Temptation is something that we all deal with, have dealt with, or will deal with at some point in our lives.

I have had plenty of conversations with friends about the frustration of dealing with temptations and the guilt that can sometimes be associated with it. But being tempted is not the same as giving into temptation.

There will always be something trying to pull us away from the full life that Christ has for us.

As Christians we don’t have to feel defeated when we are facing temptation, we just need to remain aware.

With that awareness, we should remain hopeful because God has given us everything that we need to overcome it. 

One of the best examples of this hope is Jesus in the wilderness.

During a very vulnerable time the devil tried to cause Jesus to sin. He is both fully God and fully man and could have easily used (or misused) his power. But instead he used the word of God to overcome, how practical! Whenever the devil tried to whisper lies to Jesus, He boldly spoke truth.

That is exactly what we have to do to fight back, we have to trust what is good and true!

Temptation is inevitable! We can’t avoid it but here are a few reminders when facing temptation and how to overcome:

4 TIPS TO HELP YOU OVERCOME TEMPTATION

1. You Are Free in Christ!

When you truly understand that, you know that you have the tools to overcome temptation. God has given us the holy spirit, the word of God, and direct access to Him through prayer and fasting for guidance and help.

So Christ has truly set us free. Now make sure that you stay free, and don’t get tied up again in slavery to the law.

Galatians 5:1

2. Hide The Word in Your Heart!

Jesus used scripture in the wilderness to overcome temptation. How practical! We have to know the truth to use it to combat lies. So be in the word daily. Find specific scriptures that will help you prevail the next time you feel tempted.

I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.

Psalm 119:11

3. Remember The Consequences of Sin

It is easy to give into temptation when you forget what you are sacrificing. Going back into bondage after experiencing God’s freedom is never worth it. God wants you to live a life of freedom and there are consequences when we give into sin. 

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,^[c] he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.

1 Corinthians 10:13

For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Romans 6:23

4. Call it Out!

Confess to yourself, confess to God, and confess to a SAFE person in your community.

There is something so powerful about calling things out! When we can call out what is causing us to struggle, it releases that hold on us. Confessing to God is important, not because He doesn’t already know but because He wants us to bring these things to Him and seek his help.

Lastly, having someone that is safe to share your struggles with just helps to hold you accountable. Life is hard, having someone walk with you and keep you upright when you are leaning is always helpful. 

Whoever conceals their sins does not prosper, but the one who confesses and renounces them finds mercy.

Proverbs 28:13

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

In this life we will inevitably face temptation. However, as Christians, we have the truth of God to guide us through these challenges.

By facing temptation head-on with the strength and wisdom we gain from the Bible and through prayer, we can resist the lure of sin, remain true to our faith and live according to His will.

Hold on to this truth whenever you feel tempted:

In Christ, we are more than conquerors! We already have the victory! You will be free and stay free! Amen.