Triumphing Over Temptation
The Bible shares many ways to triumph over temptation. The best way is to avoid sin and keep away from things or places that introduce it. When Eve got close to the forbidden tree and engaged with the serpent in dialogue, she was overcome by temptation (Genesis 3:1-6). Therefore, Paul said, ”Flee fornication” and “flee from idolatry” (1 Corinthians 6:18; 10:14). We need to flee away from any temptation to sin as Joseph did from Potiphar’s wife (Genesis 39:12).
King Solomon, the wisest man said, “A prudent man foreseeth the evil, and hideth himself: but the simple pass on, and are punished” (Proverbs 22:3). A wise man will foresee a situation for evil before it comes, and hide himself; he will be aware when he is entering into a temptation and will put on his armor and stand on his guard. Noah foresaw the coming of the flood, and hid his family in the Ark and escaped destruction.
Abide in God
It’s not enough that we just run from sin, we have to run to God as we run away from sin. “Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you” (James 4:8). Jesus admonishes His followers to, “Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation” (Matthew 26:41). When we get closer to God through daily prayer and study of the word, we will receive sufficient power from Him to overcome.
Jesus said, “Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me” (John 15:4). To abide in Christ means that the mind must be in daily, constant relationship with Jesus Christ and must live His life (Galatians 2:20).
Victory Through Christ
Those that have a strong relationship with the Lord will obtain grace, power and wisdom to overcome sin in the life. “But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ” (1 Corinthians 15:57). Victory is promised to all who by faith hold onto the Lord for help. “For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith” (1 John 5:4).
The Lord has given us the assurance, “Resist the devil, and he will flee from you” (James 4:7). As we put our trust in our loving God, no temptation will be impossible for us to overcome and we can confidently say, “… we are more than conquerors through him that loved us” (Romans 8:37).
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In His service,
BibleAsk Team
