40 Days of Purpose: Defeating Temptation

We can overcome temptation and crush the devil beneath our feet. Last post we learned how Satan tempts us and some ways we can overcome temptation (If you haven’t read it, I recommend you do – click here). In this post we will be diving deeper into defeating temptation. God loves us so much that He does not allow us to be tempted without providing a way out. We are always able to overcome temptation.

KEY VERSE

“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 into it.” 1 Corinthians 10:13 NLT

There are three keys to defeating temptation.

REFOCUS YOUR ATTENTION

The quickest way to defeat temptation is to think of something else. If we try and fight it, it will only get stronger and consume us.

Naturally, we think about what our attention is on but when it comes to temptation ignoring it is far more effective even if it means physically leaving a place.

We need to guard our hearts against temptation (Proverbs 4:23) and take our thoughts captive (2 Corinthians 10:5) so we may reduce temptation. Keeping our thoughts on Jesus helps avoid attention (Hebrews 3:1).

“Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable – if anything is excellent or praiseworthy – think about such things.” Philippians 4:8 NIV

REVEAL YOUR STRUGGLES

We were not meant to live life alone. God designed us for community and fellowship.

“Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labour; if either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up.” Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 NIV

Temptation is harder to defeat alone, and some temptations can only be defeated with the help of others through prayer, encouragement, and accountability.

It’s important to have friends to help us, friends we can be vulnerable with. Revealing our struggles helps us heal. If we are humble and confess the power of our struggles and weaknesses lessens. If we can’t talk about our struggles and temptations, we are not in control of them and may be more likely to give in to them.

RESIST THE DEVIL

There are three steps to resisting the devil.

“Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.” Ephesians 6:17 NIV

STEP 1 – ACCEPT GOD’S SALVATION

We can’t say no to the devil unless we’ve said yes to Jesus. Satan cannot force us to do anything if we believe in Jesus because God protects our minds through the helmet of salvation.

STEP 2 – USE THE WORD AS A WEAPON

The Word is powerful, it can change lives, but it is also a powerful weapon against Satan. In the wilderness when Jesus was tempted, he never argued with the devil, he simply quoted scripture. Jesus defeated Satan with truth.

We can never win an argument with Satan; he is the father of lies and will manipulate everything we say. What we can do is memorise scripture and have it in our hearts ready to shoot down his lies.

This is your sign to start memorising scripture.

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STEP 3 – REALISE YOUR VULNERABILITY

We must never think we are beyond temptation. We must be humble enough to recognise our weaknesses and know that everything we are and have been because of God. Our confidence is in Him and because of Him.

“A wise person is cautious and turns from evil, but a fool is easily angered and is careless.” Proverbs 14:16 CSB

We should not be careless but be wise when it comes to temptation and avoid entering places or situations where we are likely to be tempted.

It’s much easier to avoid temptation that it is to get out of it. Once we are in it, it becomes all-consuming. The only thing we should be consumed by is our love for God and seeking to study His Word, share His truth and serving His people with love.

Defeating temptation is possible and sometimes much easier than we think it will be. The key is to keep our thoughts on God and to ignore evil suggestions. It’s always a choice and I pray you will make the right one.

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