Nelson’s Bible Dictionary defines temptation as “an enticement or invitation to sin, with the implied promise of greater good to be derived from following the way of disobedience.” Resisting temptation begins with knowing that Satan is the supreme “tempter” (Matthew 4:3; 1 Thessalonians 3:5) who has been tempting mankind since our Creator placed His first two children in the Garden of Eden (Genesis 3; 1 John 3:8). Ultimately, however, we know that Satan’s power over Christians has been effectively destroyed as the war has already been won through our Savior’s death and resurrection which conquered the power of sin and death forever. Nonetheless, Satan still prowls the earth looking to drive a wedge between God and His children, and his temptations are unfortunately a daily part of our lives (1 Peter 5:8). Yet with the power of the Holy Spirit and the truth of God’s Word to help us, we will find ourselves effectively resisting temptations.
The apostle Paul encourages us with these words: “No temptation has seized you except what is common to man” (1 Corinthians 10:13). Indeed, every one of us faces temptations of some kind; even Jesus was not immune as He was “tempted in every way, just as we are” (Hebrews 4:15). Although Satan may be the dark force ultimately behind the tempting, it is our fallen and corrupted human nature that allows these temptations to take root and causes us to act on them, thereby “giving birth to sin” (James 1:15). But it is the power of the Holy Spirit that enables us to free ourselves from the sin and temptations we struggle with in our daily lives. Thus, if we have the Spirit of Christ residing in our hearts, we already have what it takes to resist the flaming arrows the devil sends our way. As Paul told the Galatians, “live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature” (Galatians 5:16).
The Word of God has always been our best defense against Satan’s temptations, and the better we know His Word, the easier it will be to claim victory over our daily struggles. The psalmist tells us, “I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you” (Psalm 119:11). When Christ was tempted by Satan in the desert, the first thing He did was to quote Scripture (Matthew 4:4–10), which eventually caused the devil to leave Him. Indeed, Christians need to be diligent in studying God’s Word. “Oh, how I love your law! I meditate on it all day long. Your commands make me wiser than my enemies” (Psalm 119:97–98).
In addition to God’s Word, prayer can help us to resist temptation. The night He was betrayed, Jesus prayed in the Garden of Gethsemane, and He told Peter to pray “so that you will not fall into temptation” (Mark 14:38). Also, in the “Lord’s Prayer,” Jesus taught us to pray that we would not be led into temptation (Matthew 6:13; Luke 11:4). Yet, when we do fall into temptation, we know that “God is faithful; He will not let us be tempted beyond what [we] can bear,” and that He will provide us with a way out (1 Corinthians 10:13). This is a promise from God, and like Abraham, Christians should be “fully persuaded” that God has the power to do what He has promised (Romans 4:21).
Another way to help us resist temptation is to remember what Jesus Christ did for us. Even though He never committed a sin, He willingly endured the torture of the cross for us while we were still sinners (Romans 5:8). Every sin we’ve ever committed, or will commit, played a part in nailing our Savior to the cross. How we respond to Satan’s worldly allurements is a great indicator as to just how much the love of Jesus Christ occupies our hearts.
Now, even though Christians already have the tools necessary for victory, we need to use our common sense and not place ourselves in situations that prey upon, or stimulate, our weaknesses. We are already bombarded every day with images and messages that tantalize our sinful lusts. We don’t need to make it more difficult than it already is. Even though Christ’s Spirit resides in our hearts, our flesh can be very weak at times (Matthew 26:41). When we know something is or can be sinful, Paul warns us to “flee from it.” Remember, the “tempter” is also the master of rationalization, and there is no limit to the arguments the devil can offer us to justify our sinful behavior.
Armed with God’s Spirit and the truth of His Word, we are well equipped to overcome Satan’s assaults (Ephesians 6). No matter what trials and temptations come our way, God’s Word and Spirit are infinitely more powerful than any of Satan’s schemes. When we walk with the Spirit we can look at temptations as opportunities for us to show God that He is indeed the Master of our lives.
Excellent post !! Yes, it is a combination of God’s Word (the sword of the Spirit – Ephesians 6:17), and total submission to God (James 4:7-8) that will help keep Satan in Check… You briefly mentioned Ephesians 6… There are 6 pieces of God’s spiritual armor; the sword of the Spirit being the only offensive piece… But Paul tells us to put on the WHOLE set of spiritual armor for protection from the the evil one and his fallen angel friends.
I spent 11 days writing about God’s armor, and I have personally found in my own life…that shodding my feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace is a piece of armor that I wear internally, to keep my flesh from taking back control from the Holy Spirit…
I believe there are many Christians who, because they don’t spend time in the Word…have not put on the WHOLE set of spiritual armor… God gives it to us through His Word, but WE must put it on… Without being totally clad in God’s spiritual armor, Satan will find a way to keep us from Walking in the Spirit, as a Spirit filled Christian should walk (Ephesians 5:18-20)
Blessings in Christ, bruce
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hello, Bruce;
I wish to thank you for your kind words and comments. Both are greatly appreciated.
You are quite correct in what you have stated here concerning the Full Armor of God and our putting it on. I did not mention a great deal concerning Ephesians 6 within this post due to, approximately a year ago, I did a post which covered the entirety of His armor and covering Ephesian’s 6:13-17. That post can be found at http://wp.me/p26QNa-30c and is titled “What is the Full Armor of God.”
You again are absolutely correct in saying that ” there are many Christians who, because they don’t spend time in the Word… have not put on the WHOLE set of spiritual armor… God gives it to us through His Word, but WE must put it on… Without being totally clad in God’s spiritual armor, Satan will find a way to keep us from Walking in the Spirit …”
I believe, as a result, this may be one of the causes there are today so many professing Christians in title only. In other words – they claim Christianity – but in truth they are not part of the true Church of Jesus Christ.
I wish to thank you again, Bruce, for visiting my blog and for your greatly appreciate comments.
May the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob bless and keep you and yours.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Reblogged this on Eithelwisespiritualjournal.
LikeLike