Temptation is a struggle we all face at times but we can use it for good. Temptation at its heart is a choice, we can choose to sin or choose to do the right thing. When we choose not to sin continually we gradually become more like Jesus.
We know that we become more like Jesus because of His character. Jesus’ character is like the fruits of the Spirit that we develop when we become more like Him.
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.” Galatians 5:22-23 NIV
It takes time to become like Jesus and God allows us to be tempted so we can develop his character. God uses situations that would tempt us to do the opposite of what Jesus would like choosing joy in a time of sorrow.
KEY VERSE
“God blesses the people who patiently endure testing. Afterward they will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.” James 1:12 NLT
So how does Satan tempt us? How can we resist him?
HOW TEMPTATION WORKS
Satan has used the same four-step strategy since the world was created.
Step 1 – Desire
Temptation begins within us. It begins with a single thought, the thought always stems from a desire and Satan has pinpointed this desire for his purposes. The desire is not necessarily sinful but if acted on in the wrong way or at the wrong time it can be used for his purposes rather than God’s. This thought tempts us to give in when we know we shouldn’t.
Shortcuts are often temptations but we don’t recognise them for what they are. They are one of Satan’s most powerful strategies for a reason.
“For it is from within, out of a person’s heart, that evil thoughts come – sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, greed, malice, deceit, lewdness, envy, slander, arrogance and folly.” Mark 7:21-22 NIV
Step 2 – Doubt
Satan tries to get us to question everything from the truth to our feelings. We will have thoughts like “is this really wrong?” or “surely it’s not the same now, I’ll be okay.”
He uses the doubt to manipulate us into giving into sin. But he can also use the doubt to make us question if we’ve made the wrong choice after we’ve chosen the right way.
Step 3 – Deception
Satan is the father of lies (John 8:44), he is only capable of half truths and deceit. He will use his lies to try and replace the Word of God. Those half truths is where the danger lies because it makes the lie more believable.
However the truth always comes out in the end and sin is always revealed.
Step 4 – Disobedience
At this stage we have fallen hard for Satan’s lies and his deceit has won. We have given into the temptation and acted against God. But Satan has only won this battle, God has already won the war. God is the ultimate victor.
Now we know Satan’s strateegy we know how to overcome temptation.
Overcoming Temptation
Refuse to be intimidated
Unfortunately, temptation is a lifelong struggle, but on the other hand, we can consider it as a privilege and a compliment. Satan doesn’t have to tempt those who already do evil. The fact that he has to make an effort shows we are not in his grasp, and he hates us more for it.
Temptation is a sign we are on the right path. It’s not a sign of weakness or worldliness. The fact we face resistance for trying to follow God and do the right thing is a good sign.
Jesus was also tempted, in every single way just as we are and yet he did not sin (Hebrews 4:15). This gives us hope that we can also be tempted and not sin. We may not be able to stop Satan from suggesting evil thoughts but we can choose not to think on them or act on them. We can choose not to let Satan scare us.
The closer we grow to God the more Satan will detest us and attack us through spiritual warfare and temptation.
Recognise your pattern of temptation and be prepared for it
“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 NIV
Satan may use the same old strategy, but we are all affected by it differently. Every temptation affects us differently too. One person may fall into lust more easily than pride, while another finds it easier to defeat lust over pride.
We need to recognise our desires so we can pinpoint what may trigger us into temptation. If we know how our temptations work we can try and avoid some temptations or at least be better prepared for when it comes.
- When are we most tempted?
- Where are we tempted?
- Is it a certain time of day?
- Are we alone?
- Do we have a particular feeling?
These questions can help us discover what may trigger temptation and may help us reduce temptation too.
Ask God for help
God wants to help us in our temptation. He is waiting for us to ask Him for help.
“Call on me in the day of trouble, I will deliver you, and you will honour me.” Psalm 50:15 NIV
We can ask God for help as much as we need to even if it’s over fifty times a day. He would rather that than see us struggle on our own. God is patient and His love endures even if our thoughts may say otherwise. God will help us if we ask and believe He will provide. It just may not be in the way we expect.
We may not like temptation but we do have to accept it’s part of life. Now we know the strategy Satan uses we can be better prepared for temptation. Next post we will learn more about defeating temptation.
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Wholeheartedly Faithul 
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