Let’s Talk About Temptation

What can we learn about temptation from the Bible?

• The devil prowls around, looking for opportune moments (of weakness/vulnerability) to come with temptation. (Luke 4:13; 1 Peter 5:8)
• Sin desires to have us, but we can master it! (I was once enslaved to sin; I am now set free to choose to rule over it.) (Genesis 4:7b)
• Being tempted is not a sinful or shameful thing. Jesus was tempted! (Luke 4:1-13)
• Jesus helps us during temptation. (Hebrews 2:18; Jude 24)
• We can overcome, because the One who is in us is greater! (1 John 4:4)
• God is faithful and will provide a way out. (1 Corinthians 10:13)

Practical tips for resisting temptation:

(Side Note: I do not consider my sex drive itself to be a temptation. For me, the temptation comes with what I will do in the midst of sexual desire. Will I turn away from God in that moment? Will I turn toward lust? Or will I turn toward God, trusting Him through it?)

• Watch what you’re watching…stay away from viewing sex scenes—whether that’s porn, regular media that is often sexualized, or even your own memories. These scenes only fuel desire and make sex drive harder to master (like a horse that is being trained, it causes the horse to buck wildly, and makes it hard to get it back under control).
• Learn how to navigate your own emotions and prepare some back-up strategies before you need them. For example, if you tend to get so emotionally tired at certain times that it’s hard to think straight, prepare some type of physical reset that can help you reset your emotions; go for a walk, have an early night, do some exercise, etc.
  • It’s easy to open doors to things like masturbation or contacting an old boyfriend or girlfriend, etc. when you’re feeling emotionally low. It is also easy to just vegetate on media and end up watching things that aren’t constructive; stirring up sexual or romantic desire rather than lulling it to sleep. Learn when to run, like Joseph did (Genesis 39)!
• If you’re dating someone, or you’re engaged, make sure you have articulated clear guidelines and boundaries regarding where you spend time together and what you talk about and do together. Having some third-party accountability with a trusted mentor can help. Set yourself up for success to keep to your commitment. My friend shared this with me from her experience: “Crossing boundaries before marriage felt like the opposite of what we expected it would feel like…We expected it would bring us closer, but it actually built a wedge between us.”
  • Know your ‘Cinderella hour’—the time of night when it becomes difficult to make good choices, and say goodbye far before that time!
• Know that you are not alone. Do not buy into that evil lie.
• In the good times, gird up your heart through a lifestyle of praise, worship and the Word of God. Then when you feel insecure, going to Jesus with your heart and finding your security in Him will be second nature.
  • Practice being in His presence in every situation; work, home, or play. Nurture the secret place of your heart regardless of location. In times of mental or emotional struggle, go quickly to the One who holds your heart!
• Stop and listen. Learn to hear that still small voice. He will always give you a choice to choose Him, and always provides a way out.
• Stand on truth—on the Word of God. The Bible is full of truth to run to and stick in the face of the enemy as a shield when he comes with lies. Memorize simple scriptures, and declare them (out loud!) over yourself in times of need. When Jesus was faced with temptation He simply replied with the Word of God: the Truth.

Truth Weapon to memorize:

(During this plan, let’s memorize a simple phrase each day to use in a time of temptation.)

“Greater is the one living in me than the enemy living in the world.” 1 John 4:4 (paraphrase)

Talk with Jesus

As you read today’s verses, bring these questions to Jesus and talk with Him about them.

• When am I most susceptible to temptation?
  • What do I tend to turn to first when I’m feeling weak?
  • What practical strategies can I implement to prepare for battles with temptation?
  • Are there any lies I believe that weaken my resolve to withstand temptation?
  • Do I have any doubts concerning Your character or Your care for me?
  • What unwise choices do I often make regarding media that I should change?
• What is one truth regarding temptation that You are highlighting to me from Your Word?

Prayer: Jesus, it is so awesome to know that You were also tempted in every way, and so You are able to help us when we are tempted. Teach me Your ways so I can walk in Your truth! Give me an undivided heart to fear and honor You! (Psalm 86:11)