Transcription downloaded from https://yetanothersermon.host/_/walkwithme/sermons/5766/dealing-with-temptation/. Disclaimer: this is an automatically generated machine transcription - there may be small errors or mistranscriptions. Please refer to the original audio if you are in any doubt. [0:00] The 27th of December, Dealing with Temptation Psalm 51.10 Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right or steadfast spirit within me. [0:15] In my daily Bible reading, recently I was reading the story of Joseph as we have it in Genesis from chapters 37 to 50. At one point in his story, Joseph was put in a very difficult situation when the wife of his master tried to lure him to have sex with her. [0:33] Joseph did the right thing and got out of the house as quickly as he could and told the woman he would have nothing to do with her as far as sex was concerned. It can be easy to get into situations where temptations to sin can be strong, whether these have to do with sex or any other sin. [0:49] At this time of year, the temptation to drink too much can be very strong, as many people treat the end of the year as a great excuse for all sorts of goings-on they may afterwards regret. [1:02] In the New Testament, we are told to flee from temptations, 1 Timothy 6.11 and to resist the devil, and then he will flee from us, James 4.7 David, who wrote Psalm 51, knew how easy it was to give in to temptations, and he had to confess his sinfulness. [1:24] That is why he asked God to create in him a clean heart. Only God can do that. The word create here is the same word which tells us God created the world. [1:34] We need God to help us overcome temptations to sin, and to give us a heart that is faithful to him. Be sure to ask God to help you overcome temptation to do anything you may later regret. [1:49] And a prayer. Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Amen. [1:59] Amen.