Temptation is a problem every Christian faces. Overcoming temptation is a process and God makes provision to enable us to be victors and not victims.
PURPOSE
Many Christians struggle with the same type of temptations over the years but don’t seem to get free. James 1:13; Genesis 22:1-2; Matthew 4:4-11.
God does not tempt, although He tests. God tests us at our strong points. Satan tempts us at our weak points. Jesus was tempted in the wilderness, so He can identify with us and we can receive mercy and grace to help us in our time of need Hebrews 4:15-16.
God tests us so we can develop our inner spiritual strength and reign. James 1:12.
Satan uses three basic emotions in temptation to ensnare 1 John 2:16.
- Lust of the flesh – Physical desires
- Lust of the eyes – Mental desires
- Pride of Life – Emotional desires
PROCESS
Generally, a thought progresses through four stages:
– ‘Thought’ > ‘Imagination’ > ‘Desire’ and ‘Action.’
The Bible tells us in Matthew 6 ‘take no thought saying.’ You take a thought or the thought becomes a stronghold by saying and words form pictures. In order to be victorious over temptation, ‘nip’ the destructive thought right at the budding stage of thought if possible even before the imagination stage of forming pictures begins. Because beyond the imagination stage desire takes over and it’s only a matter of time we act and fall into temptation.
PROVISION
Be Filled With the Spirit.
Prayerlessness on the other hand is costly! We are overcome by temptation Luke 22:46. That is why we need to be continually filled with the Spirit by Praying in tongues. This will affect our speech and relationship Ephesians 5:18-22. Prayer brings a life of surrender Romans 6:12-14 where sin no more has dominion, releases God’s blessings, moves heaven and earth, turns back our enemies, fulfills God’s Will
and much more!
Stand On the Word
Be soaked with the Word of God. We should stand on the Word In all circumstances, and in every situation. Lord Jesus fasted 40 days in the wilderness and was then tempted. The enemy knew He was hungry. But Jesus stood on the Word Matthew 4:4-11. God’s Word gives power against temptation Psalms 119:11.
Walk In the Spirit
Being filled helps you walk in the Spirit. This means being led by the Spirit, obeying and following him daily. As you walk in the Spirit, God will enable you to live in the Spirit and give you power to escape temptation and not fall into recurring sin Galatians 5:25-26; 1 Corinthians 10:13.
Launch Your Weapons
We should use the spiritual weapons God has provided. We must keep the Spiritual Armour ‘on.’ Ephesians 6:10-18.
We should use the missiles – Name of Jesus, Blood of Jesus, and Word of God along with praise against temptation.
Eagle Vision School of Prophets International 