Overcoming Temptation
Temptation is the desire to do something, especially something wrong or unwise. As humans, we all struggle with sinful desires including anger, revenge, sex, and more.
One thing to understand about temptation is that, contrary to popular belief, it does not come from God but satan.
A great example of this is the story of Adam and Eve (Genesis 3). God created Adam as the first man and Eve as the first woman. He allowed them to live in a place called the Garden of Eden which had everything they needed to leave a beautiful life including plenty of delicious foods . The only rule that God had was that they were not to eat fruit from one specific tree in the garden. One day, satan, disguised as a serpent, tempted Eve to take a bite of the fruit from the tree that God forbid them from consuming. This led to disastrous consequences for Adam and Eve including being kicked out of the Garden of Eden and having to survive on their own.
From this example we can see that the sin is not being tempted but giving into that temptation. Eve being tempted to eat the fruit was not the issue as satan is always trying to trap us. The sin came when she actually ate the fruit and also convinced Adam to eat the fruit as well.
As another example, there's nothing wrong with being tempted by anger. We all have anger as a human emotion. The sin is when we make bad decisions out of that anger (Ephesians 4:26). So we have to be very careful to not let the temptations of daily life allow us to sin and grow apart from God like Adam and Eve who grew apart from God's presence when they were kicked out of the Garden of Eden.
Thankfully God will never allow satan to tempt us beyond what we can handle (1 Corinthians 10:13) This means that if you are currently being tempted by something it is because God knows you can overcome it. This is the key to your spiritual maturity which unlocks blessings.
1 Corinthians 10:13
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.
Here Are 2 Ways to Overcome Temptation
1. Changing Your Environment- The best way to overcome temptation is to avoid it. Removing things from your life that tempt you to sin is a great way to increase your spiritual health. For example, if you struggle with a sexual temptation, removing sexual music, sexual TV shows, and sexual people from your life can help you to overcome. Removing temptation from your environment and replacing it with things that motivate you to serve the Lord is a great strategy. Psalms 1: 1-4
2. Proactive and Reactive Prayer- Prayer is the one of the most powerful and effective weapons you can use to fight temptation. It is very important that you have a proactive and reactive prayer life. Proactive prayer means praying ahead of time to prepare you for dealing with future temptation. It is a great idea to make it a habit to pray daily for strength and wisdom to overcome temptation. This will slowly but surely help you to resist the temptation as it comes in your day-to-day life. Reactive prayer is when you pray immediately as a reaction to being tempted. This can help you avoid the sin that follows the temptation. For example, if you are tempted by anger, immediately pray that God help you control your reaction so you do not sin. Proactive and reactive prayer are great tools to ensure that you are always representing Christ no matter the temptation. 1 Thessalonians 5:17
Check out our Bible Study on
Overcoming Temptation
Recap
As humans we all struggle with temptation so it is nothing to be embarrassed or ashamed of. But it is important that we understand that giving into temptation can lead to disastrous consequences and prevent us from growing closer to the God and receiving the blessings He has for us. It is important that we create an environment that is free of temptation and make it a habit to have a mature prayer life that gives us daily strength. Remember, God will never tempt you beyond what you can handle. So if you are struggling, just know that God has given you the ability to overcome!!!
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30 comments
When you fight temptation it’s great to know what scripture for what temptation you are fighting whether it’s lust stealing smoking drugging cussing it doesn’t matter what your temptation is if you don’t believe in Phillipians 4:13 lknowledge is power you must know and believe that “ You can do all things through Christ who strengthens you” when you believe that you can knock the devil nose off because of you believe that you can and you standing firm on your faith when you come with the scripture.
Deleah Malone
👏🏻🙏🏼
Kodie
You are truly blessed for sharing the word with the world. We can do anything in Christ, no matter what we struggle with and he renews us. I love that you use your success to share the good news. God is proud of you and always is. Bless ❤️
Canaan
I feel like in my journey with god this is the one thing i have struggled with the most because everything would be going great and suddenly the temptation is hitting so hard and its almost like you cant resist.. The one thing i will say that has worked for me is imagining how my life would be if god said " depart from me for i never knew you " i think thats become my worst fear
Naledi
I feel like in my journey with god this is the one thing i have struggled with the most because everything would be going great and suddenly the temptation is hitting so hard and its almost like you cant resist.. The one thing i will say that has worked for me is imagining how my life would be if god said " depart from me for i never knew you " i think thats become my worst fear
Naledi
Very relatable blog topic.
Thank you for sharing.
Liz
Recently I’ve noticed in myself that temptations come in many forms and that they can ALL be overcame. Love this post!!!
Brianna Quarterman
I have been struggling with lustful thoughts for a couple of days now. I started reading the Bible 2 weeks ago, so I didn’t know which chapter of the Bible to read for encouragement and strength, but thanks to you I do now.
Donisha
Very interesting post. Thank you for writing it!
Donice R.
I’m not sure what tests/temptations are coming my way but I came across one of you wash day youtube videos and it led me to this post. So I want to thank you for being open about your spirituality and religion. You don’t see that a lot with our generation. This message and strategies will be practiced not only by me but it helps me teach my children better ways to deal with today’s world and get closer to Christ. Again thank you.
Taryn
I praise the lord for this post and I really appreciate it as I am currently struggling to overcome temptation…Thank you so much!
Tasia
Hi, I really enjoyed the blog for today. I also learned how to pray better for my anger. Thank you so much for sharing this with me.
Kayda
We all have this urge for temptation and it sucks we just put it on one thing but you can be tempted to do anything commit a crime, drugs , cheating etc. but it’s important that we learn to control and understand that not all temptations are meant to be followed.
Catilin Murphy
Temptation is hard and I’m glad people are talking about ways to overcome. The enemy knows how and where to attack so close any doors that you might be struggling in or in a vulnerable stage.
Johnice
Overcoming temptation for sure is one thing that all Christians no matter how far into their relationship and walk with the Lord struggle with. It’s so easy t to forget the triggers that caused us to stumble but having the proper friends, and solid relationship in God is most needed to overcome it!
Sarah
Overcoming temptation for sure is one thing that all Christians no matter how far into their relationship and walk with the Lord struggle with. It’s so easy t to forget the triggers that caused us to stumble but having the proper friends, and solid relationship in God is most needed to overcome it!
Sarah
i love your videos and your wisdom
lori
I absolutely love how you talk about your faith in a open and honest way. Awesome content.
Genesis
Amen! I always tell myself that sinful acts serve my Saviours enemy and why should I commit the very acts my Saviour died to save us from
Jennifer Anderson
That reactive prayer part is real! I gotta work on that. It’s so easy to justify temptation in the moment, but making reactive prayer a habit will def remind you of your goals and values to stay the course
Ktina
Thank you for this I believe in God and I am from west Africa. Just thank you!!
Susan
Thank you for this I believe in God and I am from west Africa. Just thank you!!
Susan
Trials, tests, and even temptations help us grow as Christians and we become better people in the end! Helps us rely and press in him more and gain strength and faith for the future 🙏🏿🙏🏿🙏🏿
Ire
Thank you for this post
Juliana James
Thank you for this you are an amazing person I love that you are open to talking about your faith through your brand! 🫶🏽✨
Haley-Reese
Unfortunately, temptation is everywhere. I agree that temptation doesn’t come from God. I believe God will test you from time to time to see if you can resist the temptation. As you stated, prayer is a proactive solution to overcome temptation. Another proactive solution is talking to people you trust. Eve should’ve prayed and talked to someone she trusted. It’s interesting that Eve didn’t talk to Adam about being tempted, but instead talked him into eating the forbidden fruit. I guess it true: there’s an for every action there’s a reaction.
Lindsey F.
I’m so chuffed and so encouraged too see a young woman. On such a honest walk with God. I’m proud of you and you inspire me so much. I can’t wait to buy your hair care products and join you for Bible study … all the way from South Africa 🌍 Jesse xx
Jesse
I praise the Lord for His help with temptations, because I see and know just how weak I am and how easy I will run to the world if He doesn’t keep His hand on me. Thank you for your positive post.
Asia
I just finished reading Hebrews 12:1 so to come across this now is definitely what God wants me to Hear
Fisokuhle Khoza
I really appreciate this post. I was especially motivated by the point you made about proactive and reactive prayer. Indeed, a healthy prayer life is the key to overcoming temptation.
Nas
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