Element 5: Resist at the Moment of Temptation

The second part of resisting temptation involves what to do when temptation actually strikes. Apply these Biblical principles as ways to seek God and combat Satan through Jesus' power, instead of trying to fight evil by yourself. Remember that the issue in this battle is relying on the Lord and obeying. There's not much point in only attacking lust at the moment of temptation, if you have been deep in sin for years and aren't seeking God with everything you've got. Having a solid foundation to begin with seems to be very helpful.

What to do

An important thing to do when under temptation is to ask God for help, and trust that He will give it.

And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us: And if we know that he hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him. 1 John 5:14-15 (KJV)

I will lift up my eyes to the mountains;
From where shall my help come?
My help comes from the LORD,
Who made heaven and earth. Psalm 121:1-2 (NASB^®)

When you are tempted, flee - just run away from it, get out of your dangerous situation. Simple and effective. Don't be slow to escape.

Now flee from youthful lusts and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart. 2 Timothy 2:22 (NASB^®)

Flee from sexual immorality. 1 Corinthians 6:18a (NIV)

Take your thoughts captive and don't allow them to indulge in lust.

We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ. 2 Corinthians 10:5 (NIV)

If you are still living lustfully, Satan has a hold over you. Maybe you can't see how you could ever resist him effectively. But resisting Satan is a feasible response to temptation, when it's done through calling on and submitting to the Lord. The many passages about God rescuing us prove it. This verse shows the result of such obedience.

Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. James 4:7 (ESV)

We're not the only ones who have to do the fleeing around here! When the time comes, choose to bow down to Christ instead of the devil, and He will save you.

Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world. And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you. 1 Peter 5:8b-10 (ESV)

Jesus' example and help

Jesus is the divine Son of God, but He also came to Earth as a man. He experienced the same temptations we battle with.

For we do not have a high priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but One who has been tempted in all things as we are, yet without sin. Hebrews 4:15 (NASB^®)

So Christ is our example of resisting temptation. Through Him we can do the same. Jesus quoted Bible passages in His resistance to Satan, using them to answer the devil's tempting.

The devil said to him, "If you are the Son of God, command this stone to become bread." And Jesus answered him, "It is written, 'Man shall not live by bread alone.'" Luke 4:3-4 (ESV)

We can use Bible truth to combat temptation too. Call it to mind to fight temptation, as well as doing what it says. It is powerful and has good advice and commands.

Jesus overcame His temptation, but Satan didn't leave it at that. He would return later, when there was a good opportunity.

When the devil had finished every temptation, he left Him until an opportune time. Luke 4:13 (NASB^®)

We must be vigilant! Just because we are going well now doesn't mean that we won't be tempted later. Don't become lax, but instead be cautious and continue to do all the things which help you stay safe and in Christ.

Not only is Jesus our example, He is also our helper in getting through temptation.

Because he himself suffered when he was tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted.

Therefore, holy brothers, who share in the heavenly calling, fix your thoughts on Jesus, the apostle and high priest whom we confess. Hebrews 2:18-3:5 (NIV)

Notice that focusing on Christ is linked with Him helping us overcome temptation. This reaffirms from the previous section that keeping our minds in Him, the Father and the Spirit is an aspect of receiving God's blessings and help.

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