the nature of temptation with our teenagers and how that we can resist its pull in our own lives. What are some of the swamps that's in our lives? The situations and desires that can tempt us to make the wrong choices? Well, the alluring bait of temptation. Because temptation offers presents itself an attractive way, a promising pleasure, a gain or an easy way out. And just like a robber might be allured by the prospect of stolen goods, we can be drawn in by things that seem appealing on the surface. And so, we look at the learned bait of temptation. First of all, the deceptive promise, the appeal to our desires. Temptation often targets our natural desires and longings, twisting them into something harmful. Well, in the book, The Swap Robber, likely desired wealth or possessions, and James 1.14 explains, but every man is tempted when he's drawn away of his own lust and enticed. Well, the Greek word for lust here, teenagers, simply means desire. In its context, it refers to a strong craving that can lead to sin when not controlled. And so, that deceptive promise, the appeal of our desires. Secondly, the illusion of easy gain, because temptation often suggests that we can get what we want without hard work, or by taking shortcuts, or even if it means doing something wrong. And so the devil often dangles the bait of ease to allure us into sin. Proverbs 21 5 warns, the thoughts of the diligent tend only to plentiness, but of everyone that is hasty only to want. You see, true and lasting gain comes through honest effort. And so that deceptive promise is the appeal to our desires, the illusion of easy game, but thirdly, the downplaying of consequences. You see, temptation often tries to minimize or to hide the negative consequences of our actions. The swamp riber might have thought he could get away with his crimes, and so The reality of sin's consequences. Paul said in Galatians 6, 7, that reminds us, be not deceived. God is not mocked. For whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. Our choices always have consequences, teenagers. Do you hear me? I remember reading in our daily bread about a teenager who was tempted to cheat. And in that temptation, it was on an important exam. The pressure to succeed was immense, and it seemed like everyone else was doing it. The temptation to take that easy way out was strong, but she realized that even if she got a good grade, she would know it wasn't earned, and it would erode her integrity. And what are we without integrity? That's all of our character. That's everything about us, our integrity. She chose to study hard, to do her best and even though it was more challenging you know our willpower sometimes when faced with a plate of freshly baked cookies is about as strong as a wet paper bag in a hurricane the temptation is just too real and so we look and we see that through navigating the murky waters of temptation that we see that uh... the learned bait of temptation, that is the deceptive promise. But secondly, we saw navigating the treacherous waters. And that is just like the Sugar Creek gang had to navigate the dangerous swamp. We need to learn how to navigate the treacherous waters of temptation in our lives. So secondly, not only first that we see the deceptive promise, but secondly, we find our footing in faith. Recognizing the warning signs, just as there are signs of danger in a swamp, there are warning signs that are being tempted. Often, we need to be aware of our weaknesses and the situations that might trigger that temptation. Paul said in 1 Corinthians 10, 12, that cautions all of us, he says, wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall. You see, we need to be vigilant. And so when we find our footing in faith, we recognize the warning signs, but secondly, we seek God's guidance. When we're faced with temptation, we need to turn to God for wisdom and strength. Prayer is our lifeline in the face of temptation. Psalms 119 verse 33 prays, order my steps in thy word and let not any iniquity have dominion over me. You see, we need to ask God to guide us away from temptation. And so, when we're finding our footing in faith, recognize the warning signs, seek God's guidance, but thirdly, find strength in community. Just as the Sugar Creek gang relied on each other, we need the support of fellow believers to resist temptation. And so it's the importance of accountability within the Christian community. Paul said, or actually the writer of Hebrews said this, Hebrews 3.13, that urges, but exhort one another daily while it is called today, lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin. We need to encourage and support each other in our walk of faith. I remember watching the movie The Lord of the Rings, and Frodo was constantly tempted by the power of one ring in particular. It was a heavy burden, and he often felt overwhelmed by it. But he had the support of Sam, who stayed by his side, helped him resist the ring's influence, and we also need faithful friends who will help us stay strong in the face of temptation. You know, my many attempts at resisting temptation sometimes involve me just closing my eyes and pretending the tempting thing doesn't exist. It's not the most effective strategy, but it's a start. And so we look and we remember each of us, that first of all, they're luring bait of temptation. And we see navigating the treacherous waters. But thirdly, we can stand firm on God's truth because we can reach solid ground. Just as the Sugar Creek Gang found solid ground after navigating the swamp, we can find stability and peace when we resist temptation to choose to do what is right. We stand firm on God's truth. And so by standing firm on God's truth, we choose obedience. We resist the temptation. Ultimately, that comes down to choosing to obey God's commands. And so, obedience is the truest form of the lovable God. And John chapter 14 verse 15 says, if you love me, keep my commandments. Our love for God should motivate us to resist temptation. Stand firm on God's truth, choosing obedience, but secondly, finding freedom in forgiveness. When we do forgive to temptation, God offers forgiveness through Jesus Christ. And so, when we look at the power of God's forgiveness. 1 Corinthians 10, verse 13, that assures us, there hath no temptation taken you, but such as is common to man. But God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted, above that ye are able. But will the temptation also make a way to escape, that you may be able to bear it? And so God provides a way out of temptation and offers forgiveness when we stumble. And so we stand firm on God's truth. We choose obedience. We find freedom in forgiveness. But thirdly, and in closing, we grow in strength. Every time we resist temptation, we grow stronger and stronger in our faith and our ability to make right choices in the future. because the spiritual growth, when we overcome these challenges, 2 Peter 1, verses five, six, and seven, encourages us to add to your faith virtue, and to your virtue, knowledge, and to knowledge, temperance, and to temperance, patience, and to patience, godliness, and to godliness, brotherly kindness, and to brotherly kindness, charity. Resisting temptation, you see, is a part of this process of spiritual growth. I was reading about a story from Daily Guidepost about someone who struggled with a particular addiction for years. They repetitively gave in to temptation, feeling trapped and hopeless. But through prayer, the support of their church community, and a commitment to God's Word, they gradually found strength to overcome their addiction and experience true freedom. You know, Our attempts at being virtuous often last until someone offers us a second slice of pizza and then, oh my no, it turns into a very enthusiastic yes. You see, a shadowy figure lurks within the murky depths, a whisper of echoing through the swamp, and the Sugar Creek gang, drawn into this world of hidden motives and potential danger, must navigate not only the treacherous terrain, but the currents of temptation. Will they encumb to the allurement of easy riches, or will their moral compass guide them through the fog of desire to the solid ground of truth and righteousness. Well, the Swamp holds secrets, not just of stolen goods, but of the human heart's battle against the enticing pull of the forbidden. And as I close out, the adventure of the swamp robber reminds us that temptation is a very real and constant challenge in our lives, like navigating a dangerous swamp, resisting temptation that requires awareness, wisdom, and the support of others. But we are not alone in the struggle. God offers us His guidance, His strength, and His forgiveness. And by recognizing the alluring bait of temptation, seeking God's help, and choosing obedience, we can navigate the murky waters and reach the solid ground of His truth, experiencing the peace and freedom that come from doing what is right. And so I wonder what Pacific area or temptation are you currently facing in your life? What kind of swamp is really getting to you? I think maybe it's related to the social media and the peer pressure and the desire for something that you know isn't right for you. God help you. But I hope that you identify that temptation and commit to praying about it daily, asking God for strength to resist it. the practical steps that you can take this week to avoid or to overcome that temptation. Maybe it's limiting your time on social media, choosing different friends, or finding healthy ways to deal with your desires. And so, as I close out, and as I usually do, is there someone here that's listening to this message, that feels trapped in a cycle of temptation and wants to ask God for help and forgiveness. You don't know how many men from other churches through the years have come to me because they did not want their own pastor to know what they were going through. So at least they did something good. They went to the pastor of another church and no one will ever know who they are because of confidentiality. And because of that time that we helped these men, because I was just a prayer partner, I was just one that held them accountable, but God was the one that gave them the strength to overcome. I want to invite you to come forward as we pray and ask God to break that power of temptation in your life and to lead you to a path of righteousness. I always like to close out with scripture. Psalms 119 verse 11 that says, thy word have I hid in my heart that I might not sin against thee. And now will you pray with me as I close out? Heavenly Father, I want to thank you for your word that warns us about the dangers of temptation and your promise to provide a way of escape. We pray for each person here today that you would give them the strength to resist the allurement of temptation and to choose your path of righteousness. And for those who came forward, Lord, We ask for your special grace and power to break free from the grip of temptation and to experience the freedom that comes from living according to your will. May we all learn to navigate the challenges of life with wisdom, discernment, and an unwavering commitment to your truth. In Jesus Christ we pray. Amen. Hey, as I always say something last, remember when temptation knocks, just say, sorry, I'm busy with Jesus. You might get some weird looks, but it might just work. Hey, sorry, I'm busy with Jesus. May God bless you. you