Each day, we all face different types of temptation. While it’s easy to feel like a victim when dealing with these varying types of temptation, it’s important to remember that we are not forced to give in to them.
We have been given the victory of temptations of every kind through the sinless life of Christ, His death, and resurrection.
As Christ illustrated in the Lord’s Prayer (Matthew 6:19-13 and Luke 11:1-4), we should pray for God to deliver us from temptation. The only way that we can truly overcome the spiritual tactics that Satan launches against us is to combat them with prayer.
When we sin, it is the result of temptation. Temptation starts with a thought, usually a selfish one. When we are drawn to something that tempts us, we are forced to make a decision.
We can give into that temptation in the name of satisfying the lust of the flesh, or we can avoid that temptation, choosing to be obedient to the call of Christ.
There is nothing that we can do to prevent temptation from coming into our lives. While we can choose which thoughts we dwell on, we cannot, at least not while we are in our finite, fallen, fleshly bodies prevent thoughts from happening.
Satan knows how to place temptations in your path that will cause you to think about sin. He knows your weaknesses, and he understands how to utilize them.
The things that please your flesh are the things that Satan tempts you with. For instance, if you have a tendency to do whatever it takes to get ahead, Satan will create opportunities for you to take advantage of others in the workplace, stepping on whoever stands between you and the promotion that would give you a better life.
If lust is a weakness for you, Satan will tempt you to visit websites that you know you shouldn’t when you think no one is watching.
While we cannot stop temptation from coming, we can use prayer as a means to overcome it. Today, apply Scriptural truths to your prayer life as you seek to overcome temptation so you can be a more disciplined, more obedient disciple of Christ.
Pray These Verses
James 1:13-16 (NIV)
When tempted, no one should say, “God is tempting me.” For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; but each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed. Then after the desire has been conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death. Don’t be deceived, my dear brothers and sisters.
2 Corinthians 10:3-6 (NIV)
For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. 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. And we will be ready to punish every act of disobedience, once your obedience is complete.
1 Corinthians 10:12-13 (NIV)
So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don’t fall! No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.
Pray This Prayer
Heavenly Father, I don’t want to give into temptation. I don’t want to spend my life feeling like I’ve missed the mark that You have set for me by giving into the things that please my flesh in the moment.
I know that You are not a source of temptation. When I am tempted to do wrong, it comes from one place and one place only, and that is the very pit of hell. Satan wants to cause me to stumble and fall, but he is not the ruler of my life.
Father, I know that You have given me the weapons that I need in order to tear down the strongholds that Satan wants to construct in my life. Help me to not only recognize those weapons but also show me how to use them more effectively.
You provide a way of escape each time I face temptation. Give me the strength to take advantage of those means of escape so I can glorify Your name in all I do. In Christ’s name, Amen.
Thank God
Heavenly Father, thank You for the gift of the Holy Spirit who allows me to overcome the temptations that I face each day. Thank You for not viewing me through the lens of my failures, but choosing to see me through the grace that You offer to all mankind.
Thank You for equipping me with the weapons of spiritual warfare that I need so I can take every thought captive that raises itself up against what I know about You. You are good, and You are faithful. You are quick to forgive, and You give me a way of escape from each temptation.
For that, I praise You. In Christ’s name, Amen.