Every person, I believe, wants to be an overcomer, especially in overcoming temptation. Have you ever felt like fighting sin is a losing battle? Every day we face temptations to live the old life instead of God’s new life for us. If you are tempted to succumb to sin, you are not alone. The Lord calls us to repent from our sins in the middle of our struggles. To repent is to turn from our sin and turn toward God.
Resisting temptation may be costly in unexpected ways. A friend was fresh out of college and eager to do a good job. In a short period, he discovered his employer was asking him to do things that were not ethical. He chose to listen to the Lord and seek employment elsewhere. Resisting temptation can be costly, but it is always worth it in the long run.
Listening to the Wrong Voice
The serpent came to Eve and tempted her to disobey God by eating the tree’s fruit. What voice would she listen to? Genesis 3:6 The woman was convinced. She saw that the tree was beautiful, and its fruit looked delicious, and she wanted the wisdom it would give her. So she took some of the fruit and ate it. Then she gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate it, too. 7 At that moment, their eyes were opened, and they suddenly felt shame at their nakedness. So they sewed fig leaves together to cover themselves. [1]
Like Eve we also have free will, and we can choose to listen to the Lord or the enemy. Resisting temptation is not easy; to do so, we must rely on the Lord, for we are weak.
Be an Overcomer
What are ways of overcoming temptation? The following principles can help you fight and overcome temptation.
- Be honest with God. At the time of temptation, don’t debate the issue. The longer we wrestle with tempting thoughts, the closer we get to sinning. Flee from the temptation as soon as you recognize it (2 Tim. 2:22).
- Recognize your enemy. Understand that this is serious business! You are engaged in a battle for your very soul. An enemy, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour.[2] (1 Peter 5:8). This enemy will use temptation to draw you away from God.
- Resist through Jesus! Go to the Lord and receive mercy and grace in your time of need (Heb. 4:15-16). Remember, you are not alone in your struggle. Satan tries to discourage us through isolation, telling us our temptation is unique. This isn’t true. 1 Corinthians 10:13 The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure. [3]
To learn more about overcoming temptation, listen here:
https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/beginnings-fall
[1-3] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation . Tyndale House Publishers.