Five Steps to Overcoming the Allure of Temptation
“For because he himself has suffered when tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted.” Hebrews 2:18 (ESV)
Let’s be honest – we have all been tempted. Not once, not twice, but continuously.
Sometimes it could be something small, like a delicious dessert when we’re trying to lose weight. Other times it might be something big, like believing that God could not possibly love us or we’ve been too sinful for Him to care anymore.
Temptation is an unavoidable part of the Christian journey. Lies and temptation have been aimed at us since Satan convinced Eve to tell Adam God was withholding knowledge from them, and they both believed the lie.
Temptation strikes at the heart of our faith, challenging our resolve and commitment to God’s will.
Even Jesus faced the lure of temptation. Matthew 4:1-11 gives us a powerful narrative of Jesus overcoming temptation in the wilderness. This passage serves as a profound anchor for understanding how to face and conquer temptation in our own lives.
When Temptation Strikes
Temptation often strikes when we are most vulnerable. Jesus, after fasting for forty days and nights, was physically weak and hungry. It was at this moment that Satan approached Him with a series of temptations.
Similarly, we may find ourselves tempted during times of weakness, stress, or emotional turmoil. As Peter warned, “Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour” (1 Peter 5:8).
The Nature of Temptation
Temptation often appeals to our deepest needs and desires. Satan first tempted Jesus with the promise of bread, exploiting his hunger.
Next, Satan challenged Jesus to test God’s protection by throwing himself down from the pinnacle of the temple.
Finally, Satan offered Jesus all the kingdoms of the world in exchange for worship.
These temptations targeted physical needs, pride, and the desire for power—common areas where all of us as Believers may struggle.
Yet our God knows we will be tempted, and God Himself will provide an escape plan.
The Apostle Paul reminds us in 1 Corinthians 10:13, “No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.”
This assurance highlights God’s faithfulness and His provision for our escape from temptation.
Different Reactions to Temptation
Each of us has different reactions when temptation enters our lives. Some of us may fall into the trap of rationalizing our actions, convincing ourselves that giving in just this once will not cause any harm.
Others of us may feel overwhelmed and helpless, believing we lack the strength to resist.
Yet, Jesus’ response to each of Satan’s temptations provides a model for us to follow!
The Biblical Way to Overcome Temptation
Rely on God’s Word: Jesus countered each temptation with Scripture, demonstrating the power of God’s Word in overcoming lies and deception. When tempted to turn stones into bread, Jesus responded, “It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God’” (Matthew 4:4).
Studying and internalizing Scripture equips us to recognize and with God’s help defeat the enemy’s tactics.
Seek God’s Strength: Jesus’ reliance on God’s Word was rooted in His relationship with the Father. In our battles with temptation, prayer is essential. Jesus instructed His disciples, “Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” (Matthew 26:41).
Through prayer, we can seek God’s strength and guidance to withstand temptation.
Resist and Submit to God: James 4:7 advises, “Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you”.
Submission to God means aligning our will with His and resisting the devil through the power of the Holy Spirit. By doing so, we draw closer to God, and the devil’s influence diminishes.
Flee from Temptation: At times, the best course of action is to flee from temptation. Paul advises Timothy, “But as for you, O man of God, flee these things. Pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness, gentleness.” (1 Timothy 6:11).
Removing ourselves from situations that provoke temptation can be a practical step in overcoming it.
Encourage Accountability: Sharing our struggles with trusted fellow believers provides support and encouragement. James 5:16 urges, ” Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working.”
Accountability partners can pray with us and help us stay accountable to our commitments.
Overcoming Temptation is a Process
Overcoming temptation is a continual process that requires vigilance, reliance on God’s Word, prayer, and the support of the Christian community.
By following Jesus’ example and adhering to biblical principles, we can triumph over temptation and grow stronger in our faith. Let us remember the promise found in Hebrews 2:18: “For because he himself has suffered when tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted.”
With Christ’s help, we can overcome any temptation that comes our way.
May God continuously guide your path.