How Can I Overcome Temptation?

A troubling addiction. A betraying thought. A compromising situation. Temptation comes in many forms, sparking a fierce "winner-takes-all" battle for our souls that has one goal: to cause us to stray off the path that leads to godly living.

IS TEMPTATION SIN?

Temptation is not sin. If temptation were indeed sin, then Jesus would not have led a sinless life. But as the Bible says, Jesus was "tempted in all things," yet without sin ( Hebrews 4:15CloseHebrews 4:15 This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses, for he faced all of the same testings we do, yet he did not sin. OPEN VERSE IN BIBLE (nlt) ).

Still temptation should not be taken lightly. That's because it is the gateway to sin. Temptation is often strongest when we are at our weakest. In fact, the longer we allow it to brew in our thoughts the more dangerous temptation becomes. Therefore, we must learn to recognize temptation and keep it in check.

WHAT'S SO TEMPTING?

Temptation is one of the enemy's most powerful "schemes" for misleading God's people ( Ephesians 6:11-16CloseEphesians 6:11-16 Put on all of God's armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. For we* are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places. Therefore, put on every piece of God's armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm. Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God's righteousness. For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared.* In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil.* OPEN VERSE IN BIBLE (nlt) ). It causes us to focus on the "passing pleasures" ( Hebrews 11:25CloseHebrews 11:25 He chose to share the oppression of God's people instead of enjoying the fleeting pleasures of sin. OPEN VERSE IN BIBLE (nlt) ) of sin instead of the rich rewards of serving God with a pure heart.

The Bible says, "Each one is tempted when he is carried away and enticed by his own lust. Then when lust has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and when sin is accomplished, it brings forth death" ( James 1:14-15CloseJames 1:14-15 Temptation comes from our own desires, which entice us and drag us away. These desires give birth to sinful actions. And when sin is allowed to grow, it gives birth to death. OPEN VERSE IN BIBLE (nlt) ). Thus, our own lusts give temptation its power over us.

Temptation says, "It's okay to sin just a little bit." But nothing could be further from the truth ( Numbers 32:23CloseNumbers 32:23 But if you fail to keep your word, then you will have sinned against the LORD, and you may be sure that your sin will find you out. OPEN VERSE IN BIBLE (nlt) ; Proverbs 15:3CloseProverbs 15:3 The LORD is watching everywhere,  keeping his eye on both the evil and the good. OPEN VERSE IN BIBLE (nlt) ). In God's eyes, there are no "small" or "big" sins ( James 2:10CloseJames 2:10 For the person who keeps all of the laws except one is as guilty as a person who has broken all of God's laws. OPEN VERSE IN BIBLE (nlt) ). The wages of sin is always death ( Romans 6:23CloseRomans 6:23 For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord. OPEN VERSE IN BIBLE (nlt) ).

When we are tempted, we often convince ourselves that we can hide our sin. But as men and women since the beginning of time have discovered, there is no hiding from God. "Thou hast searched me and know me." David said. "Even before there is a word on my tongue, behold, O Lord, thou dost know it all" ( Psalms 139:1-4ClosePsalms 139:1-4 O LORD, you have examined my heart  and know everything about me. You know when I sit down or stand up.  You know my thoughts even when I'm far away. You see me when I travel  and when I rest at home.  You know everything I do. You know what I am going to say  even before I say it, LORD. OPEN VERSE IN BIBLE (nlt) ).

Our tempting thoughts also try to undermine or twist the meaning of the Scriptures. When Jesus was "led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted" ( Matthew 4:1CloseMatthew 4:1 Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted there by the devil. OPEN VERSE IN BIBLE (nlt) ), the tempter twisted God's Word in an attempt to lead Jesus astray.

Ultimately, temptation tries to silence the voice of the Holy Spirit, whom Jesus promised to send to "guide you into all truth" ( John 16:13CloseJohn 16:13 When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on his own but will tell you what he has heard. He will tell you about the future. OPEN VERSE IN BIBLE (nlt) ). By tuning out the Holy Spirit's voice, we fool ourselves into thinking that we can make it on our own.

THE WAY OUT

Temptation can be difficult to resist. But God has not left us as helpless victims of temptation. He has promised a "way of escape" ( 1 Cor. 10:13) to all who trust in Him.

The "way" is not a program, but a person: Jesus Christ. Jesus not only cleanses us from sin, He also understands our temptations ( Hebrews 4:15CloseHebrews 4:15 This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses, for he faced all of the same testings we do, yet he did not sin. OPEN VERSE IN BIBLE (nlt) -16). That's why we can come to Him for help.

If you have not yet placed your trust in Jesus as Lord and Savior of your life, no matter how "good" your life is, you will never be able to overcome temptation and sin ( Isaiah 64:6CloseIsaiah 64:6 We are all infected and impure with sin.  When we display our righteous deeds,  they are nothing but filthy rags.Like autumn leaves, we wither and fall,  and our sins sweep us away like the wind. OPEN VERSE IN BIBLE (nlt) ; Romans 3:23CloseRomans 3:23 For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God's glorious standard. OPEN VERSE IN BIBLE (nlt) ). First, you need to find new life in Christ ( John 3:16-17CloseJohn 3:16-17 "For God loved the world so much that he gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. God sent his Son into the world not to judge the world, but to save the world through him. OPEN VERSE IN BIBLE (nlt) ). Simply believe in your heart that Jesus was raised from the dead and confess with your mouth that "Jesus is Lord" and the Bible says you will be saved ( Romans 10:9-10CloseRomans 10:9-10 If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is by believing in your heart that you are made right with God, and it is by confessing with your mouth that you are saved. OPEN VERSE IN BIBLE (nlt) ).

STANDING FIRM

Battling temptation is a daily walk. Even the most loyal followers of Christ can be tempted ( Hebrews 12:1CloseHebrews 12:1 Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. OPEN VERSE IN BIBLE (nlt) ). That'' why the Lord's prayer instructs us to ask God to "lead us not into temptation" ( Matthew 6:13CloseMatthew 6:13 And don't let us yield to temptation,*  but rescue us from the evil one.* OPEN VERSE IN BIBLE (nlt) ).

The following principles can help you fight-and win-against temptation.

1.Be honest with God. At the time of temptation, don't debate the issue. The longer we wrestle with tempting thoughts, the closer we get to committing the sin. Flee from the temptation as soon as you recognize it ( 2 Tim. 2:22).

2.Recognize your enemy. Understand that this is serious business! You are engaged in a battle for your very soul. There is an enemy, the devil, who "prowls about like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour" ( 1 Peter 5:8Close1 Peter 5:8 Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour. OPEN VERSE IN BIBLE (nlt) ). This enemy will use any temptation to draw you away from God.

3.Resist through Jesus! Go to the Lord and receive mercy and grace in your time of need (Hebrews 4:15CloseHebrews 4:15 This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses, for he faced all of the same testings we do, yet he did not sin. OPEN VERSE IN BIBLE (nlt) -16). Remember, you are not alone in your struggle. Satan tries to discourage us through isolation, telling us our temptation is unique. This simply isn't true ( 1 Cor. 10:13).

4.Give Thanks. In the midst of the struggle, thank God for the opportunity to experience the victory through Him ( Romans 5:1-5CloseRomans 5:1-5 Therefore, since we have been made right in God's sight by faith, we have peace with God because of what Jesus Christ our Lord has done for us. Because of our faith, Christ has brought us into this place of undeserved privilege where we now stand, and we confidently and joyfully look forward to sharing God's glory. We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love. OPEN VERSE IN BIBLE (nlt) ). Thank Him for providing a way of escape.

AS YOU PRAY

If you are facing a difficult temptation right now, or if you have already fallen into temptation and its resulting sin, you can find freedom and victory. Turn to the Lord right now and pray.

"Dear Jesus, thank You for Your sacrifice on the cross, which paid the penalty for my sin. Please keep me from this present temptation that wars against my soul. In Your perfect love, provide the way of escape Your Word promises. And thank You for the grace to walk with You every day. In Jesus' name. Amen."

GOD'S WORD ON TEMPTATION

"No temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to man; and God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, that you may be able to endure it" ( 1 Cor. 10:13).

SCRIPTURES FOR STUDY

James 1:2-13CloseJames 1:2-13 Dear brothers and sisters,* when troubles come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing. If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking. But when you ask him, be sure that your faith is in God alone. Do not waver, for a person with divided loyalty is as unsettled as a wave of the sea that is blown and tossed by the wind. Such people should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. Their loyalty is divided between God and the world, and they are unstable in everything they do. Believers who are* poor have something to boast about, for God has honored them. And those who are rich should boast that God has humbled them. They will fade away like a little flower in the field. The hot sun rises and the grass withers; the little flower droops and falls, and its beauty fades away. In the same way, the rich will fade away with all of their achievements. God blesses those who patiently endure testing and temptation. Afterward they will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him. And remember, when you are being tempted, do not say, "God is tempting me." God is never tempted to do wrong,* and he never tempts anyone else. OPEN VERSE IN BIBLE (nlt) -- We grow as we overcome temptation

Ephesians 5:15-21CloseEphesians 5:15-21 So be careful how you live. Don't live like fools, but like those who are wise. Make the most of every opportunity in these evil days. Don't act thoughtlessly, but understand what the Lord wants you to do. Don't be drunk with wine, because that will ruin your life. Instead, be filled with the Holy Spirit, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs among yourselves, and making music to the Lord in your hearts. And give thanks for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. And further, submit to one another out of reverence for Christ. OPEN VERSE IN BIBLE (nlt) -- Keys to walking uprightly

Hebrews 12:1-13CloseHebrews 12:1-13 Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith.* Because of the joy* awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God's throne. Think of all the hostility he endured from sinful people;* then you won't become weary and give up. After all, you have not yet given your lives in your struggle against sin. And have you forgotten the encouraging words God spoke to you as his children?* He said,"My child,* don't make light of the LORD's discipline,  and don't give up when he corrects you. For the LORD disciplines those he loves,  and he punishes each one he accepts as his child."* As you endure this divine discipline, remember that God is treating you as his own children. Who ever heard of a child who is never disciplined by its father? If God doesn't discipline you as he does all of his children, it means that you are illegitimate and are not really his children at all. Since we respected our earthly fathers who disciplined us, shouldn't we submit even more to the discipline of the Father of our spirits, and live forever?* For our earthly fathers disciplined us for a few years, doing the best they knew how. But God's discipline is always good for us, so that we might share in his holiness. No discipline is enjoyable while it is happening—it's painful! But afterward there will be a peaceful harvest of right living for those who are trained in this way. So take a new grip with your tired hands and strengthen your weak knees. Mark out a straight path for your feet so that those who are weak and lame will not fall but become strong. OPEN VERSE IN BIBLE (nlt) -- Encouragement in Christ

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Scripture references are from the Contemporary English Version.