All Christians face temptation. Each one of us has some weak points, and the devil is great at finding them and seducing us with them. These can be sins of laziness, anger, insecurity, and many others. However, sins aren’t the same as temptation. Temptation can lead to sin, but Jesus experienced every temptation we do and never sinned (Heb. 4:15).
In other words, one of the best ways to battle sins is to learn to resist temptation. Here are six things that will help you do just that.
1. Recognize Temptation
Temptation works by presenting something to us as good or pleasant, luring us into giving in. Unfortunately, in the moment of temptation, it can be hard to recognize these desires for what they are. The only way to combat this is to learn to discern when you’re being tempted. You can also protect yourself by filling yourself with good and fruitful things (1 Tim. 6:11).
2. Quote Scripture
When the devil tried to tempt Jesus, he quoted the Bible in an attempt to sound pious and trick him. Jesus responded by quoting Scripture back at the devil, proving the devil’s twisted and wrongful use of God’s words (Matt. 4:5-7). Quoting the Word, called the Sword of the Spirit (Eph. 6:17) can also help us battle things that tempt us.
3. Take Preventative Action
Do you know that certain situations will bring you into temptation? This can be anything from going to a bar to being around certain people. If so, take preventative action by avoiding these situations. Just like Joseph once avoided temptation by fleeing from Potiphar’s wife when she tried to seduce him, sometimes the best way to avoid temptation is to run from it.
4. Know Yourself
Knowing the enemy is an essential aspect of any battle. In the Christian life, however, one of our enemies is the corrupt part of our nature that lingers within us (Eph. 4:22; Rom. 7:21-23). To defeat this enemy, we must know ourselves. Circumstances, personality, disposition, and life experiences can all be factors that make us more susceptible to temptation.
5. Pray
When Jesus prayed in the Garden of Gethsemane, his disciples kept succumbing to sleep. Jesus then told them to watch and pray to avoid falling into temptation. Even now, the humble prayer remains one of our most constant companions. Praying with trusted friends or counselors is also a great way to keep in the practice of prayer.
6. Remember There Is a Way Out
God never allows us to be tempted by something beyond our abilities. Every temptation also provides a way out that may allow you to endure it (1 Cor. 10:13). God also gives us himself so that we can call upon his strength for endurance and resistance (Josh. 1:5). Finally, he gives us his church and a community of fellow Christians to help us in our battles.
