How to Resist and Overcome Temptation

Everyone struggles with temptation. Everyone! We all face temptations in many ways on an hourly and daily basis. We are constantly faced with the choice to do good or to go against our conscience. People are tempted to overeat, overspend, and over indulge many things. People are tempted to lie, cheat, steal, and to be lazy. The list is endless.

In order to respond wisely to temptation, we must understand that it is and what it is not. For example, it is not a sin to be tempted. Surprised? Temptation is any inducement to do wrong or rebel against what you know to be right. Temptation can either strengthen you or weaken you but there is hope.

There is no temptation that we can experience that is so unusual to everyone else. God, who faithfully keeps His promises, does not allow us to be tested beyond what we can bear. With each temptation, He always makes a way out for us so that we can endure every testing that comes our way. (1 Corinthians 10:13). The question is, will you choose to take God’s way of escape or simply fall for temptation. The choice is yours.

1. Read, Study, Practice, and Quote the Scriptures. The secret to fighting temptation is to first spot it head on! God’s Word is a lamp to our feet and a light to our path (Psalm 119:105) so that we can clearly see temptation for what it is. This prevents us from being easily deceived to sin against what we know to be right based on the Word. (See James 1:22; 4:17)

2. Pray Constantly and Pray Boldly. If Jesus needed to pray during his ministry, how much more do you and I need it? He gave His disciples the secret weapon for temptation by oft encouraging them to watch and pray (Mark 13:33; 14:38; Luke 21:36). When you do pray, don’t do it in a timid unbelieving way, but pray with boldness and confidence (Hebrews 4:16; 2 Timothy 1:7).