Some time ago, a pastor told the congregation he was going to preach on the book of Romans. Privately, several congregates complained that he had already taught several times on that subject. Unfazed, the pastor kindly and humbly said, “You are right. I’ve spoken several times on the book of Romans. By the way, what do you remember?………..Silence. Truthfully, we have very short memories and important points need to be re-emphasized throughout our lifetime. “Resisting Temptation” is one such topic. Take this article and place it in your Bible as a quick reference and reminder. The following is modified from Core Christianity. 7 Ways to Resist Temptation By Leah B.
May 22, 2017.
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Each one of us have certain sins that are particularly troubling to us. Therefore one of the ways to battle sin is to know how to resist temptation. Here are seven points to consider, with supporting scripture verses.
1. Pray as Jesus taught in Matthew 6:13 “Lead us not into temptation but deliver us from the evil one”. Apart from God, we have no hope of resisting temptation. Praying with others, or asking trusted friends and counselors for prayer, is also a great way to help you keep in the practice of prayer.
2. Know yourself well. Our old corrupt nature lingers within us as our enemy. Rom. 7:21-23 says “When I want to do good, evil is right there with me”. Ephesians. 4:22-23. says “You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires, to be made new in the attitude of your minds”. It may seem odd, but we must make a study of ourselves. How can we be on guard for some sin in us unless we know what we are looking for?
3. Learn to recognize temptation. James 1:14 says, “Each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire”. We can prevent it by filling ourselves with the things God tells us in his Word. 1st Timothy. 6:11 says “But you, man of God, flee from all this, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness”. We need to faithfully sit under the teaching of the Word by our spiritual leaders so we can get better and better at discerning when we are being tempted.
4. Take preventative action. If you know certain situations will bring you into temptation, take preventative action and avoid those things. Like Joseph who fled from Potiphar’s wife (Genesis 39) when she tried to seduce him, we must sometimes simply run away or avoid the things that tempt us. Keep on your minds verse 9 “How can I do this great wickedness and sin against God”?!
5. Quote scripture to yourself. The Word of God found in the Bible is also called the “sword of the Spirit” by Paul in Ephesians 6:17, and we can use it to battle those things that tempt us. “Get thee behind me satan”! - a quote we can use from Jesus while using scripture to fight temptation.
6. Get adequate rest. Matthew 26:41 says “Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation. The spirit is willing but the body is weak”. We are more susceptible to temptation when we are exhausted. When we are tired we are weakened and so more vulnerable to the deceptions of the devil. Rest is very important for our spirituality, and we must be extra vigilant when are tired, asking the Lord for extra strength to resist temptation.
7. Remember there is always a way of escape. God never allows us to be tempted beyond what we can take but always provides us with a way out. James 4:7-8 says “Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Come near to God and He will come near to you”. He also gives us his church, a community of fellow fighters, to help us in our battles. We need to take full advantage of these resources God provide.
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Bethany Lutheran Church
1011 Ulatis Drive
Vacaville, CA
(707) 451-6675
mychurch@gobethany.com
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