Temptation - Overcoming the urge
Struggling with thoughts and feelings that you’d like to leave behind? All around us with are bombarded with images that seek to arouse and distract. Every movie, every popular novel, even magazines and Christian websites can end up triggering the very thoughts and desires that we are seeking to avoid.
You can’t escape the world – after all you are living in it - and you were designed by God with feelings - so what next?
1. Make sure you know what is right and what is wrong
Sounds simple doesn’t it, but you’d be surprised the tricks your mind can play on you when you are feeling under pressure to do the wrong thing. You might also be surprised how often our assumptions or traditional views about what God says are not entirely based on His word! Read around the issue in your Bible prayerfully and then decide what you believe to be right.
“Work hard so you can present yourself to God and receive his approval. Be a good worker, one who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly explains the word of truth.” 2 Timothy 2:15 (NIV)
“These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.” Acts 17:11 (NLT)
Not sure how to find out? Try our guide on how to read the Bible and use this site for specific answers to your questions. http://www.bibleinfo.com
2. Act on your convictions
It might not be easy but it is necessary if you want to please God. Start by asking Him for help to strengthen your resolve and will power.
“Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak. “ Matthew 26:41 (KJV)
“And the Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness. For example, we don’t know what God wants us to pray for. But the Holy Spirit prays for us with groanings that cannot be expressed in words. And the Father who knows all hearts knows what the Spirit is saying, for the Spirit pleads for us believers in harmony with God’s own will.” Romans 8:26-27 (NLT)
3. Avoid and resist ALL temptation
Avoid those situations and people that trigger the wrong thoughts and actions- ALWAYS. Even if you are bored, agitated or desperate to indulge each time you are tempted fill the time and your mind with something positive instead.
“Do not let sin control the way you live; do not give in to sinful desires. Do not let any part of your body become an instrument of evil to serve sin. Instead, give yourselves completely to God, for you were dead, but now you have new life. So use your whole body as an instrument to do what is right for the glory of God.” Romans 6:12-13 (NLT)
“Temptation comes from our own desires, which entice us and drag us away. These desires give birth to sinful actions. And when sin is allowed to grow, it gives birth to death. So don’t be misled, my dear brothers and sisters.” James 1:14-16 (NLT)
4. Seek help if you need it
If you feel you need help to break free consider speaking with a professional Christian counsellor, Minister or trustworthy Christian friend.
“Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results.” James 5:15 (NLT)
5. Keep going
Do not give up or treat yourself to a “special occasion” indulgence. No matter how confident and in control you feel if you have looked into it and are convicted it is wrong then don’t do it. Sin doesn’t get less sinful just because you are doing it less often or because you have filled the rest of your time more positively. Surrender to Christ completely and follow His leading.
“Those who belong to Christ Jesus have nailed the passions and desires of their sinful nature to his cross and crucified them there. Since we are living by the Spirit, let us follow the Spirit’s leading in every part of our lives.” Galatians 5: 24 – 25 (NLT)
“And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honourable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise. Keep putting into practice all you learned and received from me—everything you heard from me and saw me doing. Then the God of peace will be with you.” Philippians 4:8-9 (NLT)