By Jim Jackson
The temptation to sin is something all of us face as Christians, no matter how long we’ve been following Christ. Here are a few suggestions to help us win the battles we fight with temptations.
First of all, admit your human tendency to sin.
James 1:14 says, “But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed.”
James explains that we are tempted when we become enticed by our own natural desires. The first step toward overcoming temptation is to recognize the human tendency to be seduced by our own fleshly cravings.
The temptation to sin is a given for everyone and especially Christians, because Christians are not in Satan’s kingdom anymore — we are in God’s Kingdom — so don’t be surprised by it. Expect to be tempted daily, and be prepared for it.
The apostle Peter reminds us to stay on the lookout: “Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour” (1 Peter 5:8).
1 Corinthians 10:13 is easy to understand and apply to this subject of temptation: “… But remember that the temptations that come into your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will keep the temptation from becoming so strong that you can’t stand up against it. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you will not give in to it.”
When you come face to face with temptation, look for the way out God has promised. Then flee from it.
Jesus overcame Satan’s temptations in the wilderness with the Word of God. If it worked for him, it will work for us. And because Jesus was fully human as well as fully God, he is able to identify with our human struggles and give us the exact help we need for overcoming temptation.
Psalm 34:19 says, “Many are the afflictions of the righteous, But the Lord delivers him out of them all.”
David the Psalmist knew all about being pursued by his enemies, but he also knew that God would always be ready to help him with his deliverance.
I hope you see your temptations as afflictions; this is a Satanic attack on Christians.
Here’s a great way to put Satan to flight: Refocus your mind and heart with praise for God!
How often have you been tempted to sin when your whole heart was fully concentrated on worshiping the Lord? I’m guessing your answer is never.
Praising God takes our focus off self and puts it on God. We may not be strong enough to resist temptation on our own, but as we focus on God, he will inhabit your praises. He will give you the strength to resist and walk away from the temptation.
Psalm 147:1 might be a good place to start: “Praise the Lord. How good it is to sing praises to our God, how pleasant and fitting to praise him!”
When we do fall for Satan’s deception, repent quickly and admit to God your sins.
1 John 1:9 says, “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”
This verse is not about getting us saved again. It is admitting we fell short in our righteousness. God picks us up and dusts us off and places us back in sweet fellowship with himself.
This Scripture is not a Get Out Of Jail Free card. God knows our heart. Are you really upset with yourself when you fall short in your Christian walk? I would hope so! John was talking to Christians when he wrote this verse.
Yes, it’s possible for a Christian to sin, and this passage is to get us back on track again with God. Satan isn’t going away for a while longer, so thank God for his wonderful grace to see us through our temptations!
Jim Jackson is pastor of Shirley Friends Church. This weekly column is written by local clergy members.
