Overcoming Temptation

A troubling addiction. A betraying thought. A compromising situation. These are the sort of things that comprise the various temptations that come to us. Temptations make us focus on the fleeting pleasures of sin and aims to take our eyes of God and His ways. Temptation is not sin but it is not to be taken lightly, as the way we respond to temptation determines whether we live in sin or live victoriously.

We cannot say that God is bringing the temptation to us. It is our own lustful desires that tempts us and leads us to sin. What we give authority to will have power over us.
James 1:13-16
When tempted, no one should say, "God is tempting me." For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; but each one is tempted when, by his own evil desire, he is dragged away and enticed. Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death.

How do we overcome sin? The way to overcome temptation is not a program but a person - the person of Jesus Christ. We can overcome temptation by standing firm on authority of God's word and living in the leading and power of the Holy Spirit. God will always provide a way out for us in every situation.
1 Cor 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.

We need to learn to resist the devil and come under the authority of God's word and Spirit every time we are tempted. For every negative, wrong or evil thought that the enemy sows into our mind, there is a positive, right and good thought from God's word that we can ask God in prayer, confess with our mouth and tell the devil in reproof just like how Jesus did when He was tempted in the desert. We can overcome evil with good (Romans 12:21)!
James 4:7
Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.

Let us remember that the devil has been destroyed at the Cross. The enemy has no power or authority over us. The only power or authority that the enemy has over us is the power of influence. Let us not give into the deception of the devil and settle for the temporary pleasures but let us put on the armor of God and resist the devil and live victoriously!