Beech Tree News Network

This question was asked of me recently. I thought it was an excellent question and got to the heart of the matter when it comes to sin and unrighteousness. Temptation in and of itself is not sin, but it will lead us into sin and finally death if we do not resist it (Jas. 1:14-15). Thus, it behooves us to ask how we can resist the temptations we face.

If we wish to resist temptation, then look to the Master and see what He did when tempted (Matt. 4:1-11; Lk. 4:1-13). Matthew and Luke tell us that Christ resisted temptation every time until the devil finally left Him “for a season” (Lk. 4:13). What did Christ do to resist temptation? Put simply, He remembered God’s word and applied it to His temptations. Read Matthew 4:4, 7, and 10 and notice that Jesus answered Satan’s temptations with, “It is written ….” This lets us know that we can also resist and overcome temptation when our minds are filled with the word of God. Jesus was living the principle that had been taught by David, who said, “Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee” (Ps. 119:11). Therefore, if we wish to resist temptation and fight against Satan, let us fill our minds with the word of God and use it! Satan will flee from us when we resist him (Jas. 4:7b).

Another tool in our arsenal against temptation is the ability to fight or flee. There are times when we need to stand and fight, to say “No” and mean it! Jesus was an excellent example of fighting temptations (Matt. 4; Lk. 4). Satan will run away when we fight! This is what happened when Christ resisted Satan’s temptations (Lk. 4:13), and Satan will do the same today (Jas. 4:7)!

There are other times when we need to flee temptation. There are several examples of folks who fled from temptation. Joseph fled from Potiphar’s house when tempted (Gen. 39:12). Solomon spoke about fleeing temptation in Proverbs 4:14-15. In the New Testament, we are told to “flee fornication” (I Cor. 6:18). Make no mistake; doing nothing is the worst thing we can do when tempted! We must respond if we are to resist. We cannot be “neutral”!

If we are to resist temptations, then let us determine to do it! God has given us all the tools necessary to escape every temptation. Yet, if we are not determined to use the tools and look for the way to escape, we will continue to yield to temptations and continue to live in sin! Let us determine to resist temptation by filling our minds with the proper things (Phil. 4:8). Let us then determine to do what the Lord has said (Phil. 4:9)! This is the most challenging part of resisting temptation – actually committing to doing what God says. Temptations to sin are challenges to us because they are presented as fun, enjoyable, pleasant, and gratifying. After all, a man is tempted by being “drawn away” by his own lusts (Jas. 1:14)! Thus, it is easier not to resist. However, it is best when we resist! Are we determined to do what God said and resist temptation? Let us use the tools God has given us and resist temptation when it rears its ugly head!

-- You are invited to visit with the Caneyville church of Christ. Times of services: Sun.: 10:00 am, 10:45 am, 5:00 pm; Wed.: 7:00 pm. Website: http://caneyvillechurchofchrist.com Tune in to our radio program 101.5 FM at 5:30 am, Mon-Fri. Questions? Call: (270) 589-4167