Overcoming Temptation

Realize Temptation Is From Satan... and that temptation is a tool of satan to destroy your relationship with God.

Realize That Temptation Is Not Sin... and that satan wants to discourage you into thinking you are a weak Christian because you constantly have to battle temptation. Temptation is not Sin. Sin only comes after we yield to temptation.

"But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed. Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death." James 1:14-15 (NKJV)

Crucify The Affections and Lusts Of The Flesh... We live in a very permissive society where we are continually bombarded with advertisements and philosophies that promote sensual pleasures. Our natural God given "desires" are being trained to seek that which will feel good regardless of the price. The more we feed our "uncontrolled desires" the more we want. A crucifixion of our flesh is to bring those Godly desires under control...to use them as God ordained them to be used.

"And those who are Christ's have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit."
Galatians 5:24-25 (NKJV)
Submit To God and Resist The Devil... The spiritual battle with temptation is much greater than a human can overcome alone. You need help and God is available when we totally surrender our lives to His control. Note the process... first, surrender to God. Get God's power on your side, then...resist the devil (reject his proposals). When you and God become partners there is a power that satan cannot defeat. When you surrender to God and then resist the devil, the devil has no other option than to "flee from you".

"Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you." James 4:7 (NKJV)

Abide In God... The word "abide" means to remain steadfast. It means to continue in fellowship with God in the good times...not just when we need Him to help us overcome temptation. Building a relationship with God is a daily activity...and the more we know Him, the more we feel comfortable to call upon Him in total trust in the time of trouble. God wants to be our friend as well as our deliverer.

"Whoever abides in Him does not sin. Whoever sins has neither seen Him nor known Him Little children, let no one deceive you. He who practices righteousness is righteous, just as He is righteous. He who sins is of the devil, for the devil has sinned from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that He might destroy the works of the devil. Whoever has been born of God does not sin, for His seed remains in him; and he cannot sin, because he has been born of God." 1 John 3:6-9 (NKJV)


Put On The Whole Armor Of God... (Ephesians 6:10-11)
"Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints;" Ephesians 6:10-18 (NKJV)

A good warrior never enters a battle without proper gear to protect himself. The Christian warrior never goes into battle with satan without the armor that God has provided for him or her.

God's armor includes....
1. truth
2. righteousness
3. gospel
4. faith
5. salvation
6. sword of the spirit

Temptation is an everyday experience to the Christian believer. God has provided a method and the power to overcome all temptation. We are more than overcomers through Him who loves us. Take God at His word and start enjoying the Christian life as He intended. Don't allow satan to steal your joy through temptation.