Don Stewart :: How Should a Person Resist Temptation?

What should we do when temptation comes to us? There are times that we do not feel that we can resist.

We Can Overcome

However the Scripture says that we will not be placed in a situation that we are not able to handle.

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

We are not tempted beyond what we can bear. God promises there will always be a way of escape. There are various ways in which we can escape temptation to sin.

1.Do Not Put Ourselves In A Tempting Situation

Sometimes the answer to resisting temptation is as simple as not getting ourselves in the situation. If we know we have a certain weakness with a particular sin, then it is important that we avoid situations where we could be tempted with that sin.

2.Run

If we do find ourselves in a situation where we are being tempted the correct response is to leave. The Bible says:

Shun youthful passions and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart (2 Timothy 2:22).

3.Be Filled With Spirit

Being filled or controlled by the Holy Spirit is a good way to deal with temptation.

And do not be drunk with wine, in which is dissipation; but be filled with the Spirit (Ephesians 5:18).

4.Know The Scripture

When Jesus was tempted by the devil He responded by quoting Scripture. Three times Jesus said, It is written. This is a good example for how we should deal with temptation when it comes our way. The Bible says:

How can young people keep their way pure? By guarding it according to your word. I treasure your word in my heart, so that I may not sin against you (Psalm 119:9,11).

5Ask The Lord For Help

Prayer is another part of overcoming temptation. We should ask the Lord for help.

Let us therefore draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and may find grace to help in time of need (Hebrews 4:16).

6.Realize Christ Has Overcome

Believers need to realize that Jesus Christ has overcome all temptation.

You are of God, little children, and have overcome them, because He who is in you is greater than He who is in the world (1 John 4:4).

He understands. Not only has Christ overcome temptations He also understands what we are going through.

Therefore, in all things, He had to be made like His brethren, that He might be a merciful and faithful High Priest in things pertaining to God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people. For in that He Himself has suffered, being tempted. He is able to aid those who are tempted (Hebrews 2:17,18).

7.Starve The Old Nature

One of the practical things we can do to escape temptation is to starve the old nature.

Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry. Because of these, the wrath of God is coming. You used to walk in these ways, in the life you once lived. But now you must rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips. Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices (Colossians 3:5-9).

8. Feed The New Nature

If we feed our new nature then that will help us overcome temptation. We need to be occupied with the things of Christ to help overcome temptation.

And have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator. Here there is no Greek or Jew, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave or free, but Christ is all, and is in all. Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. (Colossians 3:10-14).

9.Understand Deliverance Is Not A Once For All Experience

If a person does not yield to a certain temptation, this does not mean they will never be tempted again or that the next time they will be strong. Temptation is something that continually happens to us and consequently we must continue to trust in God.

The temptations of Jesus by the devil continued throughout His ministry. After the forty day temptation was over the Bible says:

When the devil had finished every test, he departed from him until an opportune time (Luke 4:13).

Summary

As long as Christians are in this world they will be tempted to sin. Consequently it is important that we know how to resist the temptation. The Bible provides the solution to our temptations, it is our responsibility to put these solutions into practice.