Introduction
Welcome to this blog post on how to resist temptation and achieve your goals. Here, we will look at strategies and tips that can help you overcome challenges or distractions preventing you from reaching your full potential.
Temptation is an inevitable and universal condition that touches everyone. Temptation refers to any desire that runs counter to our long-term interests or values and may manifest in procrastination, indulgence, addiction, or laziness – with possible negative repercussions for health, happiness, productivity, and relationships.
But temptation doesn’t have to be irresistible: with proper techniques and principles in place, you can learn how to resist it and stay on the path toward your goals by resisting it effectively. We will discuss some methods here including setting clear and realistic goals, planning ahead, avoiding triggers, rewarding yourself, seeking support, and seeking community. Finally, we will present examples and stories from people who have successfully overcome temptation and achieved their dreams.
This blog post’s central thesis or argument is that resisting temptation is both achievable and beneficial to anyone looking to enhance their lives or reach their goals. By following the advice and suggestions in this blog post, you can develop stronger willpower and a more optimistic mindset to overcome any obstacles or challenges that may come your way.
How to Resist Temptation
Temptation is an ever-present threat that all human beings must confront in life, often by way of temptations such as the desire to do things that go against God’s will or are harmful to ourselves and others. Sources of temptation include our sinful natures, society at large, or even Satan himself. But how can we resist temptation and live an upright lifestyle? Below are some practical strategies for dealing with temptation daily:
- Ask for God’s assistance. Jesus taught us to pray: “And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil one” (Matthew 6:13). In prayerful acknowledging of our weakness and dependence upon God for strength to resist temptation, we can also pray specifically about issues like lust, anger, greed, or pride which pose struggles to resist – He promises to hear our prayers and provide an escape route.
No temptation has taken you but such as man can bear. God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted above what you are able, but will with the temptation make also the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.
1 Corinthians 10:13 (WEB) - Memorize and meditate on God’s word. The Psalmist wrote, “I have hidden your word in my heart that I may not sin against You” (Psalm 119:11), showing how powerfully the Bible can protect against temptation by showing His will, exposing sinful tendencies, and leading us on a path towards righteousness. We should store up God’s words within our minds and hearts daily for use when facing temptation, recalling and applying them against lies or lures from Satan (like Jesus did when faced by Satan when He faced temptation in the wilderness.
Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. After fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry. The tempter came to him and said, “If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread.” Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’” Then the devil took him to the holy city and had him stand on the highest point of the temple. “If you are the Son of God,” he said, “throw yourself down. For it is written:
“‘He will command his angels concerning you,
and they will lift you up in their hands,
so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.’”Jesus answered him, “It is also written: ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test.’” Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor. “All this I will give you,” he said, “if you will bow down and worship me.” Jesus said to him, “Away from me, Satan! For it is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.’” Then the devil left him, and angels came and attended him.
Matthew 4:1-11 (NIV) - Avoid situations that provoke temptation. At times we fall prey to temptation because we put ourselves in environments that make sin easier for us. For instance, those battling alcoholism should avoid attending bars or parties where alcohol is served; those prone to sexual desires should steer clear from watching movies or browsing websites with sexual content containing images and/or videos; similarly, the Bible warns us to flee temptation and give Satan no foothold.
Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart.
2 Timothy 2:22 (KJV)Neither give place to the devil.
Ephesians 4:27 (KJV) - Seek accountability and support from fellow Christians. No one should try to battle temptation on their own – that’s why God gave us other Christians: friends to encourage, pray for, and hold us accountable! In order for this strategy to work effectively we need to be open about our struggles while seeking godly counsel from others who can assist our spiritual growth and holiness.
Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.
James 5:16 (NIV)and
Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.
Galatians 6:2 (KJV)instructs us in doing just this.
Remember the consequences and rewards of sin and obedience. While sin may seem pleasurable at the moment, it always leads to pain, guilt, shame, and death (Romans 6:23). On the other hand, obedience may seem difficult at first but ultimately leads to joy, peace, blessings, and life (John 10:10). We should carefully consider our decisions while bearing in mind that God is watching out for us and will reward our faithfulness.
And it is impossible to please God without faith. Anyone who wants to come to him must believe that God exists and that he rewards those who sincerely seek him.
Hebrews 11:6 (NLT)
How to Rely on God’s Grace
One of the greatest challenges of Christian living is resisting and overcoming temptation. Temptation is the allurement to sin and disobedience against God’s will; this temptation can come from various sources such as our own sinful desires, worldly influences, or Satan’s schemes. Though temptation itself may not be sinful in and of itself, giving in can lead to many sinful behaviors.
God does not abandon us in our battle against temptation; rather He provides grace – unmerited favor and assistance – so that when temptation strikes we can trust His promises. Additionally, his grace empowers us to resist and escape it through His Spirit and Word.
Here are a few ways that God’s grace can help when facing temptation:
- Remind yourself that God is faithful. He won’t allow temptation beyond our capacity and will provide an exit strategy (1 Corinthians 10:13). God understands our weaknesses and limitations and won’t abandon us when times get difficult; instead, He is always with us and ready to assist.
Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me.
Hebrews 13:5-6 (KJV) - Pray to God for assistance. Jesus taught us to pray: “Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil one” (Matthew 6:13). By seeking help from the Lord we can ask him not to lead us into temptation but rather strengthen us from temptation, protect from enemies attacks, forgive any past wrongdoings and receive his forgiveness.
If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
1 John 1:9 (HCSB) - Meditation on God’s Word. God’s Word serves as a source of light on our journey (Psalm 119:105). It illuminates His will for our lives while dispelling lies and deception from Satan (Hebrews 4:12). By placing God’s Word at the forefront of our thoughts, we can avoid falling prey to temptation (Psalm 119:11) while using it against Satan as an effective weapon to repel him.
“And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:”
Ephesians 6:17 (KJV)Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.
James 4:7 (NIV) - Rely on God’s Spirit. Jesus promised that He would send His Holy Spirit into our lives to lead us into all truth (John 14:16-17; 16:13). Through Him, we can understand and apply God’s Word into our daily lives more accurately while producing fruit such as love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness faithfulness gentleness and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23). By walking in step with the Spirit we can overcome temptation.
Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.
Galatians 5:19-21 (ESV) - Seek God’s People. God has given us His church as part of His family and body (Ephesians 2:19; 4:15-16). Neither can we hope to navigate life as Christians alone; instead, fellowshipping with other believers provides encouragement, support, prayerful assistance, and accountability (Hebrews 10:24-25; James 5:16). Furthermore, learning from their example in faith and obedience is another key benefit.
Remember those who [a]rule over you, who have spoken the word of God to you, whose faith follow, considering the outcome of their conduct.
Hebrews 13:7 (NKJV)
God’s grace is enough for every situation, helping us resist and overcome temptation and live lives that honor and please Him.
But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.
2 Corinthians 12:9 (NIV)
How to Grow in Holiness
Holiness can be defined as the state of being set apart for God and living according to His will. Holiness isn’t something we can achieve through our own efforts but is instead given as a gift from Him through Jesus Christ. Holiness involves resisting temptations in life while actively seeking righteousness; in this article, we’ll look at both its benefits and rewards – plus practical strategies – for developing into more holy beings.
Holiness brings us closer to God. According to Scripture, He calls us all to emulate his holiness (1 Peter 1:15-16). When we obey and follow His commands we demonstrate our love and enjoy his presence and fellowship more fully; one psalmist said this as they were led down the path of life by you with the fullness of joy at your right hand forevermore (Psalm 16:11). Holiness also helps us see Him more clearly; Jesus said so when he said: “Blessed are the pure in heart for they shall see God” (Matthew 5:8).
Holiness also brings peace and joy into our lives. According to Galatians 5:22-23, the fruit of the Spirit includes love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. These qualities define holy living while at the same time providing true happiness and satisfaction; when living harmoniously with both God and other humans brings His peace that transcends understanding (Philippians 4:7) while delighting ourselves in God can give us whatever hearts desire our heart desires (Psalm 37:4).
One final benefit of holiness is preparing us for eternity. According to Hebrews 12:14, those without holiness cannot see God. Holiness not only prepares us for eternity but is also an expression of it: when we grow in holiness we become more like Jesus who is the image of the invisible God (Colossians 1:15); moreover we also become better fit to serve and glorify His kingdom and glory as described by Paul when he said that:
“And all with unveiled faces beholding His glory are being gradually transformed into its same image from one degree of glory to another”
2 Corinthians 3:18
Here are a few practical steps we can take toward becoming holy:
- Spend time communicating with God through prayer and His word; this is how we establish communication with Him and learn more from Him. Meditation on His truth and promises to provide renewal to both mind and heart.
And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
Romans 12:2 (KJV) - Confession and repentance of any sin in our lives is the way to find forgiveness and cleansing from God. He is faithful and just, willing to forgive our transgressions while cleansing us from all unrighteousness.
“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”
1 John 1:9 (KJV) - Submit to the Holy Spirit‘s guidance and power; that is how to overcome temptation and walk in obedience; when we walk by faith instead of following our desires.
So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.
Galatians 5:16 (NIV) - Seek godly fellowship and accountability. By encouraging and supporting one another on our journeys, we fulfill Christ’s law.
Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.
Galatians 6:2 (KJV) - Serve others with love and humility to demonstrate God’s goodness to the world, glorifying our Heavenly Father by doing good works
Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.
Matthew 5:16 (KJV)
Doing our part to become holy as He is holy can be challenging but rewarding and fulfilling. May we all strive to become as holy as He is holy!
Conclusion
In this blog post, we have examined some Bible verses which address temptation and how we can overcome it with God’s help. We learned that temptation is not sinful but rather an opportunity for growth and obedience to our God. Furthermore, He allows our own desires or the devil’s temptations, yet provides strength against it all the same. Finally, we explored some practical steps we can take in order to avoid or flee temptation such as praying, reading scripture aloud and memorizing verses, and seeking accountability from someone close to us.
This blog post’s central thesis is that temptation is inevitable but not irresistible, and we can face it with confidence and courage knowing that God is with us and for us, promising never to leave nor forsake us and to complete his good work in us. He has also given us His Holy Spirit so that we may live holy lives worthy of God.
Therefore, let us not succumb to temptation, but instead submit to God and resist Satan. Rather than conforming to this world by conforming our minds to its ways, let us instead embrace change through the renewal of the mind; set our hearts on things above; walk by faith rather than sight; persevere until the end; God is faithful and He rewards those who seek Him!
Verses Referenced in this Article
These verses are embedded in bold text in the post above but not quoted in the article:
All verses from the King James Version of the Bible
Romans 6:23
For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
John 10:10
The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.
1 Corinthians 10:13
There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.
Psalm 119:105
Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.
Hebrews 4:12
For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.
Psalm 119:11
Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.
John 14:16-17
And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever;
Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you.
John 16:13
Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come.
Ephesians 2:19
Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God;
Ephesians 4:15-16
But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:
From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love.
Hebrews 10:24-25
And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works:
Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.
James 5:16
Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.
1 Peter 1:15-16
But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation;
Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.
Psalm 16:11
Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.
Matthew 5:8
Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.
Galatians 5:22-23
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,
Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.
Philippians 4:7
And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
Psalm 37:4
Delight thyself also in the Lord: and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.
Hebrews 12:14
Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord:
Colossians 1:15
Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature: