Do you know what the problem is with temptation? It’s really tempting. Go figure!
It’s not a sin to be tempted. The problem is that temptation leads to sin if you give in to it. That’s why it’s so important to fight the temptation before it moves to action. It helps you overcome the sin problem you keep having.
We know that “No one who is born of God will continue to sin, because God’s seed remains in them; they cannot go on sinning, because they have been born of God.” (1 John 3:9)
So how do you overcome the battle of temptation? The good news is that there’s a way out of every temptation you face. Yes, I said every.
1 Corinthians 10:13 tells us, “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.”
That means that you don’t have to give in to one single lying temptation the devil throws at you. Instead, through God’s power, you can win!
Here are three things you can do right now that will help you win over temptation:
Talk to God.
When you talk to God, you can’t ever say to him, “oh, the temptation was too much. I just had to do it.” The truth is you had a choice to either fight the temptation or give in to it.
Always remember that it’s God who provides the way out, not you. So, ask him. Tell him about your temptation and ask him for his strength. Temptation is a spiritual battle. So, use the ultimate spiritual weapon- God!
Talk to a godly friend.
You’re not the only one who faces temptation. What you face is “common to mankind.” Everyone you know faces temptation too. Having a godly friend to share your weakness with is a key to winning. Find one!
Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 says, “Two are better than one… If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up.” I suggest you get into a good Bible-teaching church and start making some friends. You need accountability.
Let God’s word talk to you.
This is the secret sauce. Psalm 119:11 says, “I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.” That means that God has given us his word as a weapon against temptation.
The Bible is hands down the most ignored book in history. And if I might say, probably your life. I know that’s blunt. But let it shock you into action. You need God’s word to overcome the enemy’s attacks that start in your heart and mind. So, pick up your Bible. Or buy one if you don’t have one.
Look, God promises that when we are tempted, he ALWAYS provides a way out. The devil never has to win in your life. That’s why we read in James 4:7 “Humble yourselves before God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.”
Get that? He will flee! Now start living in victory.
