What to Do when Temptation Knocks

When temptation knocks it is usually imagination that answers.  We imagine how sweet that cookie might taste, revenge may feel, or how good watching that video may leave us.  

All temptation can be broken down into three categories.  These three areas correlate exactly with the original sin of Adam and Eve. We learn this from 1 John 2:16 which explains how temptation is activated in our lives.  It says, “For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.”

The lust of the flesh refers to our cravings. It describes those actions that make us feel good or give us release. Eve saw that the fruit was good for food.  The lust of the eyes describes our selfish desire for material possessions.  Finally, the pride of life describes the notion that we are better than the next person. Eve saw the fruit could make her wise.  Your struggle is found somewhere here.

To overcome this magnetic pull, we can use Scripture to renew our mind. The Psalmist stated, “Thy Word have I hidden in my heart, that I might not sin against Thee,” Psalms 119:11. When God’s Word becomes an integral part of the believer’s life, it fortifies that person against temptation’s power.  The Messiah Himself demonstrated this when He resisted Satan’s temptations with a quote from the Old Testament (Matthew 4:7). A prayerful study of Scripture is an absolute stick of dynamite to defeating temptation. The Word not only warns of the enemy’s methods, but it empowers against attacks (Ephesians 6:11-17).

Another essential to victory is to simply avoid temptation. On several occasions, the Messiah told His disciples to pray that they might not fall into temptation (Matthew 6:13; Luke 22:40).  You can’t be tempted with what you don’t think about.  Rick Warren said, “temptation always starts in your mind, and not your circumstances.”

A third way to overcome temptation is to combine these aspects and to simply “pray the Scriptures.”  Take time each day to declare the Scriptures over your life.  Say things like, “no weapon formed against me shall prosper” or “I am an overcomer.”  As you guard the commandments in prayer the commandments will guard you from sin.  Don’t let the pride of life, the lust of the flesh, or the lust of the eyes to overcome you today.  When temptation knocks at the door of your life, remember the lessons Eve learned and resist the urge to allow imagination to answer.