5 helpful ways to resist temptation

Temptation is something we all face as Christians, no matter how long we have been following Christ. Recently, I’ve been reminded of the practical things that we can do to grow stronger and smarter in our struggle against sin. Here are some helpful suggestions.



Recognize our tendency toward sin.

James 1:14 explains that we are tempted when we become enticed by our own natural desires. The first step toward avoiding temptation, is recognizing our human tendency to be tempted by our own fleshly desires. What are some ungodly tendencies we have that lure us away easily? Writing them down and making a point to avoid those things/ situations is a good start.

Run away from the temptation.

I love the New Living Translation of 1 Corinthians 10:13. It says, "But remember that the temptations that come into your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will keep the temptation from becoming so strong that you can't stand up against it. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you will not give in to it."

When we are face to face with temptation, look to God and run towards Him as fast as you can. Do not entertain the thoughts.

Resist with the Word of truth.

Hebrews 4:12 says God's Word is living and active, but did you know we carry a weapon that will make our thoughts obey Jesus Christ? 2 corinthians 10:4-5 “The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.”

Though it can be helpful to read God's Word when we are being tempted, sometimes that's not practical. Even better is to practice reading the Word daily, so that eventually we have so much of it inside, we are ready whenever temptation comes. If we are reading through the Bible regularly, we will have the full counsel of God at our disposal.

Refocus with praise.

How often are we tempted to sin when our heart and mind are fully concentrated on worship to the Lord? Praising God takes our focus off of ourself and puts it on God. We may not always be strong enough to resist temptation on our own, but as we focus on God, He will give us the strength to resist and walk away from the temptation.

Repent quickly when we fail.

In several places the Bible tells us the best way to resist temptation is to flee from it (1 Corinthians 6:18; 1 Corinthians 10:14; 1 Timothy 6:11; 2 Timothy 2:22). Yet still we all fail from time to time. We fail to flee. Knowing that at times we will fail—let’s be quick to repent as James 1:15 puts it best that sin "when it is full-grown, gives birth to death."

With love & prayer,

Est