“There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.”
1 Corinthians 10:13
Temptation is not a sin! But it could be a pathway or sure route to sin. If we fail to overcome temptation, sin is inevitable. Is it possible to overcome temptation? Yes! Yes!! Yes!!!
God remains our Source of victory over every temptation and sin. God withheld Abimelech from sinning against Him! “And God said unto him in a dream, Yea, I know that thou didst this in the integrity of thy heart; for I also withheld thee from sinning against me: therefore suffered I thee not to touch her.” (Genesis 20:6)
Jesus Christ was tempted just like any of us! The Bible says, “For we have not a high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.” (Heb 4:15)
Jesus Christ succeeded where Adam failed thereby bringing victory over sin to those of us who believe in Him.
How to overcome temptation:
- Engage the power of the Holy Spirit!
Remember that Jesus’ journey into the wilderness was accompanied by the power of the Holy Spirit. It is foolishness to think we can survive in the wilderness on our own! We are too tiny and weak when compared with the principalities, powers, rulers of the darkness of this world and spiritual wickedness in high places. We sure need the assistance of the Holy Spirit in overcoming temptation!
Ask Him to help you! - Engage the power of the Word!
When Jesus was facing temptation He used the Word of God! He didn’t try to argue with the devil or reason with him. He didn’t try to impress the devil with a great display of power! No! So many times, Satan would have us believe that we can handle or embrace certain forms of temptation and overcome them. There are some things the Bible says to run from, such as fornication, idolatry, love of wealth, and youthful lust! Don’t try to display your spiritual prowess or power by playing with temptation – run from it! - Stop Feeding your lust!
The Bible says, “But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his lust, and enticed. Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.”
James 1:14-15
One way to overcome temptation is to stop feeding your lust. What is lust? It is a passionate desire for something. People who have strong, passionate sexual desires will find it difficult to overcome the temptation of sexual sin. What you lust after can become a source of Temptation. I presume that Judas Iscariot was tempted to betray his Master because he had a strong desire for money. It is very unlikely to be tempted by what you hate. Develop hatred for sin. David said, “I hate and abhor lying but thy law do I love.”
Ps 119:163
I decree and declare that you will be empowered by God to resist the devil and to also run from temptation in Jesus’ mighty name.
Yours sincerely,
Joe Jesimiel Ogbe
Ydiradio.com