How can I overcome temptation instead of giving in?

WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY?

Temptation is the enticement to think, say, or do something that goes against God’s will. As believers, we must run away from “youthful passions” and instead pursue godliness (2 Timothy 2:22). This may mean avoiding certain places, people, or activities that we know will tempt us to sin, but it may also mean fleeing a temptation that we didn’t see coming. But we can’t fight it alone. The Scriptures are vital to living a godly life (Psalm 119) as well as combating temptation (Matthew 4; Ephesians 6:12-13). Self-control restrains us from giving into temptation, and this is an attribute of the Holy Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23), so we must listen to what He says over what we think or feel. The church is meant to be God’s hands and feet, which can help us in our fight against temptation whether by sharpening us spiritually (Proverbs 27:17), coming by our side when we ask for help (Ecclesiastes 4:12), listening to us repent of our sins (2 Timothy 2:25), or encouraging us spiritually (Hebrews 3:13; 10:24). God always makes the way of escape–we just have to take it (1 Corinthians 10:13). We must run to God for help since He is our ultimate rescuer from temptation, sin, and death (Colossians 1:13-14).

FROM THE OLD TESTAMENT

• Psalm 119 is the longest chapter in the Bible, and it is dedicated to the blessings of knowing God's Word. One such blessing is that we can call it to mind in tough situations, similar to what Jesus did when He was tempted by Satan in the wilderness and responded with Scripture.
• "[I]ron sharpens iron" (Proverbs 27:17), but the iron has to actually connect before any good can come of it. Likewise, we must connect with other believers if we want their influence to impact our lives spiritually, such as in the case of receiving accountability and mentorship.
• Ecclesiastes 4:12 says, "And though a man might prevail against one who is alone, two will withstand him—a threefold cord is not quickly broken." We do well to ask trustworthy believers to pray for and encourage us as we strive to lean on God in the midst of temptations.

FROM THE NEW TESTAMENT

• When Satan tempted Jesus in Matthew 4, Jesus responded by quoting Scripture. No matter how Satan twisted words or made promises, Jesus knew the truth and relied on that. If Jesus relied on Scripture to combat the lies and temptation of His enemy, we should do the same.
• We are not enslaved to our temptations (1 Corinthians 10:13). Ultimately, we must lean on God for strength as we endure temptations.
• Galatians 5:22-23 says that self-control is a fruit of the Holy Spirit, not a human characteristic that we can rely on. In the moment of temptation, then, the key is to figure out what the Holy Spirit is guiding us to do.
• Ephesians 6:12-13 identifies our defense against spiritual attacks as the full armor of God.
• Second Timothy 2:22 says, "So flee youthful passions and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart." It's foolish to stay in situations where we face temptation. If we can leave, we should.
• One reason Jesus established the church is so that believers won't have to fight alone. Hebrews 3:13 and 10:24 suggest that connecting with believers can be an encouragement. These are who we can reach out to when temptation arises.
• First John shows us who to run to when we're fleeing temptation: God. If we love God and abide in Him by seeking to do His will, our natural reaction will be to run to Him when we're in trouble.

IMPLICATIONS FOR TODAY

1 Corinthians 10:13 tells us: “No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.” This verse presupposes that we will be tempted and that everyone will be tempted in similar ways. But it also says that, for the believer, there is always a way to fight the temptation, to reject sin.

We can overcome temptation first by avoiding situations or people that we know will tempt us to sin (2 Timothy 2:22). Secondly, we can prepare ourselves ahead of time by knowing God’s truth and responding to temptation with that truth (Psalm 119; Matthew 4). Thirdly, we can ask trusted Christians to pray for us as we resist whatever sinful desire is plaguing us (Proverbs 27:17; Ecclesiastes 4:12; Hebrews 3:13; 10:24; 2 Timothy 2:25). Most importantly, we can respond to temptation by abiding in Christ, depending on Him for our source of daily spiritual sustenance, and running to Him when we are overwhelmed by temptations. Self-control is from the Holy Spirit (Galatians 5:22), spiritual protection is from God (Thessalonians 3:3), and when we follow God’s Word, we follow His direction for our life (Psalm 1). God has given us the way to overcome temptation, which leads us into the full, victorious life He has for us (John 10:10).

UNDERSTAND

• We can overcome temptation by relying on God’s Word and the power of the Holy Spirit.
• We can overcome temptation by taking the way out that God provides.
• God gives us all we need to overcome temptation.

REFLECT

• What specific temptations do you struggle with most, and how have you tried to resist them?
• How do you rely on God’s Word and the Holy Spirit when you face temptation?
• What are some Bible passages that you’ve found most helpful in resisting temptation?

ENGAGE

• What are some of the most prevalent temptations in today’s world?
• What can the church do to best support Christians as they face temptations in our culture?
• How can believers support each other in resisting temptations that the world considers acceptable?