Defeating Temptation
Greetings to one and to all. I pray that this message finds you well in all aspects of life. I am stirred from within to reach out to you regarding the subject of temptation.
In life we will all undoubtedly be faced with temptations. These temptations have the power to draw us away, create strongholds, and hinder our relationship with God. There is certainly a dark side to temptation. However, there is an alternative side to temptation that is quite beautiful. We don't have to spend our lives wresting with temptations and desires. There is hope as provided to us in the promises of God in His holy word.
Temptation comes in many ways, shapes, and forms. Lets talk about the origin of temptation. In order to defeat temptation we should have an in depth understanding of where it comes from and why. The bible tells us that temptation is a result of lustful desires already in our hearts. When I say lustful I don't necessarily mean sexual. I want to clarify this because most often lust is associated with sex. I dare say that a person can lust for anything; sex, food, money, fame, thrills, fortune, blood and any number of things.
1 Timothy 6:9 But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and harmful lusts which drown men in destruction and perdition.
We are led away by our own desires. In other words we allow our own thoughts to take us captive, to the point where we eventually act on our thoughts. Thoughts can indeed be sinful. Still, once those thoughts become actions it is too late to turn back.
James 1:14 But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desired and enticed. Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death.
This is why the word of God tells us to take captive every thought. I know it sounds very complicated to be able to do such a thing. In fact it is easier said than done. There is a specific reason why though.
Unless you have renewed your mind in Christ Jesus, your thoughts, desires, and needs will not have changed. In plainer terms it means that you are still conformed to the ways of the world. The washing and renewing of your mind in Christ will allow you to take captive every thought. Isn't that awesome! For once you will actually be in control of your strongest desires. Surely we are familiar with examples of someone hearing that little voice on one shoulder saying, "Go for it," while that little voice on the other shoulder is saying "Don't Do it!" This is a classic example of being tempted. Notice how the voice was internal and not external? The temptation has everything to do with what is already in our hearts.
Ephesians 4:22-24 that you put off, concerning your former conduct, the old man which grows corrupt according to deceitful lusts, and be renewed in the spirit of your mind, and that you put on the new man which was created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness.
1 John 2:15
Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in them.
Being able to take captive your thoughts will allow you to be able to resist that voice which is trying to lead you astray. When we follow through with temptation it is because we lost the battle waging within our minds. We failed to heed that voice that said to resist. For Christian people that voice is none other than the Holy Spirit. All Christians are able to hear the Holy Spirit. Depending on where they are in their walk they may not recognize the Holy Spirit speaking to them. Those of us who have not renewed our minds may recognize the voice of the Holy Spirit and still not listen.
1 Peter 1:14 As obedient children, not conforming yourselves to the former lusts, as in your ignorance.
I don't want you confused. The Holy Spirit will NEVER lead you astray, command you to commit sinful or evil acts, or tempt you! That is how you distinguish what voice is speaking to you. The bible clearly explains that God does not tempt anyone.
James 1:13 Let no one say when he is tempted, "I am tempted by God"; for God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He Himself tempt anyone.
A Christian person can struggle with temptation just as anyone else can.
1 Corinthians 10:13 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 a way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.
The difference is that Christians, through the blood of Christ, have the ability to overcome the bondage of sin and temptation. At times we willfully chose to remain in bondage. People have various reasons for the actions they chose. However, there is no temptation that cannot be overcome. Thank God we have the victory! We don't have to be ruled by sin. We can "break every chain."
Matthew 26:41
"Keep watching and praying that you may not enter into temptation; the spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak."
One of the biggest ways that we can overcome temptation is to not give place to the devil. Of course the devil and his demon minions are aware of our strengths, weaknesses, and secrets. You know the things that you are too ashamed to speak to anyone about? Maybe you don't have any secrets or shame, but I suspect that the opposite is true. We are all human and wouldn't need a savior if we were without flaw and capable of saving ourselves. My point is that since the enemy knows your weaknesses you should not open the door as an invitation.
Proverbs 1:10-15
My son, if sinners entice you, Do not consent. If they say, "Come with us, Let us lie in wait to shed blood; Let us lurk secretly for the innocent without cause; Let us swallow them alive like Sheol, and whole, as those who go down to the Pit; we shall find all kinds of precious possessions, we shall fill our houses with spoil; cast in your lot among us, let us all have one purse" my son, do not walk in the way with them, keep your foot from their path; for their feet run to evil, and they make haste to shed blood.
For example, if you know that you are struggling with having sexual relations outside of marriage (fornication or adultery), you should avoid placing yourself into situations where you would be tempted to have sex. Don't go to places alone with that person of the opposite sex, especially if you know there is a strong attraction. Don't sleep at their home because the door will open for temptation, which will be followed by the sinful act. Going to the strip club would definitely be a no no. If you are trying to stay clean from drugs or alcohol, it wouldn't be a good idea to go to a bar to hangout, even if your intention is to be social and not participate in any of the drinking. It is probably not the best idea to go to a party where liquor will be served, or associate with your friends during the time they plan to smoke or get high.
Being around during those tempting times will make it all the more easy to give in. There may also be pressure from others in the room with you to engage in something bad. The same principles can be applied to nearly any scenario from stealing, to overindulging in food (gluttony), to revenge and many more. Once you have given in to the temptation it will be so difficult to resist the next time around. The desire will ultimately grow stronger until a stronghold is developed. A great example of this is pornography. After giving in it will be much more difficult to get back to a place of sanctity and wholeness. Scriptures let us know about how demons look for a place to rest. When they find a "clean home" they return with more demons and wreak havoc.
Matthew 12:43-45 "When an unclean spirit goes out of a man he goes through dry places, seeking rest, and finds none. Then he says, 'I will return to my house from which I came.' And when he comes, he finds it empty, swept, and put in order. Then he goes and takes with him seven other spirits more wicked than himself, and they enter and dwell there; and the last state of that man is worse than the first. So shall it be with this wicked generation."
This is why it is best to not allow a stronghold to develop. Temptation will often lead to a temporary gain that leaves you empty and wanting more. So the cycle repeats. For this reason it is best to set our hearts on God. We should focus on the things of heaven above, not earthly pleasures which will all fade away.
When we are fighting with serious sin issues, it probably began with temptation. We don't just wake up addicted suddenly. It has a start, progression, and definite end. The result will either build us stronger or destroy us based on our actions. Jesus was tempted by Satan but resisted. He stood strong and used the holy word of God to do battle.
Hebrews 4:15-16 For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with out weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.
James 4:7 Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.
Satan loves when we give in to temptation because he knows that it places a wedge between us and God. It damages our relationship with our creator. It not only breaks the heart of God, but it ultimately hurts us the most in the long run. It is very selfish because we are saying that what we desire or want is more important than our relationship with Jesus. God is a forgiving and merciful God. Yes the bible tells us that He is long-suffering, but when we are seasoned in Christ, no longer babes, we should not be fighting with these issues. If you come to a place in life where temptation has taken over, fear not.
The first step to redemption always begins with acknowledgment our sins. Ignoring or pretending that we don't have a problem (addiction, dark secret, sin issue) will keep us in bondage and defeat. Once we have confessed our sins we can approach God for forgiveness. He is just to forgive. I would dare say that we should be sincere in our plea. This doesn't mean we won't mess up again or become perfect afterwards. It does mean that we are serious about not hurting God and doing our very best to change. Through prayer, fasting, renewing of our minds through the word of God, open discussions and communication, we are more than able to overcome. We are more than conquerors!
2 Corinthians 12:9 And He said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my strength is made perfect in weakness."
Romans 8:37 Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.
1 John 4:4
You are from God, little children, and have overcome them; because greater is He who is in you than he who is in the world.
Never fear that you are stuck or hopeless. Temptation is a serious matter with serious consequences should we give in, but God always provides a way out. Trust in Him with all your heart. Give it all you've got. When you fall down, get back up and keep running the race. Don't stay down. You can do it because God has given you the victory through his son Jesus Christ. It won't be easy. It will take a lot of discipline, but the sacrifice is worth it.I can tell you this for certain; we shall be rewarded for resisting temptations.
James 1:12 Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him.
This is a promise of God and He cannot lie! I know this is one of my longer posts, but I care greatly for you and wanted to express what God has me to share with you. I pray that this letter has opened your eyes to temptation and empowered you with a new perspective to an age old issue. As always, Truth is Freedom, Knowledge is Power!
