The Word tells us us “God blesses those who patiently endure testing and temptation, and afterward they will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love Him.”
James 1:12 (NLT)
This verse coupled with others like 1 Corinthians 10:13, show us we will be tempted. Temptation is a part of our Christian walk. Even Jesus Christ was tempted.
While we should not be surprised we will be tempted, Matthew Henry, in his commentary for James 1:12 says, “The origin of evil and temptation is in our own hearts. Stop the beginnings of sin, or all the evils that follow must be wholly charged upon us.” He puts responsibility on us as believers! So, what do we do, and how do we resist temptation?
There is so much to share. It is a sermon waiting to happen. But rather than go on, I will share another statement and list bible verses for us to gain focus, clarity and grace, Amen
Everyone is vulnerable to temptation—even adults. After all, temptation can take many forms. The apostle Paul was not young when he wrote: “I really delight in the law of God . . . , but I see in my body another law warring against the law of my mind and leading me captive to sin’s law.” (Romans 7:22, 23) Despite the pressure, Paul resisted the urge to give in—and so can you! Really, why be a slave to your desires? (1 Corinthians 9:27) Learning to resist temptation while you are young will set you free from much anxiety now and will also prove to be a vital skill that you will need in adulthood.
The media fuels temptation. The Bible speaks of “youthful desires,” which are strong enough as it is. (2 Timothy 2:22) But movies, TV, music, and books marketed to young people often intensify those desires by conveying the impression that surrendering to temptation is acceptable. For example, if two characters in a movie are ‘in love,’ it is all but certain that they will have sex with each other at some point in the story. However, the Bible says that real men and women have the power to “keep abstaining from fleshly desires.” (1 Peter 2:11) That means you can choose to resist temptation. But how?
I think we should start from one of the most straight forward verses in The Word-
But each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed. Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death.
James 1:14-15
But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart.
Matthew 5:28
You say, “Food for the stomach and the stomach for food, and God will destroy them both.” The body, however, is not meant for sexual immorality but for the Lord, and the Lord for the body.
1 Corinthians 6:13
Flee the evil desires of youth and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.
2 Timothy 2:22
For everything in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—comes not from the Father but from the world.
1 John 2:16
Do not lust in your heart after her beauty or let her captivate you with her eyes.
Proverbs 6:25
So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.
Galatians 5:16
The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace.
Romans 8:6
How do we resist it?