It’s natural to be tempted but here’s how to overcome it!
Temptation is Normal!
Temptation is when someone is enticed to do something that is against the Word of God, which could lead them to sin, depending on how they respond to the temptation. And it comes to everyone and I mean everyone, you, me, your mom, your pastor; temptation is not a stranger to anyone but what sets people apart is how they deal with it. So, you may think someone is the perfect Christian, who never deals with sin, and seems to never be tempted by anything; but the truth is, they do deal with sin and temptation just like anyone else. The difference is, that when they deal with sin, they tell sin and temptation to leave through the power of God’s Word, whereas others invite it to stay.
When trying to navigate temptation, a good place to start is 1 Corinthians 10:13, which reads “no temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it”. The good news is you’ll never deal with a temptation that there is no escape from because there is no uncommon temptation. Meaning, that you don’t have a special case when it comes to sin. Someone has dealt with the temptations and sins you have, and in this verse, Paul is letting us know that there is a way out each and every time. So, when Christians complain about how hard it is to not sin, or give an excuse as to why they are always falling into sin, they are disregarding this verse and are living a life contrary to the Bible.
God always makes a way for you to withstand sin; not sometimes, not most times, but always, because “God is faithful”. He knows what you can handle and because the temptation came to you in the first place, it means you are strong enough to overcome it!
Submit to God!
“Submit to God, resist the devil and he will flee from you”.
James 4:7 NKJV
Unfortunely, some Christians don’t believe that they can overcome sin and when the temptation comes, they have to give in. I want you to know, that’s a lie STRAIGHT from hell. The Bible mentions many times that we do not have to be slaves to sin, but what people struggle with is the how. How do I not give in to sin every time a temptation comes? Well, your answer is in James 4:7! Which reads, “submit to God, resist the devil and he will flee from you”. As you submit to God, you are telling sin that it is not your master, but God is! By submitting to God, we are bringing His presence into our situation, which makes the devil uncomfortable and forces him to leave with all of his temptations.
What does submitting to God look like? Submitting to God, to me is inviting His presence into your situation and seeking His face. For example, prayer, reading your Bible, praise and worship, listening to sermons or teachings, are ways you can submit to God.
Prayer
Prayer is a good way to submit to God because you are communicating with Him. When you’re talking directly to God, I’m sure you no longer feel like engaging in sin. A great way to pray when temptation comes is to pray that the temptation flees. For instance, pray “God, I pray the temptation to (insert sin here), leaves me in the name of Jesus, give me the strength to overcome it and to live righteous according to Your Word, in Jesus’s name, amen”. God is quick to answer prayers that align with His Word, and it is His will that we live righteously. So, this is a great place to start when submitting to God.
Reading your Bible
A wonderful way to read your Bible when dealing with temptation is getting a verse that comes against the sin you are being tempted with. I have used this example before, but to illustrate, if you are tempted to get drunk, read 1 Peter 5:8. Which reads, “be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks around about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour”. In this verse, you are reminded that God called us to be sober and keep watch so that we don’t leave any doors open for the enemy to come through. When you’re drunk your awareness falls drastically, you’re clumsy, tired, and you invite other temptations that come naturally from being drunk. For example, rage and sexual immorality are common when one is under the influence.
By reading the Word, you are reminded of God’s instructions to us and feel less comfortable committing the sin. The Bible states how we are cleansed by the “washing of water by the Word” (Ephesians 5:26). Meaning, that when we read the Bible, our spirits are being cleansed by the purity of God’s Word. It is impossible to study God’s Word and not feel better, lighter, and just overall closer to God. John 1:1 mentions how the Word was God, so when you read the Bible, you are bringing God into your situation once again. And when God is present, the devil can’t be!
Praise and Worship
This is a wonderful method for submitting to God because once again it brings in His presence. If you’re feeling tempted to sin, I suggest, just start thanking God that you’re pure, righteous, and holy. Thank God that He has helped you overcome the temptation and that it’s gone. In Psalm 22:3, it says that God “inhabitest the praises of Isreal”, meaning His inhabits the praises of His people, and that is you and me. So, when you lift up a praise to God, you are bringing Him into your situation, and if there’s one thing the devil hates the most, it is praising God! So he has no choice but to hit the road!
Sermons and Teachings
“faith comes by hearing and hearing of the word of God”.
Romans 10:17 NKJV
When I’m feeling tempted I often go on youtube and pull up a sermon or teaching about sin in general or about the specific temptation that I’m dealing with. Through this, it reminds me of the consequences of sin and why it is a reward to live righteous. Also, it opens my eyes to see things how God does through the words of the ministers I listen to. Romans 10:17 says that “faith comes by hearing and hearing of the word of God”. This doesn’t only mean faith for miracles, but it also means faith to overcome your temptations. This is the main reason why people give into sin in the first place, because they don’t have the faith to overcome it. It helps to hear someone preach on rigthteousness and holiness, so that it gets into your spirit that you can be righteous and holy. So, turn on your favorite minister and hear God’s voice through them to get rid of that temptation.
Take Control
One final point I would like to make about overcoming temptation is 2 Corinthians 10:5. It says we are to “cast down imaginations, and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God and bring into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ”. So when the thought comes to sin, it is your job to redirect that thought into the obedience of Christ. Which is submitting to God in the ways I just explained (prayer, praise, reading the Bible, listening to sermons and teachings). Every thought that is against the will of God and living righteously, must be put in its place. God can’t put those thoughts in place for you but He has given you everything you need to do so in His Word. So, what I want you to take away from this post is that you don’t have to submit to sin. God has made a way for you to be victorious against sin and has provided a way out every time! The choice is yours, so choose God’s way and the devil will flee!
Leave a comment