“Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.” (Ps. 119:11)
Every Christian faces temptation. Even Jesus was tempted! So how can you resist the urge to give in and stay strong? Think of it this way: Did you ever play with a couple of magnets when you were a child? If you did, you’ll remember that the closer they got to each other, the harder it was to pull them apart.
Temptation is something like that. The more you dwell on it and the closer you let it get to you, the stronger its attraction will be. Temptation can be difficult to resist. But God has not left us as helpless victims of temptation. What are some ways in which we can overcome temptation?
1) Expect it.
If Satan tried to tempt Jesus to sin, he will surely have a temptation just for you, as well.
2) Identify your weaknesses.
(Hosea 4:6) says, “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge…” Everyone has their own weaknesses. For some it is pride, for others, it may be lust or covetousness. Identify what your weaknesses are so you can be prepared when temptation comes in that particular area.
3) Protect yourself ahead of time.
Paul said in (Eph. 6:13) “Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day…” The armor must be put on BEFORE the enemy attacks. A police officer doesn’t wait until bullets are coming toward him to put on his protective vest. Likewise, you must put on God’s armor daily so it will be in place when Satan launches his next attack against you.
4) Don’t make provision for your flesh.
Paul said in (Rom. 13:14) “But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof.” Another way in which to protect yourself from temptation is by not putting yourself around the people, places, or things that stir up the temptation. For example, if a person struggles with drinking alcohol, they do not need to frequent places (even restaurants) that serve alcohol. Often, the reason we fall to temptation is because we have not protected ourselves ahead of time.
Tomorrow, I will give you the last four ways to avoid temptation.