How To Overcome Temptation: 10 Powerful Tips
If you've constantly had a hard time overcoming temptations, read this biblical guide on how to overcome temptations live a life that pleases God.
One of the roadblocks every Believer encounters in their walk with God is temptation.
Being tempted isn't something that happens only to a certain group of Christians. The pastor and the Evangelist gets tempted. The baby Christian and the spiritually mature Believer will get tempted as well.
At a certain point in our walk with God, everyone of us has fallen into temptation. So I'm not here to condemn anyone or make them feel they're a terrible Christian for not overcoming certain temptations. No human is infallible.
But I'll give you what the Lord impresses in my spirit: a biblical guide to overcoming temptation.
Hebrews 4:15 says that,
We do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who was tempted in every way, just as we are, yet he did not sin.
Our Lord Jesus Christ was tempted while He walked the earth as fully human. He overcame every temptation. In the same way, He is also able to teach and equip us to overcome temptations.
What Is Temptation?
A temptation is the orchestration of the enemy and a projection of the Flesh. The sole aim is to make the Christian fall into sin. Temptation is sin appearing right.
Temptation often appears enticing at first, but the moment it's unmasked, we see the hidden danger beneath. It often requires great willpower, the grace of God and the power of the Holy Spirit to not fall into temptations.
But “temptation” as the name implies, was meant to be overcome. Not indulged.
The enemy tempts, but God tests. Every temptation we did not overcome becomes a test we did not pass. Falling into temptation shouldn't be the norm for a genuine Christian.
How to Overcome Temptation As A Christian
From the holy scriptures, we learn that temptation is not the handiwork of God. The Almighty tempts no one.
James 1:13-15 states it clearly;
Let no one say when he is tempted, I am tempted from God; for God is incapable of being tempted by evil and He Himself tempts no one. But every person is tempted when he is drawn away, enticed and baited by his own evil desire (lust, passions). Then the evil desire, when it has conceived, gives birth to sin, and sin, when it is fully matured, brings forth death.
The above scripture is very revealing. God doesn’t tempt anyone. The devil does. But even when the devil does tempts us, his temptations often come as suggestions. So we always have a choice. The REAL enemy here is SELF—which is filled with evil desire, lust and ungodly passions.
Building capacity to overcome temptation requires that we must first point the torch within and overcome Self.
And that starts with what we allow in.
No doubt that our present world is filled with lust. Ranging from the mainstream media, to social media, and even to roadside billboards—lust is promoted and offered willingly on a plate like free meal.
As I said earlier, we always have a choice. it is only when we drop our spiritual defenses to feed on lust, that we become a prey.
It is true that the enemy tempts, but he doesn't gate-crash. The enemy only has his way when the Believer gives him that consent. Lusting is consent.
When we willfully give in to lust, it undoubtedly matures into full-blown disobedience toward God. That is why we must fight lust!
Our Lord Jesus Christ was repeatedly tempted by the devil in the wilderness, yet He walked out unscathed, standing tall, and victorious (Matthew 4:4-11). By refusing to be enticed by the mouth-watering offers the enemy presented before Him, the Lord refused him consent.
And the best news?
Every temptation we overcome births promotions—both physically and spiritually. Each time we overcome a temptation, we choose God over Self; we choose good over evil. God is pleased, and that doesn't go unrewarded.
Let's keep in mind: falling into temptation gets one into the shackles of the enemy. But overcoming temptation is self-initiated deliverance.
10 Steps To Overcoming Temptation
We all can always apply these biblical steps to overcome temptation.
1. Make a Choice to Please God
Overcoming temptations starts with making up our minds to please God. This is a very crucial step.
Daniel 1:8 says,
But Daniel made up his mind that he would not defile himself with the king’s food or wine. So he asked the chief official for permission not to defile himself.
Daniel “made up his mind,” that means he started with a resolution that God must be honoured in his life. Overcoming temptation came easy for him because of this resolution.
When we make that decision to intentionally overcome temptation (for the sake of pleasing God), a supernatural shield is created—to bounce off the enemy's fiery darts of temptation.
2. Arm Yourself With the Word of God
The word of God is one effective weapon of the Believer. It is very effective in fighting lust and temptation. To put it to use, we must first study and know God's Word.
The word of God provides truth that triumphs in every situation. When the enemy comes with lies to tempt us, we just need the word to counter his lies.
A “wordless” Christian is an ARMLESS Christian. You're less armed to contend against the wiles of the enemy without sufficient knowledge of God's Word.
Our Lord Jesus Christ (who is the Living Word) emphasized on the importance of knowing the scriptures. He Himself spent time in the temple studying. When He was tempted in the wilderness, He was consistent in His response—striking back at the enemy with “IT IS WRITTEN.” (Matthew 4:4,7,10).
Our strength lies in the Word of God. The more of God's Word we have in us, the more victorious we'll be in resisting temptation.
3. Stay Committed to Prayer and Fasting
In our place of prayer, we receive divine enablement to resist temptations. This saying has repeatedly proven to be true: “A prayerless Christian is a powerless Christian.”
There is a re-energizing of the Holy Spirit that happens in the place of prayer. When we are filled with the Holy Spirit, overcoming temptations comes really easy.
Fasting and prayer subdues the flesh but empowers the spirit of man. The power of God garnered through prayer and fasting gives us an edge in our fight against Self, lust and temptations.
4. Engage the Blood Of Jesus Christ
The blood of Jesus is the life of Jesus. It is very potent against temptations. Speak the blood of Jesus over the suggestions of the enemy.
The mystery in the blood of Jesus is one that the enemy cannot comprehend. Believers in Jesus Christ have victory over the enemy and his devices through the blood of Jesus Christ (Revelations12:11).
5. Prioritize Your Spiritual Growth
As a Christian who desires to live above the wiles of the enemy, you can't afford to plateau at a certain level of spiritual growth.
You must advance to gain advantage!
Increasing spiritual growth raises in us increasing protection and resistance against evil.
The more of God in us, the easier overcoming temptation becomes.
If a Christian is not constantly growing spiritually, they should not expect to overcome temptations!
6. Walk In the Spirit Always
The Spirit of God must be allowed to take charge of our lives. Make intentional efforts to submit to the leadership of the Holy Spirit daily. Make efforts to yield to Him in every area of your life.
Get yourself busy with what feeds your spirit and starves the Flesh. Consciously obey the little prompting of the Holy Spirit throughout your day—you will be grateful you did. This is part of walking in the Spirit.
When we walk in the Spirit, we cannot walk in lust. Hence, temptation can be easily overcome (Galatians 5:16-18).
As we walk with the Holy Spirit daily, Self is subdued, the Flesh is crucified! That way, we won't fall easily.
7. Flee All Appearance of Evil
This is another major step to overcoming temptations.
Here's the thing: if we willingly give in to the attractions of lust and feed on them, we will always fall into temptation.
But when we proactively shut down or avoid the appearances of evil, overcoming temptation becomes easier.
The Believer who wants to overcome temptations cannot stay where sin lurks. Learn from Joseph... FLEE!
8. Watch Your Thoughts
To a great extent, our thoughts define us. The quality of our thoughts determine the quality of our life!
The human mind can accommodate either God or the devil. If someone devotes time dwelling on ungodly thoughts, it is not harmless. They are feeding and energising the flesh. They will do according to their thoughts. They will become easy prey for the enemy.
Philippians 4:8 says,
Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable, if anything is excellent or praiseworthy... think on these things.
Think on these things... Replace ungodly thoughts with God’s Word. Meditate. Consciously. Intentionally. Fill your mind with the Word of God. This enables a Christian to fight temptations.
Remember, our thoughts influence our words. Our words influence our actions, and our actions determine WHO WE ARE.
9. Stay Away from the Wrong Company
Our company influences our lifestyle. A Christian shouldn't be in certain circles.
Choose your friends wisely. If you cannot change them for good, keep your distance. Don't let them influence you.
Being in the wrong company easily exposes one to temptations. Some people are called a “bad influence” for a reason. Walk away. Avoid them.
If we truly intend to live a life of dominion over temptations, then we must walk with like-minded people.
10. Rely On God's Grace
No godly task is ever accomplished with arm of flesh. The grace of God empowers us to overcome temptations. Don't trust in your abilities. Don't take the credit for little victories against temptation.
The grace of God is ever sufficient and available to us. We only need to harness it.
There will be times when some temptations appear so enticing and difficult to overcome. That is when grace steps in to help.
Contrary to what some assume, the grace of God isn't God overlooking wrongdoings. It is God empowering and making provision for us to overcome.
May the grace of God enable you overcome that temptation and live a triumphant Christian life! In the Name of Jesus Christ, Amen!
Bible Verse For Overcoming Temptations
- 1 Corinthians 10:13 (NIV) No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.
- Matthew 26:41 (NIV) Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.
- Romans 6:23 (ESV) For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.
- Hebrews 2:18 (NIV) Because he himself suffered when he was tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted.
- 1 John 4:4 (NIV) You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.
- Ephesians 6:11 (NIV) Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.
- James 4:7 (AMP) So be subject to God. Resist the devil [stand firm against him], and he will flee from you.
- Proverbs 4:23 (AMP) Keep and guard your heart with all vigilance and above all that you guard, for out of it flow the springs of life.
- Romans 6:12 (AMP) Let not sin therefore rule as king in your mortal (short-lived, perishable) bodies, to make you yield to its cravings and be subject to its lusts and evil passions.
Conclusion On Overcoming Temptations
So Beloved, as we've seen in this article, it is not impossible to overcome temptations. If Jesus did, we can do it too. If the Bible says we should, it means we can!
Do your part by taking the steps in this article to overcome temptations. Then, leave the rest for God.
The Lord has promised us a way of escape out of all temptations, but we can't do it without His Grace. So, trust in His help at all times!
There is often no prior notification to when the enemy will tempt us. So it is better to always stay ready.
Live victoriously!
Stay blessed.
0
0
