Overcoming Temptation
How do we overcome temptation? Where does temptation come from? What is God doing about our being tempted? I don’t feel strong enough to face temptation. It’s OK for God, he is not tempted!
What does the Bible say about overcoming temptation? -
- Temptation's sources - Ephesians 2v1-3
- God and Temptation - James 1v12-15
- Temptation's Limits - 1 Corinthians 10v12-13
- Jesus Tempted - Mark 1v12-13
- Live by Spirit - Galatians 5v16-17
Temptation's sources
Ephesians 2:1-3
Once you were dead because of your disobedience and your many sins. You used to live in sin, just like the rest of the world, obeying the devil—the commander of the powers in the unseen world. He is the spirit at work in the hearts of those who refuse to obey God. All of us used to live that way, following the passionate desires and inclinations of our sinful nature. By our very nature we were subject to God’s anger, just like everyone else.
Questions for reflection or discussion
- What various influences are mentioned that lead to our being tempted?
- How do each of the influences, the world, the devil and our passionate desires play on us?
Thoughts to consider
Through the Bible we see three sources of temptation. The world – the influence of peer pressure and the desires of our friends, The devil – An evil spiritual being who influences people’s minds and hearts, and The Flesh or sinful nature – our own inner desires.
God and Temptation
James 1:12-15
God blesses those who patiently endure testing and temptation. Afterward they will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him. And remember, when you are being tempted, do not say, “God is tempting me.” God is never tempted to do wrong, and he never tempts anyone else. 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.
Questions for reflection or discussion
- How can we be sure God is not tempting us?
- What blessing comes through overcoming temptation?
Thoughts to consider
Our endurance in the face of temptation develops in us both faith and character. These are qualities that have an eternal value in God’s sight.
Temptation's Limits
1 Corinthians 10:12-13
If you think you are standing strong, be careful not to fall. The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure.
Questions for reflection or discussion
- What does God do to help us in temptation?
- Why is it significant that none of our temptations are unique to us?
Thoughts to consider
Our thought that our temptations are special is often an excuse to justify ourselves. Our temptations are not unique and God provides a way out when we ask him and he knows the temptation will be too great.
Jesus Tempted
Mark 1:12-13
The Spirit then compelled Jesus to go into the wilderness, where he was tempted by Satan for forty days. He was out among the wild animals, and angels took care of him.
Questions for reflection or discussion
- What difference does it make for us that Jesus was tempted?
- What is the significance of how Jesus was tempted?
Thoughts to consider
It is encouraging to know that Jesus overcome the most extreme temptations when he was tested, it is also encouraging to know that he appreciates what we have been through and are going through.
Live by Spirit
Galatians 5:16-17
So I say, let the Holy Spirit guide your lives. Then you won’t be doing what your sinful nature craves. The sinful nature wants to do evil, which is just the opposite of what the Spirit wants. And the Spirit gives us desires that are the opposite of what the sinful nature desires. These two forces are constantly fighting each other, so you are not free to carry out your good intentions.
Questions for reflection or discussion
- What is asked of us to keep us from doing what our sinful nature wants to do?
- What does it mean to live guided by the Holy Spirit?
Thoughts to consider
There is a spiritual battle waging within. However, when we live our lives as the Holy Spirit directs, he takes us down paths that will strengthen us in our inner self from the temptations of the sinful nature.
Overview question for reflection or discussion
- What are the limitations of the temptations we face?
- When you are next tempted, what could you do to overcome it?
Thoughts to consider
God is bigger than the temptations that we face and is able to overcome them. His can give us strength for them, but he can also give us the opportunity to escape them.
