
First, realize that being tempted does not make you a bad person. The Bible says that we are all subject to temptation (1 Corinthians 10:13). What matters is our response. Some people dwell on a wrong desire and sooner or later succumb to it. Others chase it away immediately.
It is written: Each one is tested when he is drawn away of his own lust and enticed (James 1:14).
Remember that God allows temptation in the life of a believer because it is a test of faith that makes him grow. But at the same time, God controls the temptation, its level and intensity, and ultimately God gives us the power to overcome temptation with the help of His Spirit.
1 CORINTHIANS 10:13
No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man. And God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but will with the temptation also make a way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.
HERE ARE 15 THINGS TO DO TO OVERCOME TEMPTATION:
1.KEEP THIS IN MIND, YOU MUST BE HOLY:
You can resist temptation! If you are tempted, how should you respond? Know that the Bible teaches us: “This is the will of God, that you live in holiness, abstaining from sexual immorality.”
1 Thessalonians 4:3-5 This is the will of God, that you be sanctified by abstaining from sexual immorality. 4 Let each of you know how to possess your own body in holiness and honesty, 5 not indulging in fleshly lusts, like the Gentiles who do not know God.
2. BE IN FELLOWSHIP WITH GOD:
We must have a life of communion with God, spending time in his presence in prayer, fasting, and meditation on the Word in order to have the spiritual strength to resist temptation.
3. SEPARATE YOURSELF FROM EVERYTHING THAT FEEDS TEMPTATION:
It is important to distance ourselves from everything that feeds or tempts us.
It is written: If your eye causes you to sin, tear it out; it is better for you to enter the kingdom of God with one eye than having two eyes to be thrown into hell.
(Mk 9:47)
Choose your friends wisely. You can avoid many temptations if you choose friends who share your values. The Bible says, “He who walks with wise men will become wise” (Proverbs 13:20). Avoid dangerous situations. For example, do not be alone with someone of the opposite sex. Do not go online when you know you might be tempted to watch pornography. For example, at times or in places where no one is watching.
4. CONFESS TO ONE ANOTHER
The Epistle of Saint James encourages us to confess our sins to one another.
“Confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed.” (James 5:16) Confessing our sins to one another is a force to destroy the power of temptation over us.
5. AVOID ISOLATION:
Two men together are stronger than one alone, isolation facilitates temptation. Because temptation often becomes strong when one is alone.
6.ACT QUICKLY IN THE FACE OF TEMPTATION:
Why is it wise to act quickly in the face of temptation? Because the Bible talks about the steps that lead a person to do evil.
James 1:15 says, “Lust, when it is fruitful, gives birth to sin.”
In other words, just as a pregnant woman gives birth to a child, do not give a bad desire time to develop in you, it will lead you to a bad action and you will end up being a slave to these bad desires. It is possible to suppress these bad desires. By focusing on something else, for example: an activity, a conversation with a friend or a healthy thought (Philippians 4:8).
Prayer is also a great help. Jesus Christ said, “Pray always, that you enter not into temptation” (Matthew 26:41).
7. REMEMBER THAT CHRIST ALSO WAS TEMPTED
In fighting temptation, we must remember that Jesus Himself was tempted:
“He was tempted as we are, yet he did not sin.”
9. THINK ABOUT THE CONSEQUENCES:
See temptation for what it really is, especially sexual temptations, which sometimes have disastrous consequences in the lives of those who fall into this trap. (Proverbs 7:22, 23)
10. BEWARE OF THE MEDIA:
You must be aware that the media fuels wrong desires.
The Bible speaks of “youthful desires,” which are naturally quite strong (2 Timothy 2:22). But in addition to this, these desires are often amplified by movies, television shows, songs, and books.
Research shows that many people give in to temptation. Because of this entertainment. For example, if two people in a movie fall in love, it is almost certain that at some point they will end up sleeping together. (1 Peter 2:11).
11. YOU NEED TO KNOW YOUR WEAKNESSES:
Identify your weak points. A rope always breaks where it is weakest. So, what are your weak points? (James 1:14)
Ask yourself what situations might tempt you. Think about how you might respond (Proverbs 22:3) and strengthen your convictions. The Bible records that when a woman proposed to Joseph for sex, he said, “How can I do this great wickedness and sin against God?” (Genesis 39:9).
12. DEVELOP RESISTANCE TO TEMPTATION?
To develop resistance to temptation, to achieve this, we must apply these three methods:
FIRST METHOD: PAY ATTENTION TO YOUR EYES:
You must know that your eyes are the door to the heart. If you let your eyes see anything, you will end up sinning in your heart.
Example: If you let your gaze linger on erotic images, you will end up developing bad desires. In the Bible, Jesus teaches us the link between sight and desire when he mentions this passage: “Every man who looks at a woman to lust after her has already committed adultery with her in his heart.”
He also says: “If your right eye causes you to sin, pluck it out and throw it away”
(Matthew 5:28-29).
So to overcome temptation, you must act quickly. If your gaze falls on erotic images, turn away as quickly as possible. If you see a beautiful woman, do not look at her two or three times. Think of Job’s words when he said, “I have made a covenant with my eyes; how shall I regard a virgin?” (Job 31:1). Why not make the same resolution as Job did, that of making a covenant with your eyes.
METHOD TWO: CONTROL YOUR THOUGHTS:
Since we are all imperfect, we must sometimes struggle with wrong thoughts and desires. The Bible says, “A man is tested when his own lust draws him away and entices him. Then when lust brings forth fruit, it gives birth to sin” (James 1:14, 15).
Try this: When immoral thoughts come into your mind, banish them immediately and pray. Combat them by focusing your attention on “whatever is good, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is chaste, whatever is of good report; if there is any virtue, and if there is any praise of God” (Philippians 4:8).
THIRD METHOD: WATCH YOUR WALK
When temptation, desire, and opportunity come together, it is possible to fall into sin. (Proverbs 7:6-23).
The Bible gives this wise counsel: “A prudent man foresees evil afar off and hides himself, but the simple pass on and suffer the consequences” (Proverbs 22:3).
The young man who overcame his pornography addiction explains: “I put the computer where everyone can see it and installed Internet filtering software. I only go online when other people are present.” » Troy is similar: “I avoid watching movies that might arouse evil desires in me. And I don’t associate with people who like to talk about sex.”
Try this: Honestly assess your weaknesses. Anticipate situations that might expose you to temptation and avoid them. (Matthew 6:13) (Proverbs 7:25).
13. STAY WATCHFUL AFTER TEMPTATION:
Even after you overcome temptation, stay vigilant like Jesus Christ. It is written, The devil departed from him until another opportunity. (Luke 4:13)
14. DON’T GIVE UP!
What if, despite your best efforts, you have a moment of weakness and give in to temptation? Don’t give up!
The Bible says, “A righteous man may fall seven times and rise again” (Proverbs 24:16). Your heavenly Father will encourage you and “lift you up.” Never tire of calling upon Him in prayer. Strengthen your faith by studying His Word. Strengthen your resolve by attending teaching meetings, and draw strength from God’s promise: “I will establish you and help you” (Isaiah 41:10).
You must understand that if you stand firm and resist temptation, you can be sure that God will be proud of you too! (Proverbs 27:11).
15. ASK GOD FOR HELP THROUGH PRAYER:
Pray to God for help. Jesus counseled His disciples, “Pray always, that you enter not into temptation” (Matthew 26:41).
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