Peter wrote, “… your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour …” ( 1 Peter 5:8).
These words that Peter wrote down so many ages ago still hold a very valuable lesson to us today. The fact that we think we are safe from harm is almost always an understatement. Paul made reference to this in 1 Corinthians 10:12: “Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall.” There is just no way of getting around the devil, he is and always will be there. However, the scriptures provide clear evidence that we can overcome and endure these temptations when they come (James 1:12) Here are some of the ways (but not all), a Christian can be ready to conquer temptations.
- Remember the word of God — God’s word serves many purposes in our spiritual lives: salvation (Romans 1:16), guidance (John 16:13), and a source of knowledge and truth for our confidence (Psalm 119:11). We use the word of God as a tool of truth so that we may have a ready answer for our adversaries. Consider the example Jesus left us in Matthew 4:4-11. Three times the devil came to tempt the Son of God, and three times Jesus grounded him with the truth! By remembering God’s word, we keep from setting our mind on sinful desires (Colossians 3:1-2; James 1:14-15).
- Stay away from the temptation — We as humans set limits for ourselves because we know without those limits we will act a certain way. Well, when it comes to those things that tempt us, there is no difference. The quickest way to not be tempted by something is to not go near that which will tempt you. i.e. if you have a temptation for sweets, don’t go to the ice cream store. I mentioned at the beginning of this article that the scriptures provide evidence that we can overcome. Look in the book of Genesis, and in the 39 chapter there is the story of Joseph and Potiphar’s wife. When Joseph was all alone in the house, she made her move, grabbing his garment she said, “Lie with me,” but Joseph knew better; it would be a sin against God, so he fled from the house to the outside. He didn’t try to persuade her not to, he just ran!!! Running from the house outside killed the opportunity for the temptation (Genesis 39:1-23). Fleeing from temptation, as well as not putting ourselves in tempting situations, helps us endure (Matthew 6:13; 1 Corinthians 7:5).
- Understand how temptation works — In dealing with Satan, one needs to know how the devil will come at you, to understand that he appeals to us through worldly things (1 John 2:15-17). The physical things of this world are sometimes a great distraction. We need to be on guard against them as Christians. Consider yourself always as Satan strikes at our weakest points (Matthew 4:1-11).
While the devil is always out there looking for a way to draw us away from God, we have the Truth to protect us from these devices Satan uses. Remember with temptation always comes a way of escape (1 Corinthians 10:13), and in that escape we grow stronger (James 1:12). Each time we overcome, we grow in the Lord, and closer to our goal of eternal life with Him.
Steve F. Deaton