Resisting Temptation

We all know sin. We all know what it feels like to see a temptation, to desire it, and to crave for it. We know that we should resist, but we choose not to. We start to listen to Satan’s lies: “A little bit won’t hurt,” or “You can’t resist, so why try?” The deception then brings us to our downfall. Soon we’re full of guilt and regret.
We despise ourselves for failing yet again. We feel trapped and enslaved. It feels like there is no hope. After all, why would God want to forgive us when we fall to the same loathsome sin over and over?
No matter how sinful and a dirty rotten I am, He still loves me. This feeling is all too familiar to me; my fruitless attempts to pursue righteousness often leave me feeling like I am in a cage and unable to break free. And that’s true. I can’t break free—on my own that is. I need Jesus. No matter how sinful and a dirty rotten I am, He still loves me. He still loves me so much that He died for me so I could be free.
The worst part of sin is that you always hate it afterwords, but it’s so appealing when being tempted. As Christians, we must get to the point where we hate sin so much that no matter how enticing it may be, we will not fall.
Practically, however, how do we do this? How can we live this out as “slaves to righteousness” that are”free from sin?” Admittedly, it’s a lot easier said than done. I want to offer a few strategies that have helped me over the years with temptations.

1. Walk in the Spirit.  If we are living our lives solely for God’s glory, we will not fall to sin. Be in the Word, always trying to learn more about our Savior. I have found personally that on days when I’ve done my morning devotions, I’m far less likely to succumb to temptation. (Galatians 5:16)
2. Don’t “Just do it.” Nike’s slogan is terrible advice when dealing with temptation. Fight it tooth and nail. Remember we are literally battling in spiritual warfare, and God has given us the ability to say “No,” so take advantage of that. (1 Corinthians 10:13, James 4:7)
3. God understands the struggle. We can’t forget that Jesus was tempted too. He knows how hard it is, but He resisted, and with His help, we can too. (Matthew 4:1-11, Hebrews 2:18)
4. Memorize Scripture. The way Jesus was able to resist the temptation was by reciting Scripture to Satan. You likely will have very little time between the initial temptation and the actual act of sinning. If you can remember a passage or two during this period, the fight is much easier to win.
   (Psalm 119:11)
5. If you do fall, beg for forgiveness. God has promised to faithfully forgive us and restore our relationship with Him if we confess our sin. (Psalm 51, 1 John 1:9)

I still have trouble resisting temptation, and I can never defeat sin on my own, but with God’s strength I can persevere when tempted. It’s only by God’s grace that I am where I am today, and for that I’m thankful.
To my fellow brothers and sisters in Christ, I pray that you will persevere in defeating the sin in your lives.