Oscar Wilde famously said, “I can resist anything but temptation.”
But the fact is you can resist temptation because 1 Corinthians 10:13 says, “No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.” Let me paraphrase that for you: Whatever temptation comes your way, there’s always a way out. God won’t give you more than you can resist.
We also read, “Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him” (James 1:12). From here, we learn three things about temptation: 1) Again, that it can be endured, 2) there’s a reward for the person who does endure, and 3) you’ll be a happy person if you resist the pull of temptation.
When Does Temptation Come?
Temptation often comes after times of great blessing. After Jesus had just been baptized and filled with the Holy Spirit, He was tempted in the wilderness by the devil for 40 days. After the blessing came the trial, after the dove came the devil—this happens to us as well.
Temptation seems to come at the worst times. Maybe you’ve just had the best time at church, but suddenly a horrible, impure thought comes to your mind. You think: Why is this happening to me? It’s because the devil is looking for an opportune time. He is looking to exploit any vulnerability. He is always looking for that opportunity to hit you—often when you least expect it.
And by the way, it is not a sin to be tempted (Jesus was tempted, after all). The sin of temptation is not in the bait, but the bite.
Where Does Temptation Come From? The Part We Play.
We play a key role in our own temptation. Where there’s no desire, there’s no temptation.
Every temptation you face follows the pattern revealed in James 1:14–15, “But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed. Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death”:
- The temptation itself — A thought comes knocking. Temptation usually begins in the realm of your mind.
- Drawn away by your own desires — You entertain the thought instead of rejecting it.
- Coming under its power — You’re almost hooked.
- When desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin — The evil thought is acted on.
- Sin, when full grown, brings forth death — Notice the words full grown in the verse. A “one-time sin” can spiral into something that takes control of your life.
Where Is the Best Place to Be When Temptation Comes?
The best place to be when temptation comes is in the will of God. Scripture tells us that Jesus “was led by the Spirit into the wilderness, being tempted for forty days by the devil” (Luke 4:1–2 emphasis added). He was in the will of God.
Yet far too often, we’re out of the will of God, essentially bringing temptation upon ourselves.
How Jesus Resisted Temptation
Jesus could have left when temptation came, but He chose to face it. He showed us how to resist temptation.
Again and again, He says, it is written. Jesus quotes Scripture.
The Word of God Is Our Primary Weapon
What is the primary weapon we should use to resist temptation? The Word of God.
In Ephesians 6, as it talks about spiritual warfare, it tells you to take “the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God” (verse 17 NKJV). It’s the only offensive weapon.
Jesus is modeling this for us by quoting Scripture when He’s being attacked.
Have you ever read a verse and suddenly your thinking begins to change? You start seeing things the way God wants you to. And although your problem may not have gone away, you now have an inward peace. That is the importance of knowing the Word of God.
Those cute sayings on Pinterest aren’t going to help you. Nor are those sentimental posts on Instagram—but the Word of God will. Study it, memorize it, and you will benefit in so many ways, including in times you need to resist temptation.
