How to Fight Temptation with Bible Truths

By: Sarah Geringer

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.

1 Corinthians 10:13 NLT

What is your biggest temptation right now?

You know it, and God knows it.

Satan also knows it. And he wants to defeat you with it.

But God doesn’t leave you alone in your temptation.

This verse is packed with encouragement for you when you face temptation.

Here are the four things from this verse to help you fight temptation.

1. Your temptations aren’t unique.

Jesus himself was tempted by Satan in three different ways (see Matthew 4:1-11). He is the only One who has never fallen prey to temptation, because he is sinless. This teaches us that temptation in and of itself is not sin. Stated another way: You do not commit sin when you face temptation.

Jesus was tempted so he would know exactly how you feel. The enemy wants to isolate you in your temptation. He wants to make you feel alone so you are more likely to step forward into sin. But since Jesus understands how you feel, you don’t have to choose sin. You can choose life instead.

Admitting your temptation to another trusted Christian woman can strengthen your fight against the enemy. If she identifies with your struggle, she won’t judge you. She can lift you up in prayer and encourage you to stay on the path of life.

2. God will faithfully stay beside you.

God knows you will be tempted again and again. He never tires of helping you deal with temptation. He is always available, immediately through prayer, to help you out of the mess the enemy tries to hand you.

3. God limits your temptation.

God will not allow a temptation to overpower you. He may use it as a test, but he will not crush you with it. You will always be allowed to exercise your free will over it.

Just like a loving parent allows a child to walk a little further out in freedom with each passing year despite the risks, God allows us to be tempted so we can grow in faith.

4. There is always a way out of your temptation.

Scripture gives us many examples of getting out of temptation. Joseph physically left the advances of Potiphar’s wife. Hannah trusted God instead of despairing in her childlessness. Daniel refused to bow to a pagan king and chose to pray instead. Look to the Bible for other examples.

Here are more ways out of temptation, depending on your situation.

·         Walk or run away

·         Place it out of sight

·         Refuse to buy it

·         Don’t bring it into your home

·         Stop looking at, listening to, eating or touching the item

·         Take deep breaths

·         Count to ten

·         Take a walk

·         Take a cold shower

·         Break off a relationship

·         Change your church

·         Change your job

·         Move

·         Quote scripture (this is what Jesus did)

In the moment of temptation, you can always cry out for God’s help. Believe that God will show you every time. Trust that he will provide a way out and look for it. Ask the Holy Spirit to help you in the very moment of temptation and choose to obey his lead.

What other ways can you fight temptation with God’s help?

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Have a wonderful weekend!

Blessings and God's peace to you,

Sarah Geringer
Finding Peace in God's Word

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Reflection questions:

1. Be honest with God. What is tempting you most right now? The first step to overcoming temptation is to recognize it, and you can trust God to show you grace.

2. Read James 1:12-18. What more do you learn about temptation from this passage?