What does it mean to flee from temptation?

Answer

Fleeing from temptation means recognizing it as an adversary and choosing a different path without hesitation or compromise. In 1 Corinthians 6:18, it is advised to “Flee from sexual immorality. All other sins a person commits are outside the body, but whoever sins sexually, sins against their own body.” Although temptation itself is not a sin, engaging in sexual immorality starts with yielding to the temptation of participating in sexual activities outside the boundaries set by God. Failure to flee from such temptation often leads to sinful actions.

A prominent biblical illustration of fleeing temptation is seen in Genesis 39, where young Joseph, the son of Jacob, faced advances from his master’s wife for an illicit relationship. Despite her persistent temptations, Joseph remained steadfast in his beliefs and rejected her propositions. Not only did he refuse her advances, but he also wisely avoided being in her presence, as stated in Genesis 39:10. When she tried to seduce him in private, Joseph did not hesitate but fled the situation, leaving his cloak behind as recounted in verse 12.

Instinctively, we flee from imminent danger. Just as we evacuate a burning building or move away from a hurricane’s path, fleeing is a natural response to threats. Regrettably, many individuals do not apply the same instinct when faced with temptation. Instead of fleeing, they may toy with it, delay a decision, overanalyze, or even embrace it. Perhaps this reluctance to flee is due to a lack of awareness regarding the peril that temptation poses. It appears that the true nature of temptation is often underestimated, leading individuals to engage with it rather than avoid it.concerned with physical dangers that threaten the body than we are with spiritual dangers that threaten the soul.

Romans 13:14 says, “Put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires.” Making provision for the flesh is the opposite of fleeing temptation. We make provision for our flesh when we accommodate the things that lead to sin and actually make preparations for sinning. Those who make provision for the flesh are like an over-indulgent parent who winks at his child’s misbehavior and gratifies his every whim. When we allow ourselves to remain in tempting situations instead of fleeing them, we are foolishly placing confidence in the flesh. We believe the lie that our sinful flesh will somehow find the strength to resist at the last moment. Then we are shocked and ashamed when, instead of resisting, we give in.

God provides strength and courage to any of His children who will live surrendered to His will (2 Thessalonians 2:16-17;Hebrews 12:10-12). “The name of the LORD is a fortified tower; the righteous run to it and are safe” «The name of the LORD is a strong tower: The righteous runneth into it, and is safe. », (Proverbs 18:10). We are commanded throughout Scripture to stand firm and resist the devil’s schemes (Ephesians 6:10-18;James 4:7;1 Peter 5:9). Satan’s traps are many and varied and usually begin with a tempting thought or situation. One way we resist the devil is to flee at the first hint of temptation.

As we flee from temptation, we naturally flee toward something else, and Paul tells us what that should be: “Flee the evil desires of youth and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of

A pure heart” «Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart. », (2 Timothy 2:22). Wisdom recognizes the danger in temptation and urges us to flee from it. “The prudent see danger and take refuge, but the simple keep going and pay the penalty” «A prudent man foreseeth the evil, and hideth himself: But the simple pass on, and are punished. », (Proverbs 22:3).