The Battle Against Temptation: A Fight for Joy in God
Temptation can strike at any moment, threatening to destroy our relationship with God and our joy in Him. It’s a battle that requires intentionality, strategy, and a deep reliance on God’s power. In this article, we’ll explore four ways to fight against temptation and find victory in Jesus.
Pray to God: The Power of Desperate Prayer
When temptation strikes, our first response should be to pray. Not elaborate prayers, but desperate ones delivered in faith. We need divine intervention to deliver us from the venom of the tempter. Through prayer, we can resist the devil and draw near to God. We can confess our desire to sin and plead for help to resist it.
Flee the Scene: Escaping the Snare of Temptation
Sometimes, the best way to fight temptation is to flee from it. Joseph’s story in Genesis 39 is a great example of this. When Potiphar’s wife tried to seduce him, Joseph didn’t try to reason with her or entertain her offer. He simply fled the scene, leaving his garment behind. We must do the same when faced with temptation. Don’t flirt with it; flee from it.
Call a Friend: The Power of Community
We can’t fight sin alone. We need the help of our brothers and sisters in Christ. When Emily felt overwhelmed by temptation, she called a friend from church and asked for help. Her friend took her in and helped her avoid Satan’s snare. We must do the same. Don’t be afraid to reach out to a friend and ask for help. Sin cannot live in the light, so drag it into the light of fellowship and enlist others for help.
Develop a Plan: Protecting Ourselves from Temptation
It’s not enough to simply react to temptation; we must also develop a plan to protect ourselves from it. This means setting up boundaries and protections to make it difficult for us to act on sinful desires. We must make no provision for the flesh and cut off anything that might lead us to sin. By developing a plan, we can avoid the snare of temptation and find victory in Jesus.
Conclusion: Fighting for Joy in God
Fighting against temptation is a battle for joy in God. When we resist sin and pursue Him, He changes our affections. We begin to love what He loves and hate what He hates. Our confidence in willpower fades, and our hope focuses on Jesus, who was tempted and yet resisted in all the ways we have not. Remember, sin steals your joy. You will never regret resisting sin. You will always regret giving in. Choke temptation by taking refuge in Jesus and the means of grace He provides: pray to God, flee the scene, call a friend, and develop a plan.
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