No matter how long we have been followers of Christ, we are all subject to the temptation to sin. However, there are actions we may take that will help us become stronger and more knowledgeable in our fight against sin. Following five biblical principles will help you resist temptation.
Success for a Christian frequently entails getting closer to God. The struggle against temptation is an important part of this effort. What are your options then, when you’re tempted? Consider these biblical tactics to advance in holiness before God if you’re a Christian who wants to resist temptation to sin.
According to the Bible, we will define temptation for the sake of this article as anything that tempts you to disobey God. In reality, every circumstance you encounter in life either fosters your development or fosters your demise. What you ultimately decide to do is what matters most. Will you submit to God and approach Him, or will you disobey God and flee from Him? Here, you are not a helpless victim. Decide to use the following tactics to resist temptation in your life rather than making the choice to sin.
Before being tempted, pray.
As he taught us to pray, “Give us this day our daily bread,” it is important to beg God to deliver us from temptation and evil THIS DAY. Jesus encouraged his disciples to pray, “Lead us not into temptation and deliver us from evil.”
Flee. A successful run is preferable to a misstep.
As much as you can, avoid sin. Never assume you won’t fall. You wouldn’t instruct someone you hired to transport your most priceless possessions to drive as closely as possible to a cliff edge. In Proverbs 7, a “young man without sense” “happens” to run across a woman as he wanders by her home at dusk. She has a seductive outfit on. She describes her fragrant bed and claims that her husband has left. He finally takes after her like an ox headed for the slaughter. Due to her interaction with Satan and attention to how appetizing the fruit appeared, Eve ended up in difficulty. Abandon temptation. Keep your car out of the park in the dark.
Quote Scripture.
Jesus conquered the tempter in this manner. When you feel like complaining, remember yourself to “Rejoice always,” “A soft answer turns away wrath,” and “God resists the proud but offers grace to the humble.” Of course, to quote Scripture when tempted implies we must first know it, which means we must consistently take it in.
When faced with temptation, pray.
For assistance in times of need, come close to the throne of grace.
You will receive assistance from your compassionate high priest, who was tested similarly to you yet did not sin.
Invite a sibling or brother to join you in prayer.
A triple cord is not easily broken, according to Ecclesiastes 4:12, “while a man might succeed against one who is alone, two will withstand him.”
Demand that someone hold you responsible.
A friend once asked me, “Mark, can you ask me if I watched TV in the hotel room when I get back from my business trip this week? On vacations by myself, I can be tempted to watch inappropriate content. It will be easier for me to resist temptation if I know you’re going to ask.
Demand that someone hold you responsible.
A friend once asked me, “Mark, can you ask me if I watched TV in the hotel room when I get back from my business trip this week? On vacations by myself, I can be tempted to watch inappropriate content. It will be easier for me to resist temptation if I know you’re going to ask.
Keep in mind that sin has repercussions.
Keep in mind the warning in Galatians 6:7 that “God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that one must also reap.”
God pardoned David for his adultery with Bathsheba and orchestrating the murder of her husband, but warned him that the sword would never leave his home, his own family members would cause him great damage, and the child he had with Bathsheba would perish.
Keep an Eternal Perspective
You are accountable to God. Even if you might be able to conceal your sin from others, remember that “the LORD’s eyes are in every place, watching the evil and the good.”
If Christ were present, would you feel free to satisfy your ungodly desire? Through His Spirit, He is also physically present with you. Avoid sin, and when Christ returns, “do not offend the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.”
Ecclesiastes’ preacher exhorts you to reject a “under the sun” perspective and, instead, to consider what takes place in God’s eternity. “Fear God and observe His commandments since this applies to everyone,” he concludes after everyone has spoken. God will judge every deed, whether good or wicked, and all that is concealed.
Contrary to God’s design for you, transitory pleasures are preferable to eternal rewards. Excellence and honesty have a long-term payoff that is well worth the effort!