7 Principles to handle Temptation
 

WHAT IT IS 
Temptation comes from the enemy and myself, James 1:14, “but each one is tempted when, by his own evil desire, he is dragged away and enticed.” It arouses and manipulates the senses (sight, smell, touch, hearing, taste) and urges us to give in to the flesh. Temptation challenges our morals and weaknesses; and by gradually drawing us into habitual sins, it aims to enslave and lead us away from God.

 

Biblical example: the temptation of Eve in the Garden of Eden.

 

WHAT IT IS NOT 
It is not the same as testing, which comes from God, confronts us to renounce the flesh & walk in the spirit, and challenges our fruits & our walk with God. It aims to strengthen us and lead us closer to God. Secondly, temptation is NOT sin...getting tempted is not a sin by itself - it is our response to the temptation that determines whether we are in sin or not.

 

Biblical example: God asking Abraham to sacrifice his only son Isaac.

 

OVERCOMING TEMPTATION - THE SEVEN PRINCIPLES

 

1. Resist and it will flee (James 4:7), resist = not wanting it AT ALL! We succumb because deep down we enjoy it, take pleasure from it, we want it. If that desire does not go, no amount of praying can defeat it. 

Remember and trust in God’s promise in 1 Corinthians 10:13 "No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it." 

So no one can say 'I can't resist it', else the Bible is lying. 

 

2. Pray - Jesus taught us in Luke 22:40 and again in 46 "...he said to them, "Pray that you will not fall into temptation." Use the gifts, I especially pray in tongues when I am tempted. 

 

3. Know the Word of God - "Thy Word have I hidden in my heart, that I might not sin against Thee" (Psalms 119:11) that’s how Jesus fought temptation - Jesus was physically starving during the temptations, but spiritually overflowing - that is the power of grace through prayer and the Word. 

 

4. Do not hide it - the enemy loves darkness and he cannot stand the light, bring it out into the open and it will lose its power over us e.g. talking about it in confession or to a spiritual director or a prayer partner. 

 

5. Avoid compromising situations - e.g. if you are constantly tempted to visit a porn site while browsing the Internet, use the computer in the living room or keep the door open while browsing and choose a time when there are people around you. 

 

6. Shift the attitude - instead of looking at temptation as a trap/snare, look at it positively as an opportunity to do what's right. 

 

7. Detachment - When God asks you to give something up, we should be able to not just obey, but obey cheerfully. See Abraham or Tobit or better still Job, nothing could shake their trust in God – they simply obeyed. God does only what’s best – if job/house/money/people go, that’s what God wants in my life at that point, which means it’s best for me in God's eyes – this is real detachment. 

 

No temptation or testing can overcome me if I am detached. What I have, I can use and enjoy, but if it is taken away, no worries – remember Job’s principle: ‘God gives and God takes away.’ When God is really first, attachments will disappear.

"Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him." - James 1:12

 

How do you handle temptation?