Chapter 1: Set Free

Christians will continue to fight temptation. It is a lifelong battle. The goal for our lives is clear. Peter writes, “As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance. But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: ‘Be holy, because I am holy'” (1 Pet 1:14-16).

All of us have besetting sins that plague us. We become concerned with our lack of progress. The danger here lies in the possibility that we might be tricked into doubting the authenticity of our relationship with Christ on the basis of the fact that we struggle with sin.

Chapter 2: The Temptation to be Macho

Our goal as Christian men should be to model genuine personal openness and to promote and accept more openness in our churches. This will help free us and other men to be real and whole, instead of handicapped by the world view that leads to an artificial and trivial masculinity.

Chapter 3: The Temptation of Sexual Lust

If perverted, sex is a power that destroys. It holds men captive. Turns quickly to an obsession. Burns with lust. It demeans human beings, reducing them to things to be used, abused and discarded. Held in its bondage, otherwise reasonable men will lie to themselves and others, turn their hearts and minds away from God, leave their wives and the children they love, and choose to live in tension, guilt and shame, all for the promise of tasting again the brief, pulsing current of its seductive pleasure.

Chapter 4: The Temptation to Have an Affair

One situation that happens with young couples is such a common contributor to the affair that it deserves special mention here. In young families where children come into the picture quickly, the demands of motherhood can keep Mom in the home with two or three little ones. Her work is essential and good, but the tasks of motherhood are usually full-time. There is little opportunity at this stage for continued personal and intellectual growth. At the same time her young husband is just beginning to take off in his career. He trains and travels and meets interesting people every day. His job often takes him out of the Home, away from his wife and family.

Their growth paths diverge. Suddenly the husband feels he has nothing in common with the wife of his youth.

Chapter 5: The Temptation to Wield Power

I have become convinced that we cannot have it both ways. Love and worldly power are like a lamb and a lion; they will not lie down together. What will we choose? Will we operate from a worldly power base? Or will we be rooted and grounded in kingdom love?

When we approach our neighbors with the gospel, our approach should demonstrate our love for them. Whether we are talking with them about Christ, or giving them a cup of water in his name, they should not feel attacked or manipulated… It is a disheartening experience to discover that a person who has reached out to you with a caring gesture really had a selfish motivation. Many Christians use this kind of manipulation to attempt to lead those around them to Christ. But coercive technique will not get the job done. Only love will bear lasting fruit for the kingdom.

Chapter 6: The Temptation to Love Money

Just as sex is never just sex, money is never just money. It is almost always something else. Something deeper is going on in us than the pure motivation to make money. One powerful motivating factor is that having money feeds feelings of self worth. You always hear people say things like “He’s worth two million.” This is how who we are gets mixed up with how much money we have. If you have made a lot of money, it becomes easier to think of yourself as a hard worker, biright, diligent, clever and even superior to all those who have tried and failed.

Chapter 7: The Temptation to Be Perfect

Anytime you and I desire, expect or claim to achieve Godlike perfection in this life we are playing with fire. Our claim is blasphemous. We are saying that we believe we can attain the perfection of God through right thinking and action. If this were true, we would no longer need a Savior. We could save ourselves.

Chapter 8: Deliverance

If we are to be delivered, we have to want it. Are you honestly in this place? Can you even admit your struggle, admit that something has enslaved you and holds you in its power?

Chapter 9: How Can I Help My Man? A Chapter for Women

Women can bring effective help to men, but it is a sensitive issue. If the woman takes a helping posture, it naturally puts her in a one-up position with her man. this often has the effect of bringing the male ego into play. The man is thrust into the care-receiver role while the woman takes the care-giver role in the relationship. Pride can make it impossible for a man to receive from his wife the help he really needs.

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