How can I overcome temptation?

Response

The Scriptures inform us that we all encounter temptations. First Corinthians 10:13 states, “No temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to man.” This may offer some solace as we often feel overwhelmed by the world alone, thinking others are immune to temptations. We are reminded that Christ was also tempted: “For we do not have a high priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but One who has been tempted in all things as we are, yet without sin” «For we have not a high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. », (Hebrews 4:15).

So, where do these temptations originate? Firstly, they do not come from God, although He permits them. James 1:13 declares, “For God cannot be tempted by evil, and He Himself does not tempt anyone.” In the first chapter of Job, we observe that God allowed Satan to tempt Job, but with limitations. Satan prowls the earth like a lion, seeking individuals to devour «Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: », (1 Peter 5:8). Verse 9 advises us to resist him, recognizing that fellow Christians also face his assaults. Through these passages, we understand that temptations stem from Satan. James 1:14 reveals that temptation also arises from within us. We are tempted when we are “carried away and enticed by our own lust” (verse 14). We allow ourselves to entertain certain thoughts, permit ourselves to go places we shouldn’t.

ld not go, and make decisions based on our desires that lead us into temptation.

How can we resist temptations? First and foremost, we should look to Jesus’ example when He was tempted by Satan in the wilderness, as described in Matthew 4:1-11. Jesus responded to each of Satan’s temptations with the phrase “It is written,” followed by a passage from Scripture. If the Son of God used the Word of God to overcome temptations successfully—which we know worked because after three failed attempts, “the Devil left him” (v. 11)—then how much more should we rely on it to resist our own temptations? Our attempts to resist will be feeble and ineffective unless they are empowered by the Holy Spirit through consistent reading, studying, and meditating on the Word. By doing so, we will experience a transformation through the renewal of our minds «And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. », (Romans 12:2). There is no better defense against temptation than the “sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God” «And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: », (Ephesians 6:17). Colossians 3:2 instructs us to “Set your mind on the things above, not on the things that are on earth.” If our minds are preoccupied with the latest TV shows, music, and other cultural offerings, we will be bombarded with messages and images that inevitably lead to sinful desires. However, if our minds are focused on the greatness and purity of God, the kindness and empathy of Christ, and the wisdom of both as revealed in His flawless Word, we will discover that our attraction to worldly desires diminishes and fades away. Without the Word’s impact on our minds, we become vulnerable to whatever Satan throws our way.

Therefore, the only way to protect ourseRenew our hearts and minds to keep temptation away from us. Recall Christ’s words to His disciples in the garden on the night of His betrayal: “Keep watching and praying so that you do not fall into temptation; the spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak” «Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak. », (Matthew 26:41). While most Christians do not desire to engage in sin openly, they often succumb to it due to the weakness of their flesh. By exposing ourselves to certain situations or indulging in lustful thoughts, we pave the way for sin.

It is crucial to transform our thinking, as advised in Romans 12:1-2. We should not conform to the patterns of this world or adopt its ways of living. Proverbs 4:14-15 instructs us, “Do not enter the path of the wicked, and do not walk in the way of evil people. Avoid it, do not pass by; Turn away from it and move on.” We must steer clear of the worldly influences that lead us into temptation, recognizing our flesh’s vulnerability to our own desires.

Matthew 5:29 offers valuable guidance. “If your right eye causes you to stumble, gouge it out and throw it away; it is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to be thrown into hell.” This may seem extreme, but sin is severe! Jesus is not advocating literal self-harm. Removing an eye is an extreme metaphor, emphasizing the need for drastic measures to avoid sin when necessary.