Last Updated on September 17, 2022
Even mature believers face temptations from time to time. Unfortunately, most people don’t know how to respond to temptation and give in. They make excuses about how we’re only human and then confess their sins, which sets in motion a vicious cycle of temptation and defeat. But if you are a mature believer, you can learn how to respond to temptations in a godly way. Here are some ways you can respond to temptations:
Remind yourself of Scripture
Most of us think temptations arise from external circumstances, like challenges or blessings. But these circumstances do not necessarily reflect God’s will. For instance, you might be experiencing physical illness or financial prosperity, or relationships with joy or difficulty. Even worse, some of these situations can be the result of sin. Remind yourself of Scripture when responding to temptation to stay on course with God’s will. By memorizing Scriptures, you can be able to resist the temptation of sin by remembering the truth about God.
If you find it difficult to resist temptation, you can always seek help from others or God. Ask clergy or trusted friends for support and advice. Often, people who struggle with temptation also seek help from God. Often, the best advice is to seek help and consult with a pastor or other trusted friend. A good pastor can help you remember God’s word and give you the guidance you need to resist temptation.
While temptation is a natural part of life, the enemy’s methods will be more successful if you are unprepared. If you are prepared to resist temptation, you will repel the devil and draw closer to God. Jesus was tempted to do the same, but He gave no heed to it. This example is a great model to follow. But remember to read and study the Word, not just your bible.
When you are fighting temptation, set realistic goals. While you may not be able to meet these goals, remember that you cannot be perfect. If you set an unrealistic goal, you will likely sin again. Set a goal that you can accomplish, such as attending more vocal recitals or watching less television. But be realistic and do not allow yourself to fall into a trap of denial. You’ll only regret it later.
Remind yourself of God’s Word
Whenever you are tempted, remember the truth of God’s Word. James says that God uses the trials we go through to make us stronger. He promises us a reward when we endure them. The Bible teaches that we should pray against specific temptations. Reminding yourself of God’s Word when responding to temptation will keep you focused and keep you from sinning. You can pray against any temptation that comes your way and be reminded of God’s Word to get through it.
It is crucial to memorize God’s Word and meditate on it frequently. Jesus answered Satan’s accusations by quoting scripture. If you’re struggling with a particular sin, memorize the scripture that deals with that sin directly. You can use Scripture to defend yourself from temptation and defeat your enemies. You can also turn to the Bible to replace tempting thoughts and actions. Regardless of the temptation, the Scripture you memorize will help you stand firm in the truth of God’s Word.
Remember that temptation is natural, but it will only succeed in your life if you’re not prepared for it. Romans 13:14 tells us to put on Christ, deny ourselves of fleshly desires, and fulfill God’s will. By remembering the truth of God’s Word when responding to temptation, you can resist the temptation and draw closer to God. And remember that Jesus endured temptation, and he did so with grace.
Trying to avoid temptation is not always easy, and if you’re tempted to sin, it can seem impossible to resist. It is essential to remember that no one is perfect. However, you must make every effort to avoid temptation, regardless of whether you’re in a state of spiritual or emotional turmoil. Likewise, if you have fallen victim to temptation, you shouldn’t look back. Instead, pray and ask forgiveness from God. By doing this, you will release the guilt of your sin and take the necessary steps to avoid it.
Be consistent in your response
Humans are incredibly predictable. If we know the circumstances that cause us to crave certain foods, our brains will try to make those circumstances predictable. If you find yourself dancing with temptation regularly, the good news is that you can train yourself to respond differently when these situations occur. To train your brain to respond differently to temptation, think about the circumstances that trigger your cravings. Think about what causes these triggers and mark those instances on your Bible.
Remind yourself of God’s promises
When facing temptation, remember that God has promised to rescue you from sin. The more you respond to temptation by remembering His promises, the more likely you are to turn away from temptation and draw closer to God. It is also true that those who hearken to God’s word will not perish, and that temptation will flee from you, drawing closer to God. Jesus was tempted and yet he did not yield to it.
If you want to resist temptation, you must memorize God’s Word and meditate on it. Remember that Jesus, when facing temptation, responded by quoting Scripture. Paul calls Scripture the “sword of the Spirit,” not a large saber. Instead, this sword is a small dagger used in hand-to-hand combat. When responding to temptation, remember God’s promises and the power they hold over sinners.
When responding to temptation, remember that you will not perish. God will provide you with the strength to endure it. It is a temporary friend. But God will provide a way out. When you respond to temptation in a godly manner, you will not perish from it. If you resist temptation, you will be free of its power over you. This is an invaluable tool in overcoming temptation.
Remind yourself of Jesus’ words
When you are tempted, remember the gospel, Scripture, and what Jesus has done for you. Remind yourself that God has never left us alone, so if you are tempted, you have the opportunity to grow and become more like Jesus. If you are tempted to sin, read God’s Word and study it more. It will help you resist temptations and stay close to God. You will be tempted, but resist temptations as you follow the example of Jesus.
When you are tempted, remember that Jesus used the Word of God to guide him. He used the Bible thousands of years ago to help guide His disciples, and we are no different. We can take this lesson to heart by remembering the words of Jesus when we are confronted by temptation. Consider Ps. 119:11 and II Timothy 3:16 as two passages to remember when we are confronted by the devil.
The temptation that Satan aimed to elicit from Jesus was to perform a miracle, using God’s power to fulfill his purpose. The temptation appealed to Jesus’ need to feel approved by God. This would have compelled Jesus to leap from the pinnacle of the temple, a rocky hill two hundred feet above the valley of Kidron. This would have given him angelic protection.
The devil loves idle hands. The more time we have for productive pursuits, the less chance we have to engage in sinful activities. If you are bored, devote yourself to something productive such as a hobby or a good job. Even if you aren’t particularly passionate about the activity, find a way to fill your free time with things that will make you closer to God and healthier.
About The Author
Pat Rowse is a thinker. He loves delving into Twitter to find the latest scholarly debates and then analyzing them from every possible perspective. He's an introvert who really enjoys spending time alone reading about history and influential people. Pat also has a deep love of the internet and all things digital; she considers himself an amateur internet maven. When he's not buried in a book or online, he can be found hardcore analyzing anything and everything that comes his way.