Temptation is inevitable. As Christians, we face temptations daily that seek to draw us away from God’s best.
Whether it’s temptation to lust, pride, greed, or other sins, we’ve all battled inner urges that go against God’s Word.
Overcoming temptation is not easy. But with God’s strength, it is possible to resist and walk in freedom.
In this article, I’ll explore biblical strategies for overcoming temptation and living an obedient, fruitful life.
Recognize Temptation’s Tactics and Sources of Temptation
The first step to resisting temptation is to understand its nature.
Temptation often comes subtly, which is why you must be alert (1 Peter 5:8). It progressively wears you down over time through small compromises.
For example, viewing inappropriate images online may eventually lead to more destructive sins. Or harboring bitterness can evolve into hatred. That’s why you must,
“Watch and pray so that we will not fall into temptation.”
Matthew 26:41 (NIV)
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What is temptation’s source? James 1:14 (NIV) explains,
“Each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed.”
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Your inner fleshly desires are the root of temptation.
The enemy exploits these desires to entice you. Ephesians 6:11 (NIV) warns that we must,
“Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.”
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Understanding temptation equips us to withstand it.
Now let’s explore biblical strategies for overcoming temptation.
7 Biblical Ways to Resist Temptation
1. Submit to God
Surrender your will and align your heart with His purposes. Here are two key ways to submit:
- Pray: Jesus told His disciples, “Keep watching and praying that you may not enter into temptation” (Matthew 26:41). Through prayer, you’ll gain strength to resist temptation.
- Obey God’s Word: Reading Scripture will renew your mind and remind you of biblical truths to combat temptation (Romans 12:2). Know God’s commands so that you may obey them.
James 4:7 (NIV) instructs,
“Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.”
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Submitting to God gives you the power to resist the enemy’s schemes.
2. Avoid tempting situations
Flee tempting situations that exploit your weaknesses. For example, an alcoholic must avoid bars and parties where alcohol is served.
Proverbs 4:14-15 (NIV) wisely counsels,
“14 Do not set foot on the path of the wicked or walk in the way of evildoers. 15 Avoid it, do not travel on it; turn from it and go on your way.”
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Removing yourself from tempting settings helps break temptation’s power.
3. Renew your mind with Scripture.
God’s Word renews our minds and equips us to combat temptation.
- Memorize Scripture: Memorizing key verses helps you to recall the truth when you are tempted. Jesus rebutted the devil by quoting Scripture He had memorized (Matthew 4:1-11).
- Meditate on Scripture: Meditating on the Word day and night enables you to obey it (Joshua 1:8). God’s truth sinks deeper into your heart through meditation.
By feeding your mind with Scripture you’ll build spiritual muscle to resist temptation’s pull.
4. Pray for God’s help.
You need God’s power to overcome temptation. The Lord’s Prayer includes the petition,
“And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil”
Matthew 6:13 (KJV)
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Hebrews 4:16 (NIV) tells us to,
“Approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.”
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God promises the help you need if you ask Him.
5. Put on the armor of God.
Ephesians 6:11 (NIV) instructs us to,
“Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.”
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God’s armor includes the belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, the shield of faith, the helmet of salvation, the sword of the Spirit, and the gospel of peace.
This armor will strengthen you to withstand temptation’s attacks. Walk daily in the power of God’s full spiritual armor.
6. Flee from sin.
When facing temptation, flee like Joseph who escaped Potiphar’s wife (Genesis 39).
The Bible says, “Flee from sexual immorality” (1 Corinthians 6:18) and “Flee the evil desires of youth” (2 Timothy 2:22).
Running from temptation will break its power over you. Don’t flirt with sin – flee from it completely.
7. Trust God’s faithfulness.
God promises,
“No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.”
1 Corinthians 10:13 (NIV)
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Victory is possible because God controls every temptation’s intensity.
He’ll strengthen you to endure and provide an escape route. Trust in His faithful help to overcome any temptation.
Key Takeaways on Overcoming Temptation
- Recognize temptation’s subtle, progressive nature.
- Submit to God through prayer and obedience to His Word.
- Avoid settings that expose your weaknesses.
- Renew your mind with Scripture’s truth.
- Pray for God’s help to resist temptation.
- Put on the full armor of God every day.
- Flee completely from sinful temptations.
- Trust God’s faithfulness and power to overcome.
It requires diligence and God’s strength to overcome temptation. But with prayer, Scripture, and other spiritual disciplines, you will walk in freedom and victory.
God will help you resist any temptation as you submit to Him.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What are some examples of temptation?
A. Common temptations include lust, greed, pride, anger, envy, alcohol, drugs, revenge, or other sins that violate God’s standards.
Even “small” sins like gossip can escalate if you don’t resist them.
Q. Why does God allow us to be tempted?
A. God uses temptation to refine your character, test your obedience, and equip you to counsel others who face similar struggles (2 Corinthians 1:3-4).
Temptation also teaches you to rely on God rather than yourself.
Q. How can I stop sinful habits?
A. Replace negative habits with positive ones through prayer, Scripture, worship, and other spiritual disciplines.
For example, replace inappropriate internet use with Bible reading, prayer walks, or Christian fellowship.
Ask God to reveal the root issues leading to temptation. Counseling or accountability groups can provide additional support.
Q. Is temptation a sin?
A. No. Jesus was tempted yet was without sin (Hebrews 4:15). Temptation only becomes sin when you yield to it rather than resisting.
We all face temptation, but through God’s power, we can choose to obey.
Q. Why does God allow sexual temptation?
A. Sexual temptation has ensnared many. God expects us to flee from sexual sin.
As you rely on the Spirit’s power to live purely, your intimacy with Christ will grow. God allows temptation to strengthen us, not to harm us.
Walking in holiness brings joy, while sexual sin brings destruction.
The battle against temptation is tough, but victory is possible through Christ. Stand firm in His power and walk in freedom.
What questions do you have about resisting temptation?
