Why is it important to flee from temptation?

WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY?

Temptation is a dangerous slope that often leads into sin. Proverbs 22:3–5 makes it clear that those who are prudent see danger and hide, but those who move toward it will suffer. At times, fleeing from temptation is a physical act, as was the case for Joseph in Genesis 39:10-12. However, in many cases, temptation begins when we let our own desires get out of control (James 1:13–15). Thankfully, we can take Jesus’ advice to the disciples in Luke 22:40 and specifically pray to God that we will not enter into temptation. Jesus understands our struggle against temptation; He Himself was tempted and “is able to help those who are being tempted” (Hebrews 2:18). Instead of making provisions for our flesh (Romans 13:13–14), we should set our minds on the good things mentioned in Philippians 4:8. Satan is crafty and a skilled deceiver; as such, we must be on the watch for his snares (1 Peter 5:8) and most importantly, submit ourselves to God so that Satan will flee from us (James 4:7).

FROM THE OLD TESTAMENT

• As seen in the story of Joseph, fleeing temptation can be literal. When his boss Potiphar's wife made inappropriate sexual advances toward him, he hastily escaped from her (Genesis 39:10-12).
• Wisdom dictates that when we see temptation coming, we flee from it rather than entertaining it (Proverbs 22:3–5).

FROM THE NEW TESTAMENT

• There is a strong pull toward temptation, which is why Jesus exhorted His disciples to: "Pray that you may not enter into temptation" (Luke 22:40). We flee from temptation so that we do not enter into sin.
• We are to make no provision to gratify the sinful desires of our flesh, and this includes the open door for us to be tempted by sin (Romans 13:13–14).
• Many times, fleeing from temptation begins within our own minds. Our thought life should build us up, not lead us into temptation: "Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things" (Philippians 4:8).
• Jesus Himself resisted temptation, so He can personally empathize with our struggles (Hebrews 2:18).
• Sin starts as a thought or temptation before it fully manifests into the action of sin. To flee from temptation means that we flee from sin before we ever get to the point of committing it. God does not tempt us to sin. Rather, "each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death" (James 1:13–15).
• James 4:7 says: "Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you." We cannot rely on our own strength—resisting temptation relies upon submitting ourselves to God.
• Unfortunately, the Devil is persistent, and will often try to tempt us, even when we do our best not to allow ourselves to be tempted. It is wise to constantly be on guard for his evil schemes (1 Peter 5:8).

IMPLICATIONS FOR TODAY

When we see a natural disaster such as a forest fire or a hurricane on the way to us, we flee. How much more should we flee when we see temptation coming to attack our soul! We cannot put our confidence in our fleshly ability to resist temptation; our confidence and strength are in Christ, and He provides us with the tools we need to flee from temptation (1 Corinthians 10:13; Galatians 5:16; Ephesians 6:10–18). When we do flee from temptation, we should run to God and pursue the things of God: "righteousness, faith, love, and peace" (2 Timothy 2:22). When we fail to flee temptation and we fall into sin, we should immediately seek the Lord’s mercy and grace: "For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need" (Hebrews 4:15–16; see also 1 John 1:9).

UNDERSTAND

• Temptation often leads to sin.
• It’s wise to avoid temptation by shunning what leads to it, including unwholesome thoughts.
• We can resist temptation by relying on the Lord, not our own strength.

REFLECT

• How can you ensure your environment is free from temptations you’re vulnerable to?
• What role does your prayer life play in responding to your temptations?
• In what ways has Satan tried to tempt you? How have you relied on Christ to resist?

ENGAGE

• How can we respond to people who try to tempt us to ungodly behavior?
• When discussing temptations that friends and family experience, what Bible truths can we use to help them?
• How does the biblical view of temptation differ from the world’s view?