Before temptations, we cannot boast about our own self will

Our humanity can never be a worthy opponent of temptations 

You can only overcome with God

So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them. God blessed them and said to them, “Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it. Rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky and over every living creature that moves on the ground.” (Genesis 1:27-28 NIV)

And the Lord God commanded the man, “You are free to eat from any tree in the garden; but you must not eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, for when you eat from it you will certainly die.” (Genesis 2:16-17 NIV)

“You will not certainly die,” the serpent said to the woman. “For God knows that when you eat from it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.” When the woman saw that the fruit of the tree was good for food and pleasing to the eye, and also desirable for gaining wisdom, she took some and ate it. She also gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate it. (Genesis 3:4-6 NIV)

Garden of Eden is designed to represent god's sovereignty and goodness. Before man is created, fallen angels are already there, challenging the sovereignty of God. Therefore the devil tempts Adam (define yourself, choose for yourself, exalt yourself)

Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him. When tempted, no one should say, “God is tempting me.” For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; but each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed. Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death. Don’t be deceived, my dear brothers and sisters. Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. (James 1:12-17 NIV)

1. God has ordained temptations/ evil although he is not culpable, responsible for it 
2. Man is responsible for falling into temptations (even though is the old self that is causing you to sin, but you need to manage it. Remember, The willingness to bear the consequences shows the heart of repentance. )
3. It is possible to overcome temptations not by self capability but by grace of god 
4. Blessed is the man who perseveres under temptations. (Not because you are better in capability, but because you respond to His grace, and that is blessedness). 
   1. There are rewards awaiting you when you overcoming temptations 
5. The strength of temptations decreases when we resist it by grace
   1. It doesn't decrease when you give in to it, nor when you exercise your self will

1. Know temptations 
   • Untruths that infiltrate our minds, senses and will from the devil >> creating a need in you >> bondages in you (probably most of the needs come from our untruths, eg our comparison, inferiority, lack of security)
2. Flee from it (Flee the evil desires of youth and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart. (2 Timothy 2:22 NIV)
3. Believe and seek out transcending satisfaction 
   • Believe it first even when you cannot feel it - do the will of God, happiness and strength are in the will of god

1. Blessed (not the self-earned/ possessed) - by faith in Christ 
2. Be fruitful
3. Rule over (manage)