Speaking the Truth in Love
What Can A Christian Do When Temptations Come?
1. Know you can overcome the temptation (1 Corinthians 10:13, James 1:12-14, 2 Peter 2:9).
"When" suggests that Christians can expect to be tempted! There is no sin in being tempted. The sin is acting upon the temptation!
2. Know that overcoming temptations can make you stronger (James 1:2-5, 1 Peter 1:6-9,Revelation 2:10-11).
3. Avoid the temptations (Prov. 4:14-15, Ro. 12:9, 1 Cor. 15:33, Eph. 5:11, 1 Thes. 5:22).
4. Flee far from the temptations (1 Corinthians 6:18, 1 Timothy 6:9-11, 2 Timothy 2:22).
5. Pray before or during the temptation (Matthew 6:13, Mark 14:38, Romans 8:26-27, Heb. 2:17-18).
6. Remember temptations can lead us to eternal death (Romans 6:23, James 1:12-15).
7. Resist, fight, and suffer through the temptation (1 Corinthians 9:27, James 4:7, 1 Peter 4:12-16, 5:8-11). We live in a society that does not want to endure any amount of pain, suffering, or anxiety. There is a pill or a therapy to deal with any trial. We need to remember that Christians are to be in opposition to the world’s view of things (Romans 12:1-2, James 4:4). God gives Christians the tools to endure our temptations and our trials (1 Corinthians 10:13, Philippians 4:6-7, 1 Peter 5:6-7).
8. Draw Near to God (James 4:8, Psalm 73:28, Hebrews 4:15-16).
9. Grow stronger in the Word for the next time temptations come (2 Timothy 2:15, 3:16-17, 2 Peter 3:18).
10. Practice self-examination (Matthew 7:5, Galatians 6:1, 2 Corinthians 13:5).
11. When you fall; get up (Micah 7:8, Luke 22:31-32, 61-62, Acts 1-11, 1 & 2 Peter)!
12. Replace tempting activities with wholesome activities (fruits of the Spirit) (Gal. 5:16, 22-25).
We can fight off the desires that tempt us, but we have to decide whether we want to or not (Matthew 16:24-27)! What about you tonight?
Do you want to resist worldly desires or do you want to give in to them for a short time on earth?
Do you want to exchange your eternal soul for a few passing moments in this life?
Who is your desire tonight? Is it yourself or is it Jesus?
If you are not a Christian tonight, the blessings that God has given us to overcome temptations are not certain for you. Without Jesus, you will not be able to overcome your sins because He is the only way to get rid of them (John 14:6, Acts 22:16)!
With Jesus on your side, He can help you gain victory over Satan and the temptations he provides. We all need to realize the fight for the salvation of our soul is one worth fighting for! Join the fight against sin today. Become a Christian by turning to God. Believe in Him, confess that Jesus is the Son of God, repent and turn away from your sins, and be immersed in water in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit to have your sins washed away! With the Lord you can overcome any temptation that Satan has to offer! And the reward is eternal life! We hope you decide to follow Jesus and we also hope to see you next time on “Speaking The Truth In Love”!
