Resisting temptation—What is the key?

TL;DR:

Resisting temptation involves storing God’s Word in our heart, walking by the Holy Spirit, and putting on the full armor of God. When we lean on the Lord’s power in the face of temptation He will strengthen and enable us to resist.

what does the bible say?

Resisting temptation means choosing to rely on God's strength and truth to reject sinful desires and instead live according to His will. One of the most important steps in resisting temptation is using Scripture as our offensive weapon against our enemy, the Devil. In Psalm 119, we are given an example to follow. We should store up God’s word in our heart (verse 11), love it, and meditate on it throughout our day (verses 97–98). In Matthew 4, we see Jesus doing this as He resists the Devil in real time with the power of God’s Word. We can also do what Jesus instructed Peter—to “watch and pray” so that we do not enter into temptation,” because similar to Peter, while our spirit may be willing, our flesh is often weak (Mark 14:38).

Sometimes our temptations can feel unique or isolating to us, but we know from Scripture that there is no temptation that others have not faced, and God is so faithful to us that He will not let us be tempted beyond what we can resist (1 Corinthians 10:13). In fact, although Jesus’ temptations were often extreme and were unique to Him, it says in Hebrews 4:15 that He was "tempted in every way, just as we are” (NIV).

As Christians, we have the unique ability to walk by the Holy Spirit so we do not “gratify the desires of the flesh” (Galatians 5:16). Ultimately, we must be aware of the intense spiritual warfare around us (1 Peter 5:8), put on the full armor of God, and lean on His strength to withstand temptation from the enemy (Ephesians 6:10–18).

from the old testament

When we are tempted, we can first reject the temptation and then follow up that denial with a bulwark of Scripture. To use Scriptures as a defense and weapon against temptation, we should know it by heart. In Psalm 119:11, we are given this example: "I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you." Later in the same Psalm in verses 97–98, says: "Oh how I love your law! It is my meditation all the day. Your commandment makes me wiser than my enemies, for it is ever with me."

from the new testament

Jesus was tempted by the devil in the wilderness (Matthew 4). After fasting from food and water for 40 days, the devil tempted Jesus to turn stone into bread, to jump from a high point on the temple to see angels save Him, and to bow to Satan in exchange for world power. Jesus responded by refusing to give into temptation and by quoting the Word of God. We ought to follow His example.
Praying and asking God to help us was also modeled and taught by Jesus. He told Peter to pray to avoid falling into temptation (Mark 14:38). We should do the same.
Though we all are tempted, we can be confident that we are not unique. Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 10:13 that "No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man." In that same verse we are also taught that "God is faithful, and he will not let [us] be tempted beyond [our] ability," and that He will provide us with a way out.
As Christians, we can and should call upon the Holy Spirit to help us deny temptation. In Galatians 5:16, Paul writes that we should "walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh."
In Ephesians 6:10–18 we are introduced to the full armor of God. In order to withstand temptation, we must “be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might,” and “put on the whole armor of God, that [we] may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil” (verses 10-11). The Word of God is the only offensive weapon mentioned in the armor of God.
When we feel alone in our temptation, we can remember that Jesus was "tempted in every way, just as we are" (Hebrews 4:15 NIV).
As Christians, we must be aware that we have an enemy who seeks to not only trip us up and distract us but completely destroy us. "Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour" (1 Peter 5:8). Devouring is not nibbling or tasting; it is destroying; therefore, we must lean on the Lord’s power and put on His armor.

implications for today

Being tempted is common to all people. Temptation to sin began in the garden with Adam and Eve and has been a part of humanity ever since. Simply put, temptation is the invitation to sin. Sin in action is doing what is contrary to God and His will. We often think of sin as a list of crimes, but it is much more than that—it is thinking, acting, feeling, and having motives in opposition to God. When we are tempted, we can follow the example of Jesus by putting on the full armor of God and specifically using Scripture as our offensive weapon against the enemy. Jesus died for us because we could not pay the penalty for our sin. In thanksgiving for the suffering that He experienced on our behalf, we should make every effort to resist temptation—not through our own strength, but through His.

What does this look like practically? Resisting temptation involves being mindful of the moments when sinful desires arise and choosing to redirect our focus toward God’s truth. It means recognizing that temptation is not necessarily a sin, but that giving into it definitely is, and using the tools God has provided—like prayer, Scripture, and accountability—to stand firm. When we face temptations, we can remember that Jesus was tempted too, yet He resisted by relying on God’s Word and His Spirit. Practically, this could involve quoting Scripture in the face of temptation, praying for strength, or simply walking away from situations where we’re vulnerable. Ultimately, it is not about white-knuckling through temptation but about surrendering to Christ's strength, trusting that His victory over sin is ours, and finding peace in His grace.

understand

All people face temptation, yet we must remember that no temptation can overtake us.
God offers His Word, His Spirit, and His armor to help us resist temptation.
Jesus was tempted like us but overcame through God's strength.

reflect

How have you experienced God's strength in resisting temptation in the past?
How can you more actively store God's Word in your heart to help you when temptation arises?
How can relying on the Holy Spirit change the way you approach temptation in your everyday life?

engage

What is the balance between God’s work and our responsibility in resisting temptation?
What practical steps can we take to put on the full armor of God in our daily lives?
How can we remind each other of God's faithfulness when facing temptation?