Trouncing Temptation

Many Christians lament the fact that they “can resist anything except temptation.” But God reassures us that we can.

Jesus taught us to pray, “do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one” (Matthew 6:13). Paul reassures Christians that, “the Lord is faithful, and He will strengthen and protect you from the evil one” (2 Thessalonians 3:3).

While temptations will come, scripture encourages us that “The Lord knows how to rescue the godly from temptation” (2 Peter 2:9). It also instructs us “No temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to man; and God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, so that you will be able to endure it” (1 Corinthians 10:13).

We play a role in God’s plan to rescue us from temptation and to endure it (hypophérō: be carried safely away from).

The first step is to prepare for the temptation by studying God’s Word. “How can a young man keep his way pure? By keeping it according to Your word. I have treasured Your word in my heart, So that I may not sin against You” (Psalm 119:9-11).

Second, we are told to control our physical desires. “Now those who belong to Christ Jesus crucified the flesh with its passions and desires” (Galatians 5:24). The Holy Spirit helps us to do this as “if by the Spirit you are putting to death the deeds of the body, you will live” (Romans 8:13).

Third, we are to pray for God’s help in anticipation of temptation, “Keep watching and praying, so that you do not come into temptation” (Matthew 26:41).

Fourth, we are told to avoid people and situations that cause temptation. “Examine everything; hold firmly to that which is good, abstain from every form of evil” (1 Thessalonians 5:22). Solomon warned us “Do not enter the path of the wicked and do not proceed in the way of evil people. Avoid it, do not pass by it; turn away from it and pass on” (Proverbs 4:14-15).

When confronted by temptation we must flee it or resist it. As we flee away from sin we flee towards righteousness. “flee from youthful lusts and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart” (2 Timothy 2:22). “flee from these things…and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, perseverance, and gentleness.” (1 Timothy 6:11).

Resistance to temptation is possible first by obeying the Word that we emersed ourselves in. When tempted by the devil, Jesus repeatedly quoted scripture to resist it, “It is written” (Matthew 4:4,7,10).

Finally, our commitment to the process of sanctification renders temptation powerless, “Submit therefore to God. But resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Come close to God and He will come close to you” (James 4:7-8). If we are close to God and emersed in His Word, temptation cannot reach us.