How can I avoid falling into temptation? - Temptation - TouchPoints

1 Timothy 4:7-8Do not waste time arguing over godless ideas and old wives’ tales. Instead, train yourself to be godly. “Physical training is good, but training for godliness is much better, promising benefits in this life and in the life to come.”

The time to prepare for temptation is before it presses in on you. Train yourself in the quieter times so that you will have the spiritual wisdom, strength, and commitment to honor God in the face of intense desires and temptation.

Genesis 39:12He ran from the house.

If possible, remove yourself from the tempting situation. Sometimes you must literally flee.

Proverbs 1:10If sinners entice you, turn your back on them!

Sometimes your greatest tempters are those you think are your friends. If you know you are liable to give in to the pressure of certain people, it is best to avoid their company.

Daniel 1:8But Daniel was determined not to defile himself by eating the food.

A solid commitment made before temptation strikes is the best prevention to sin. A temptation will have less power over you if you have already determined that you will not yield to it.

1 Corinthians 10:12If you think you are standing strong, be careful not to fall.

A first step toward dealing with temptation is to recognize that we, as fallen people, have a tendency to give in to it. This awareness allows us to prepare in advance through prayer.

Matthew 6:13“And don’t let us yield to temptation.”

Make resisting temptation a constant focus of prayer.

Psalm 119:9How can a young person stay pure? By obeying your word.

Knowing what the Bible calls “sin” enables you to recognize and resist temptation.

Titus 2:12And we are instructed to turn from godless living and sinful pleasures.

Christian growth brings an increased awareness and sensitivity to temptation. The more you are committed to God and his ways, the less you will be attracted to Satan and his ungodly ways.

Ecclesiastes 4:12A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back-to-back and conquer. Three are even better, for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken.

Enlisting a Christian friend as an accountability partner will give you far more spiritual strength than you have on your own.

Matthew 26:41“Keep watch and pray, so that you will not give in to temptation. For the spirit is willing, but the body is weak!”

Luke 11:4“And forgive us our sins, as we forgive those who sin against us. And don’t let us yield to temptation.”

Jesus used the tool of prayer—communicating honestly with God—and encouraged us to do so for ourselves and on behalf of each another.